Benson Boone, a 23-year-old pop artist, has recently become a topic of interest, not only for his musical achievements but also due to rumors linking him to Bollywood actress and dancer Nora Fatehi. The alleged connection between the two sparked after the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), where their "undeniable chemistry" was noticed by onlookers. But beyond the dating rumors, who is Benson Boone, and how did he rise to fame?
Boone's journey to stardom began with an appearance on American Idol in early 2021. At just 18 years old, he auditioned for judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, revealing that he had only been singing for about a year. Despite receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, Boone made the surprising decision to leave the show. He explained that he "didn't really know who I wanted to be as an artist yet, and I didn't want to show the world someone I'm not." Boone wanted to build his fanbase and career without the American Idol label, preferring to connect with people through social media and his music.
This unconventional choice proved fruitful. Boone leveraged platforms like TikTok to share his music, quickly gaining a following. His debut single, "Ghost Town," set the stage for a string of successful releases, including "In The Stars," "Beautiful Things," "Slow It Down," and "Pretty Slowly." His music, characterized by soulful vocals and relatable lyrics, resonated with listeners worldwide, helping him amass a large and dedicated fanbase. The song "Beautiful Things" became the most streamed song of 2024.
Since then, Boone's career has continued to ascend. In 2024, he released his debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades. He also had the opportunity to open for Taylor Swift during her Eras tour in London. In February 2025, he earned a Best New Artist nomination at the Grammy Awards, where he also delivered a performance. Further solidifying his presence in the music scene, Boone performed at Coachella in April 2025, where he performed Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Brian May. More recently, on May 3, 2025, Boone was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, just days before announcing his American Heart tour.
Boone's accomplishments extend beyond recordings and performances. His recently announced American Heart tour sold out in a record-breaking nine seconds, placing him in the company of artists like BTS, EXO, and Taylor Swift, who have also achieved such rapid sell-outs. The tour is scheduled to begin on August 22 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and will include 26 stops across the U.S. and three in Canada. He is also bringing the American Heart tour to the UK in 2025. His second album, American Heart, is set to be released on June 20, 2025.
Amidst all of this, Boone's personal life has also drawn attention. Besides the dating rumors with Nora Fatehi, Boone is also rumored to be in a relationship with model Maggie Thurmon. According to a Filmfare report, Nora and Boone were observed being "totally locked in" at the AMAs, with "undeniable chemistry." While neither Boone nor Fatehi have commented on these rumors, the internet has been abuzz with speculation.
Whether or not the rumors of a romance with Nora Fatehi are true, Benson Boone has undoubtedly captured the attention of the public. From his early days on American Idol to his chart-topping hits and sold-out tours, Boone has solidified his place as a rising star in the music industry.