On Monday 16th June, I had the privilege of witnessing a rising star cement his place in modern music history. The setting: O2 Academy Brixton. The event: the official London launch of American Heart, the long-anticipated debut album from American singer-songwriter Benson Boone.
Boone, whose career took off after his standout appearance on American Idol (where he withdrew early to carve his own path), has since performed on global stages including Coachella and the GRAMMYs. His recent collaborations, notably with Queen legend Brian May, are a testament to the sheer range and respect he has earned in the music world – even at the tender age of 22.
But this was no stadium show. This was something more intimate, more raw, more personal. It was an up-close-and-emotional album debut that left the audience – largely made up of 20-somethings and the occasional proud parent (like myself!) – utterly spellbound.
The song “Momma” was a particular emotional peak for me. As a mother, it struck a deeply personal chord – like a love letter from a son to all mums. But even more poignantly, as a daughter who has lost her own mother, I felt it in both roles. That rare, bittersweet duality brought me to tears. Boone’s ability to connect across generations, with lyrics steeped in gratitude and vulnerability, is something few artists ever master.
Throughout the night, Boone moved effortlessly between explosive energy – flipping mid-song with gravity-defying ease – and tender sincerity. Whether supported by a pianist or sitting solo at the keys, he showcased not just vocal control but soul-stirring emotional delivery. At times he used studio playback to premiere select tracks exactly as recorded, never hiding it but openly sharing his intent: “I want you to hear this how I imagined it,” he said, with complete transparency.
Tracks like “Young American Heart”, dedicated to his best friend, and the dreamy “Mystical Magical” had the crowd wrapped in a trance. Every lyric felt handcrafted, every beat deliberate. And that voice – soaring with astonishing range and clarity – called to mind none other than Freddie Mercury. There’s something about Boone’s tonal quality and phrasing that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
What also stood out was his humility. Boone continually thanked his fans for “making him who he is”, and you could feel that he meant every word. There was no bravado, just immense gratitude and a magnetic charm. The £20 tickets released just 48 hours before the show – felt like a secret shared with the lucky few. The intimate venue made us feel like part of something sacred: the beginning of something enormous.
And yes – he is devilishly handsome with a cheeky ‘sex-tash’ and sculpted physique, but his appeal goes well beyond image. He’s a force of nature with good values, a deep love for family and friends, and a rare ability to connect with audiences at every level. He’s got that elusive star quality that can’t be taught – he lives it.
With American Heart, Boone isn’t just presenting an album—he’s offering a piece of himself. It’s music that speaks from the soul and straight to the heart. Those who dismiss the younger generation of musicians as lacking depth haven’t heard Benson Boone. This is an artist who honours his roots, respects the craft, and is ready to fly – flip included.
Benson Boone is here to stay. And I, for one, am grateful to have caught this rising phoenix at such a beautiful stage of his journey.
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