Who is Benson Boone and why is Katy Perry worried about him?

If you do not know Benson Boone by now, where have you even been? The 22-year-old singer behind the chart-topper Beautiful Things is the new sad-boy icon of this generation. He shot to fame via TikTok, amassing a loyal fanbase and heart-melting streaming numbers. But plot twist—his big break almost came from American Idol.
The audition that could have changed everything
In 2021, Boone auditioned for American Idol and absolutely floored judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with his soulful piano performance. Katy even told him she saw a winner in him. But instead of riding the wave, Benson bounced. After reaching the Top 24, he bailed from the show before most even noticed.
Katy Perry was secretly glad he quit
Turns out, Katy Perry had no hard feelings. In fact, she thought quitting was genius. According to Benson, the two reconnected at an awards show two months ago where she gushed over his success but also voiced genuine concern for him. She told him straight-up that leaving the show was 'the best thing' he ever did.
Why was Katy Perry worried?
Katy was not just throwing compliments. She expressed serious worry about how fast Benson's fame was rising. From online hate to clingy opportunists, she knows how nasty the industry can get. Benson said she was just 'checking in' and made it clear she was looking out for him—like a true pop queen mentor.
From college kid to Grammy nominee
Benson confessed that back in 2021, he had no clue if music was even his thing. During COVID, Idol producers reached out after seeing a few of his videos online. He went for it just for fun. Flash forward—he is performing at Coachella, nominated at the Grammys, and dropping his debut album American Heart on June 20.
The mentor-friendship we did not see coming
Despite the Idol exit, there is no beef between Benson and the show. He clarified that Katy's comment was not shade, just honesty. She simply understood. Now, their unlikely mentor-mentee bond is giving us major wholesome energy in an industry known for anything but.

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