Internet phenom Benson Boone kicked off September in Boston on the American Heart World Tour. After performing at TD Garden during Kiss 108’s Jingle Ball in December, Boone returned for a sold-out show of his own. Fans in silver disco ball cowboy hats, American flag overalls, and sequined skirts spilled into the venue and to their seats. Most stopped by the merchandise stands where dusty red collegiate crewnecks and vintage-style posters lined the tables. Inside the arena, a gigantic red stage featured stairs that descended across the floor, ending in a teardrop-shaped heart, providing him with the perfect amount of runway for his signature flips and dance moves.

Rising star Elliot James Reay jump-started the show with his soulful music, transporting the venue to the swinging '50s and '60s. Reay sauntered onto the stage and dove into mesmerizing original tracks like “Sweetness” and “Daydreaming,” playing guitar while stomping his feet to the beat. He chatted with the audience between songs, revealing a British accent that unexpectedly complemented his gelled hair and Old Hollywood aesthetic. His natural stage presence encouraged fans to relax and let loose. Couples slow danced and fans put up their phone lights during a tender cover of “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, where Reay mixed an impressive, smooth falsetto with a warm, velvety tone. The singer thanked everyone for coming early to his set before escaping backstage, leaving Boston ready a headline show of his own.

Between sets, the big screen displayed playful graphics like a giant Boone peering over an upside-down cityscape, a ‘Greetings from Boston’ postcard, and a Grand Canyon-esque ice cream mountain. Fans cheered between each song on the preshow playlist and sang along to classic hits like “Believer” by The Monkees, “Come Together” by The Beatles, and “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen, setting the joyous pop-rock tone. A cheeky skit kicked off the show: Boone greeted fans and was introduced as “Property of Industry Plant Records,” a dig at the criticism he received online after going viral last year. The crowd embraced the humor and started doing the wave while chanting his name.

The lights dimmed as a platform rose at the head of the stage, and Boone emerged in a blue and white bedazzled letterman’s vest and matching flare pants. He landed his first of eight flips and dove into the spirited track “I Wanna Be The One You Call.” He spent the first few songs taking in the moment, waving to everyone, and pointing to fans who were especially enthusiastic. Sparks, pyrotechnics, and fireworks ushered Boston into a night of unbounded energy and catharsis.

Throughout the show, Boone scaled stairs, rising platforms, and catwalks while belting out powerful notes with ease, a testament to his stamina. His stage presence matched that standard, with the star radiating confidence and charming fans. Boone chatted with the audience between songs, welcoming Boston to the family and sharing his genuine gratitude for everyone who came out to his first arena tour. During “Drunk in my Mind,” he dipped down to the barricade to sing with fans, impossibly fostering a personal connection even with a crowd of thousands. He grabbed a pair of Sunglasses from a lucky guest and wore them for part of the show before returning them, a thoughtful moment that displayed how important it was to him to craft an unforgettable show.

He split the show into three acts, kicking off act two by swinging from a blue chandelier during “Mystical Magical.” Boone traveled through the sky across the arena to a bedazzled royal blue grand piano. He carried that extraordinary quality throughout the rest of the night, weaving between high-energy tracks and more emotional moments like “In The Stars,” a song he wrote to help cope with the loss of a loved one.

The final act featured a costume change to a sleek, studded black leather look. On this tour run, his moving cover of Adele’s “When We Were Young” went viral for displaying his vocal prowess. Toward the end of his set in Boston, he did a surprise cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” This emotional ballad showcased his powerful belting skills, enabling him to captivate the audience without any bells and whistles but simply by standing at the mic and showcasing his talent. Boone executed a spectacle fit for an arena audience. His passionate performance, coupled with the attention to detail, fostered a memorable night for fans of all ages. Make sure to catch Boone live before the American Heart World Tour ends in November. Buy tickets here.

Setlist: Benson Boone @ TD Garden, September 2

1. I Wanna Be the One You Call
2. Wanted Man
3. Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else
4. Man in Me
5. Drunk in My Mind
6. Slow It Down
7. Be Someone
8. Mystical Magical
9. Pretty Slowly
10. In the Stars
11. Let Me Go / There She Goes / Sugar Sweet
12. Take Me Home
13. Young American Heart
14. Mr Electric Blue
15. Stay With Me (Sam Smith cover)
16. Momma Song
17. Love of Mine
18. Reminds Me of You
19. Beautiful Things
20. Cry

Photos by McLean Long and Shayden J. Schoonover