Benson Boone’s journey from the quiet neighborhoods of Monroe, Washington, to sold-out arenas and Grammy nominations reads like the stuff of pop legend. Yet, for all the bright lights and roaring crowds, Boone’s story has always been grounded in the places and people that shaped him—none more so than his alma mater, Monroe High School, and his adopted home of Utah.
On October 5, 2025, Boone electrified Seattle’s largest venue with a sold-out performance, a testament to his meteoric rise in the music world. But the very next day, he traded the stage for the hallways of Monroe High, mingling with students and former teachers. The school district’s Facebook page captured the moment, declaring, “Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!” The pride was mutual. As the district shared in an email to The Daily Herald, “His visit back home to MHS this week meant a lot to our students, staff, and community. The entire Monroe community is cheering him on as he continues to share his talent with the world.”
Boone’s connection to Monroe runs deep. Before he was topping charts and opening for Taylor Swift, he was a competitive diver at Monroe High, placing sixth in the state championships—a detail not lost on those who have seen his signature backflip during live performances. In a 2021 interview with The Herald, Boone recalled how he stumbled upon his vocal gift: “My friend said I should sing and I was like, ‘Dude, I never sang before.’ When we got to the competition, something in my voice just clicked and I actually sang for the first time in my life and it felt amazing, seeing people cheering.”
His mother, Kerry, remembered the surprise when her son revealed his newfound talent. “My husband and I hadn’t heard him sing ever really,” she told the Everett Herald. “He told us he was going to do it and we were like, ‘Oh, OK, alright, this should be interesting.’ When we went, our jaws dropped.”
Boone graduated from Monroe High in 2020 and briefly attended Brigham Young University-Idaho before making the bold decision to leave after one semester and chase his musical dreams. In early 2021, he appeared on American Idol, earning a unanimous “yes” from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—along with a golden ticket to Hollywood. Perry gushed, “They’re gonna swoon over Benson Boone,” while Richie playfully exclaimed, “Benson Ka-boom!” Yet, in a move that stunned many, Boone withdrew from the competition to chart his own path.
It was a risk that paid off. His debut single, “Ghost Town,” quickly became a breakout hit, paving the way for the 2024 juggernaut “Beautiful Things.” That song, with its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody, has been streamed more than 2 billion times on Spotify and boasts over 800 million views on YouTube. Its music video, filmed among the red rock bluffs of St. George, Utah, is a love letter to the state that has become central to Boone’s life and art.
Utah’s influence on Boone goes beyond scenic backdrops. As Deseret News reported, Boone now lives about 30 minutes south of Salt Lake City in a striking, modern home overlooking Utah Lake. His family has also settled in the St. George area, further entwining his personal and professional roots in the state. “Benson loved growing up in Monroe, exploring outdoors, and connecting with friends and neighbors,” his mom shared in a 2024 email to The Herald. “He had amazing teachers and coaches throughout his school experience who encouraged and taught him. He loves staying connected to his roots in Monroe.”
Boone’s relationship with Utah deepened as his career took off. In 2024, he launched his first world tour in support of his debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades, with his inaugural arena show at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah. “Probably the most emotional day of my life. I’m still wondering if this show even happened. Our first arena,” Boone later wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for crying with me, singing with me, laughing with me, feeling with me. I promise you this is just the start of it, and I ain’t slowin down till these tires are burned into the street.”
Boone’s sophomore album, American Heart, released in the summer of 2025, marked another creative leap. “A lot of it is very Bruce Springsteen, Americana, like a little more of a retro vibe,” Boone explained to Rolling Stone. “It all started with me believing in the song ‘Beautiful Things.’ Now, I have a whole album just about ready to go—and I’ve never believed so much in a body of work.”
His American Heart World Tour, which kicked off in August 2025, has included 50 shows across North America and Europe. The tour’s North American finale is nothing short of historic: three consecutive sold-out nights at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center on October 8, 9, and 11, 2025—the only city on the tour with such a distinction. As Deseret News noted, Boone’s decision to close out this leg of the tour in Utah is a nod to the state’s special role in his journey.
Along the way, Boone has racked up a string of impressive milestones: opening for Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour stop in London in June 2024, making his debut at Coachella, appearing as a guest on Saturday Night Live, and performing at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where he was nominated for Best New Artist. His energetic live shows, often featuring that trademark backflip, have become must-see events for fans. The music video for “Mr. Electric Blue,” inspired by his father and filmed in Utah, showcases Boone’s playful side as he pokes fun at industry expectations and his own “one hit wonder” label.
Despite the whirlwind of fame, Boone hasn’t forgotten his roots—or the importance of giving back. Through the Benson Boone Scholarship, established with the Monroe Public Schools Foundation, he helps graduates pursue their dreams. “The kids write their essays. Benson makes time and reads them and considers the applicants thoughtfully,” said Sue Skillen, the foundation’s director, in a 2024 Herald interview.
Boone’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Just five years ago, he didn’t even know he could sing. As he told Notion in 2022, “Five years ago, I did not even know I could sing. My plan was to play a professional sport, or be an architect, or interior designer. So, if my younger self could see me now, they wouldn’t believe it. I would be so confused.”
From Monroe’s diving boards to the world’s biggest stages, Benson Boone’s story is a testament to talent, tenacity, and the enduring power of community. As his star continues to rise, both Monroe and Utah can claim a piece of his remarkable journey—one that shows no signs of slowing down.
