In the dazzling world of music, where fresh talent constantly emerges, Benson Boone has quickly captured hearts and airwaves alike. Nominated for the prestigious Grammy for Best New Artist, Boone’s journey is particularly noteworthy because, unlike many of his fellow nominees who have long histories in the industry, his musical career is remarkably recent. This rapid ascent naturally leads fans to wonder: How Old Is Benson Boone?
To answer the burning question, Benson Boone was born on June 25, 2002, making him 22 years old as of late 2024 when the Grammy nominations were announced and as of February 2025 when the Grammys aired. However, his age is just one part of an even more compelling story. What’s truly fascinating about Benson Boone is not just how old he is, but how much he has achieved in such a short time, transforming from a young man who had barely sung in public to a Grammy-nominated artist topping global charts. Let’s delve into the story of this rising star and explore the milestones in his burgeoning career.
Benson Boone’s Age and the Discovery of a Hidden Talent
Born and raised in Washington state, Benson Boone’s early life didn’t revolve around music. He was an avid athlete, particularly passionate about diving. Music was present in his life – he enjoyed listening to a diverse range of artists from Elvis Presley to Adele – but performing himself wasn’t on his radar. It was only around five years prior to his Grammy nomination, roughly in 2019, that the then-teenager stumbled upon his vocal talent, completely by accident.
The pivotal moment occurred during his high school’s battle of the bands. When their band’s singer dropped out, Boone’s friend suggested he fill in, despite Boone having no prior singing experience. Hesitant but willing, Boone took the stage, and to his own astonishment, a powerful voice emerged. This unexpected discovery, happening when he was around 17 years old, dramatically shifted his life’s trajectory.
His parents, who had never heard him sing before, were in the audience and were utterly amazed. As Boone himself described it in an MTV interview, it felt like “unlocking something I didn’t know I had.” This impromptu performance not only won his band the battle of the bands but, more importantly, revealed a hidden passion and talent that would soon propel him onto a global stage.
From “American Idol” to Independent Stardom at a Young Age
Following his newfound passion, the young Benson Boone, still in his late teens, began sharing music clips on TikTok. His raw talent and authentic voice quickly garnered attention, eventually catching the eye of “American Idol” producers. In 2021, at the age of 18, Boone decided to audition for the show.
Entering the audition room, he faced music industry giants Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. He impressed the judges immediately with his performance of Aidan Martin’s “Punchline.” Katy Perry was particularly taken aback, declaring, “They’re gonna swoon over Benson Boone. I see you winning ‘American Idol’ if you want to.” Despite the glowing praise and prediction of victory, Boone made a surprising decision. He chose to withdraw from the competition.
Boone explained his decision, stating that he wasn’t sure if a music career was truly his path and didn’t want to be confined by the “American Idol” label. This bold move, at such a young age, demonstrated a clear vision and desire for artistic independence. He wanted to forge his own path in the music industry, defined by his own music, not by a reality TV show.
Post-“Idol” Trajectory and Grammy Recognition in His Early Twenties
Leaving “American Idol” proved to be a pivotal step in Benson Boone’s journey. His TikTok presence continued to grow, and his unique voice and songwriting ability attracted significant industry attention. Imagine Dragons’ frontman Dan Reynolds recognized Boone’s potential and signed him to his label, Night Street Records. This mentorship and record deal marked the beginning of Boone’s professional music career.
In the fall of 2021, still only 19 years old, Benson Boone released his debut single, “Ghost Town.” This marked the start of a string of successful releases, including two EPs and his debut album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” which dropped in April of 2024, shortly before he turned 22. The album featured the breakout hit “Beautiful Things,” which became an international sensation, topping charts worldwide and accumulating hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
The music video for “Beautiful Things” even won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Music Video, further cementing his place in the music scene. By the age of 22, Benson Boone had not only released a successful debut album and toured globally but also earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. This meteoric rise from an accidental singer to a Grammy-nominated artist in just a few years is a testament to his raw talent, hard work, and strategic career decisions.
Benson Boone: A Young Star with a Bright Future
So, how old is Benson Boone? As a young artist in his early twenties, Benson Boone has already achieved remarkable success. His journey from discovering his singing voice in high school to Grammy recognition is an inspiring story of talent meeting opportunity and ambition. His decision to leave “American Idol” to pursue an independent path highlights his determination to define his own artistic identity.
At just 22 years old, Benson Boone stands as a prominent figure in contemporary pop music. His age, combined with his rapid ascent, makes his achievements even more impressive. As he continues his world tour and works on future music, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the career of this exceptionally talented young artist. Benson Boone’s story is a compelling reminder that passion and talent, regardless of age, can lead to extraordinary heights in the music industry.
