Benson Boone: The Bold Male Pop Sensation Defining Today's Music Scene

If a social media strategist were tasked with creating the ultimate viral pop star, Benson Boone would likely be the blueprint.

At 23, the Utah-born artist taps into at least four distinct online niches: he’s a powerful belter who expertly conveys emotional strain in his high notes; he frequently incorporates acrobatic flips into his performances, accumulating a dedicated following for his stunt compilations; he projects a broad, patriotic vibe, exemplified by his latest album “American Heart,” whose cover depicts Boone clutching an American flag, smudged with grime like a battle-worn soldier; and he embraces a provocative, sexually confident persona, often appearing onstage in revealing attire and adopting a signature mustache style popular among Gen Z celebrities.

In 2025, Boone represents a rarity: a white male artist thriving in the pop genre. While pop music has predominantly spotlighted female performers throughout the 21st century, the 2020s have seen an even sharper gender gap. Male chart-toppers in recent years tend to come from country or rap genres—figures like Morgan Wallen, Shaboozey, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar—or blends thereof, such as Post Malone. Aside from Harry Styles, who has been on hiatus for new releases, few male musicians command the pure pop arena with the same arena- or stadium-filling presence as their female counterparts.

Playing with gender and sexuality has been central to Styles’s appeal, as he has openly embraced femininity—donning dresses on Vogue covers and painting his nails—while also channeling classic rock star themes in songs like “Kiwi,” which explores complex romantic anxieties. Boone similarly challenges traditional boundaries. Though he dates actress and social media figure Maggie Thurmon and recognizes his fanbase is largely young women, he directs his most heartfelt and intense love songs toward the men in his life, including his father and best friend, Eric. His stagecraft and style pay explicit homage to queer icon Freddie Mercury, sharing affinities for cat suits, mustaches, and commanding stage presence. Yet while Mercury subtly hinted at gay subculture, Boone appears to envision a reimagined narrative.

Raised in a small town in Washington state within a Mormon household, Boone was a competitive diver before discovering his vocal talent in his late teens. He began sharing videos on TikTok, fueled by a childhood admiration for artists like One Direction and Justin Bieber—videos he and his friend Eric would watch repeatedly. At 18, Boone auditioned for “American Idol,” impressing judges, including Katy Perry, who predicted he would captivate audiences worldwide.