So, Benson Boone kicked off his “American Heart Tour” on August 22 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, and—let me just say—it was nothing short of a spectacle. The 23-year-old, who many remember from “American Idol” and his hit “Beautiful Things,” embarked on his first-ever all-arena tour, packing venues from Boston to Las Vegas. Now, here’s a thought: with the Sun blazing through Leo—yeah, the sign that screams ‘showtime’—is it any surprise Boone’s stage antics and jaw-dropping acrobatics have everyone talking? But while his powerhouse vocals soared, social media couldn’t stop buzzing about that, uh, uniquely shaped stage. Intentional cheekiness or just a wild design choice? Either way, it’s got tongues wagging faster than Mercury in retrograde. Curious about what makes this tour a “humongous step” for Boone and which songs he’s dying to belt out live? Dive into the whirlwind of flares, flips, and fan favorites that make this tour a cosmic collision of music and mirth. LEARN MORE.
Benson Boone christened his “American Heart Tour” on August 22 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, launching his first-ever all-arena tour with a sold-out crowd and a 22-song setlist packed with hits, high-flying acrobatics, and plenty of pop-star flair. The 23-year-old former “American Idol” contestant, best known for “Beautiful Things,” set out to prove his pop bona fides on the 33-date North American run, which will hit major cities like Boston, New York, Miami, Denver, Las Vegas, and Seattle before closing with three sold-out shows in Salt Lake City this October. But while Benson Boone dazzled with his powerhouse vocals and stage presence, it was his elaborate stage design that quickly became the talk of social media.
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As Boone strutted across the sleek platform, social media quickly lit up with reactions pointing out the stage’s unfortunate shape.
“Um. Why’s it that shaped?” one fan asked bluntly. “Are y’all thinking what I’m thinking?” another chimed in.
Others didn’t hold back, with one user writing, “It’s giving ball sack,” while another added, “Dong vibes… this looks cheap.” “The way we all know what it looks like…” a fan joked, while another speculated, “This was intentional to get people talking, I’m sure of it.”
It’s not clear whether Boone realized what he was doing, but if the move was intentional, fans agree it wouldn’t exactly be shocking.
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While his stage design may have sparked viral jokes, Boone is focused on the music and the massive leap this tour represents for his career.
Ahead of the “American Heart Tour” launch, the 23-year-old singer told PEOPLE that this run feels like “a humongous step” compared to his past shows. “This tour is vastly different than anything I have ever done before,” Boone explained. “It’s so much bigger and it feels like a humongous step from last tour.”
For the first time, he and his band actually spent two weeks in rehearsals, fine-tuning choreography, working with a larger stage setup, and locking in elevated outfits. “We rehearsed for like two weeks, which probably doesn’t sound very interesting at all, but that’s a big deal to me,” he added.
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The pop star admitted that in the past, his high-energy performance style made it difficult to consistently deliver ballads, but with this new production, he feels more prepared than ever.
As for the tracks he’s most excited to bring to life on stage? Boone pointed to fan favorites “Wanted Man” and “Reminds Me of You” as highlights on the 22-song setlist.
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Beyond the music, Boone has carved out a reputation for his daring fashion choices. Whether he’s in shimmering tops, sequined suits, or skin-tight outfits that show off pretty much everything, the pop star embraces a look that’s as bold as his performances.
One of his most talked-about fashion moments came at the Grammys, where Boone, nominated for Best New Artist, stepped out in an unforgettable blue suit. He began his live performance of his smash hit “Beautiful Things” in a classic suit and tie before peeling it off to reveal a plunging, skintight jumpsuit. The high-energy performance, complete with a backflip as he tugged the crotch of his pants down, cemented it as one of the night’s most viral moments.
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Boone has said he pulls inspiration from legendary showmen of the ’70s and ’80s like Freddie Mercury and Elton John, both of whom were known for mixing theatrical flair with unapologetic confidence. The 23-year-old leans into that same energy, turning every outfit into part of the spectacle.
Along with his powerhouse vocals and bold fashion, Benson Boone has become known for his gravity-defying backflips on stage, a move that’s become part of his signature as a performer. In a recent Q&A with ELLE, the 23-year-old opened up about where the flips started and how he keeps his body ready for them night after night.
“Because I do it all the time, I’ve just kind of built-up strength in my legs to do it every night,” Boone explained. “It’s like practicing for a sport. I don’t just do flips onstage. Of course, not randomly in public either, more on my own with my friends doing crazy things.”
Boone is set to perform in Columbus, Ohio, on August 25, followed by Cleveland on August 26.
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