In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Benson Boone, the rising pop star behind the hit single “Beautiful Things,” revealed his complex relationship with religion and his upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
Boone, 22, shared that while he was raised Mormon, he never connected with the faith in the same way as others. “I was always confused and frustrated,” Boone admitted, explaining that he never experienced the same “personal revelations and feelings” as those around him in church. He recalled feeling hesitant to bring up his struggles because he didn’t want to admit that he wasn’t feeling what others were.
“I don’t want to be a part of one religion,” Boone told Rolling Stone. “I have my own opinions. Some are from this religion, some are from this religion, some are from no religion.” He emphasized that his spiritual beliefs are shaped by various influences, rather than one specific tradition.
Despite his evolving beliefs, Boone’s relationship with his devout parents remains strong. “My parents definitely have their own views, but when it comes to religion and God, they want me to figure it out on my own,” he shared, adding that they fully support whatever path he chooses.
Boone also revealed that he does not drink or use drugs, citing his addictive personality as a reason for avoiding substances. “I feel like if I started, I would do it so much that my health would just decline,” he said. However, he did admit to trying coffee, which is prohibited in the Mormon faith.
The singer-songwriter is coming off a successful year, having released his debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. His single “Beautiful Things” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Before his rise to fame, Boone attended Brigham Young University and briefly participated in American Idol Season 19 before dropping out to focus on his music career. Boone has expressed that he wants to be known for his own achievements in the music industry, not for his American Idol appearance.
As Boone continues to carve his own path, both in music and in his spiritual journey, he remains focused on creating authentic music that connects with his fans.