Benson Boone: “If you hate me or my music, at least have a good reason for it”
Benson Boone has hit out at the people who “hate” him or dislike his music, saying they should “at least have a good reason” for doing so.
The US singer-songwriter, who competed on American Idol in 2021, scored one of the biggest songs of last year with his viral hit ‘Beautiful Things’. It peaked at Number One in the UK, and Number Two on the US’ Billboard Hot 100.
The track was nominated for International Song Of The Year at the BRITs 2025, while Boone also earned a nod in the International Artist Of The Year category. Additionally, the musician performed ‘Beautiful Things’ at this year’s Grammys, where he was up for Best New Artist – which ultimately went to Chappell Roan.
Boone has just announced his second studio album, ‘American Heart’, off the back of two major slots at Coachella 2025.
Now, the 22-year-old has addressed his haters in a recent post on TikTok – suggesting they should be more constructive with their criticism.
@bensonboone I’m literally giving you ideas
“If you hate me or my music, at least have a good reason for it,” Boone wrote.
“I just read a comment that said ‘idek [I don’t even know] why I hate Benson Boone but it feels right.’ Like WHAT!!? How am I supposed to improve after reading that?”
Boone, who is known for his trademark backflips and energetic live performances, continued: “At least say something valid like ‘he low-key just flips everywhere[.] can he [do] anything else?'”
Seemingly referring to ‘Beautiful Things’, the star added: “Or even ‘I just don’t like his songs even though I’m basing my opinion off the only one that I’ve heard over and over’ (super valid).”
In the caption to the upload, Boone wrote: “I’m literally giving you ideas.” The clip was soundtracked by the artist’s upcoming new single ‘Mystical Magical’, which he debuted at Coachella earlier this month. Tune in above.
Boone’s debut Coachella performance also saw him bring out Brian May for a cover of Queen’s classic hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. May also stuck around for a special rendition of ‘Beautiful Things’.
However, Boone later clapped back at the Coachella crowd’s lukewarm reaction to his rock legend special guest. During his performance at weekend two of the event, he took things further by bringing out a guitar-wielding cardboard cutout of May.
Fans have suggested that the May collaboration at Coachella came in response to recent comparisons to Freddie Mercury, given Boone’s flamboyant performances often employ his signature call and response, and his outfits often appear to have been inspired by him.
Benson Boone’s new album ‘American Heart’ is due for release on June 20 via Night Street Records/Warner. His February single ‘Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else’ served as the first taste of the record.
The star will perform on next weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live (May 3), which will be hosted by Abbott Elementary‘s Quinta Brunson.
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Tom Skinner
NME
