Why did Benson Boone leave American Idol? Replaying his audition for season 19

Before Benson Boone gave Us “Beautiful Things” was an 18-year-old trying to make it big American Idol.

Now on the cusp of superstardom, Boone's journey began on the reality singing competition's 19th season, which aired in 2021. At his audition, Boone confidently walked in to greet the judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry And Lionel Richiewhich revealed that he had only started singing a year earlier.

“I didn’t know I could sing a year ago, I don’t know where that came from,” he said. “It very quickly became a really big passion of mine.”

After joking with the judges about TikTok thirst traps, Boone moved to a piano to sing the British singer-songwriter's “Punchline.” Aidan Martin. When his emotional performance ended, Richie and Bryan stood to applaud his performance.

'American Idol' contestants who have left the show over the years: Kenedi Anderson and more

“I just have to make one thing clear,” Perry began incredulously. “You never sang as a child?”

Boone confirmed and explained that none of his family members are singers either, prompting Richie to call him a “natural.” The Motown legend added, “You know, there are some people who need to practice and some people who are just talented at it.”

Bryan further praised Boone for not being “cocky” and joked about his young age. “You're still in diapers!” the country artist teased. “You are a toddler when it comes to this world. Just start having fun with your voice because it’s a real gift, man.”

Perry chimed in playfully, “You're going to swoon over Benson Boone,” before taking a more serious tone. “I’m going to tell you something you might not believe,” she said. “But if you believe it, it could happen. I mean, literally… I see you winning American Idol if you want to.”

Boone's jaw dropped and after three yeses, he left the room.

Although Boone received the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood and received high praise from the judges, he was not seen again in the season. He released his debut single “Ghost Town” in October 2021 after being eliminated from the competition.

“It was a very difficult decision (to leave Idol),” Boone said in a statement at the time. “I didn't really know who I wanted to be as an artist and I didn't want to show the world someone I wasn't. … I want people to see that I take music seriously.”

'American Idol' judges over the years and why they left

He further explained his decision during an appearance The Zach Sang ShowHe noted, “I don't want people to say, 'Oh, Benson Boone.' American Idol blew him up. That’s where he comes from.” No. I want to be Benson Boone because I write hits and they love my music. That's why I stopped. I just didn’t want to have that label attached to me.”

Boone turned to his parents for help, remembering their confusion over his hesitation about continuing the competition. “I explained it once – like, 'I don't want to be labeled this whole life, that this is who I am.' American Idol Child. “But if I really want to do music and really believe I can do it, then I’m going to try my best to get as far as I can” – they just believed in me,” he said. “I think because they believed in me, I really believed I could do it.”

There were still a few obstacles along the way. “I had never written a song before. I didn't know if I could write a song, I didn't know how to write a song. I didn't know where to start writing a song. … I just saw an opportunity and I took advantage of it,” he admitted.

Boone's popularity has since skyrocketed with the release of his first album. Fireworks and rollerbladeswhich fell in April. A month later, Taylor Swift named Boone as one of their opening acts Epoch tour Concerts at London's Wembley Stadium. He performed at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in September, where he won Best Alternative Video, and launched a headlining tour at Colorado's legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater later that month.

Boone is also scheduled to take the stage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival and perform at Zilker Park in Texas on October 5th and 12th.