In the modern digital world, where we are inundated by short-form content from every corner of the internet, it becomes harder and harder to sift through the constant stream of media and find that breakout star. Then comes Benson Boone, making it look easy. A former American Idol contestant who departed from the competition in the name of artistic freedom, Boone turned to TikTok to share his music with the world. While entertaining an internet audience for seconds at a time is a skill in and of itself, the translation to a live, headlining performance is an entirely different beast. With The Wanted Man Tour, which recently stopped at VyStar Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, the Grammy-nominee proved that he’s not just any other TikTok creator or one-hit wonder–he is beyond talented, a natural performer, and bound for long-standing glory in this industry.
Looking for her similar launching pad, Luna Li opened the show, her silky smooth vocals bringing a sense of calm to the venue before the headlining set. The multi instrumentalist impressed the crowd, jumping from harp, to guitar, to violin and back again. As mesmerizing as her sound was, the difference in genre and energy from the headliner may have been too much of a contrast to keep the crowd captivated. Still, however, with the more than evident talent coming from Li, she is sure to gain new fans over the course of the tour.
Classic rock hits rotated through the tour playlist, amping up the crowd right until Benson Boone's grand entrance. Opening up with “Sorry I'm Here For Someone Else” and the first of many backflips, Boone led with an energy that did not waver for the next two hours. Body, voice, and soul worked in unison to deliver a top notch performance in every regard. Soaring belts and pitch perfect falsettos showcased the talent that earned him his spot on the charts, while his crowdwork showcased the personality that earned him his spot in today's pop culture.
Beyond the (spider) man himself, the performance was stellar. The stage build was simple yet striking, offering a barricade spot for as many fans as possible in the general admission crowd. Extra bells and whistles, including a rising platform on the B-stage and a floating platform used only once during the show, were integrated into the show with intention to elevate specific moments. Simply put, the production was impressive without overdoing it, making Boone’s performance all that much more captivating.
The gratitude coming from Boone was palpable, as he made sure every single fan at the barricade got a high five or hug from him. It’s clear that he does this for the art–that his American Idol exit was not just a PR stunt–and we as music lovers and appreciators are lucky to have his music out in the world. The Wanted Man Tour is wrapping up in the United States before heading overseas to Asia and Australia. Boone is sure to have a long career, so, with only two full-length albums out in his five-year span of releasing music, now is the time to see this young artist before his headlining sets have to select from a much larger catalog.
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