Benson Boone Reveals He Was 'Always Confused and Frustrated' When He Didn't Connect with Mormonism the Way Others Did

Mar. 15, 2025

Benson Boone in Los Angeles in February 2025.Photo:Jon Kopaloff/WireImage

Jon Kopaloff/WireImage

ThoughBenson Boonewas raised Mormon, he doesn’t want to be boxed in to one religion or set of beliefs.In acover story interview withRolling Stonepublished on Tuesday, March 11, the “Beautiful Things” singer — who grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — opened up about his current religious beliefs.“ I don’t want to be a part of one religion. I have my own opinions. Some are from this religion, some are from this religion, some are from no religion," Boone, 22, told the outlet.He further explained, “Growing up, a lot of people at church would talk about these experiences that they’ve had and these personal revelations and feelings and voices.“Boone, however, never experienced something “as physically present as they did.““I was always confused and frustrated. I was always scared to bring that up to people because I just didn’t want to accept that, like, I wasn’t feeling what everyone else was feeling,” he said.Benson Boone for Rolling Stone.Kanya IwanaFortunately, his beliefs haven’t gotten in the way of his relationship with his parents, who are devout.“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,” Boone said. “And whatever I come to, and whatever I feel is right, that’s what they want for me.”Boone also revealed that he does not drink or do drugs — but he has tried coffee, which is prohibited in the religion.Benson Boone for Rolling Stone.Kanya Iwana"I just think for me personally, like, dude, I would die,” he said of substances. “I have such an addictive personality. I feel like if I started, I would do it so much that my health would just decline and I wouldn’t enjoy touring as much.”Boone is coming off of a busy year with the release of his debut album,Fireworks & Rollerblades, a best new artist nomination at the 2025 Grammy Awards and his hit single “Beautiful Things” reached No. 2 on theBillboardHot 100.Benson Boone for Rolling Stone.Kanya IwanaBefore his rapid rise, Benson attended Brigham Young University in Idaho and left to focus on music. He then auditioned forAmerican Idolin season 19 and made the top 24 before choosing to drop out.“The reason I quitAmerican Idolis because Iwantedto do music,” he toldThe Zach Sang Showin a 2022 interview.“I don’t want people to be like, ‘Oh, Benson Boone,American Idolblew him up. Like, that’s where he comes from. No. I want to be Benson Boone ‘cause I write smash hits and they love my music,” he added. “I just didn’t want that label on me.”

ThoughBenson Boonewas raised Mormon, he doesn’t want to be boxed in to one religion or set of beliefs.

In acover story interview withRolling Stonepublished on Tuesday, March 11, the “Beautiful Things” singer — who grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — opened up about his current religious beliefs.

“ I don’t want to be a part of one religion. I have my own opinions. Some are from this religion, some are from this religion, some are from no religion,” Boone, 22, told the outlet.

He further explained, “Growing up, a lot of people at church would talk about these experiences that they’ve had and these personal revelations and feelings and voices.”

Boone, however, never experienced something “as physically present as they did.”

“I was always confused and frustrated. I was always scared to bring that up to people because I just didn’t want to accept that, like, I wasn’t feeling what everyone else was feeling,” he said.

Benson Boone for Rolling Stone.Kanya Iwana

Kanya Iwana

Fortunately, his beliefs haven’t gotten in the way of his relationship with his parents, who are devout.

“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,” Boone said. “And whatever I come to, and whatever I feel is right, that’s what they want for me.”

Boone also revealed that he does not drink or do drugs — but he has tried coffee, which is prohibited in the religion.

“I just think for me personally, like, dude, I would die,” he said of substances. “I have such an addictive personality. I feel like if I started, I would do it so much that my health would just decline and I wouldn’t enjoy touring as much.”

Boone is coming off of a busy year with the release of his debut album,Fireworks & Rollerblades, a best new artist nomination at the 2025 Grammy Awards and his hit single “Beautiful Things” reached No. 2 on theBillboardHot 100.

Before his rapid rise, Benson attended Brigham Young University in Idaho and left to focus on music. He then auditioned forAmerican Idolin season 19 and made the top 24 before choosing to drop out.

“The reason I quitAmerican Idolis because Iwantedto do music,” he toldThe Zach Sang Showin a 2022 interview.

“I don’t want people to be like, ‘Oh, Benson Boone,American Idolblew him up. Like, that’s where he comes from. No. I want to be Benson Boone ‘cause I write smash hits and they love my music,” he added. “I just didn’t want that label on me.”

source: people.com