With a catalogue of raw and deeply personal ballads under his belt, Benson Boone continues to prove himself as one of pop’s most emotionally resonant voices.

And Boone’s performance of “In the Stars”—a heartbreaking tribute to his late great-grandmother—is a powerful testament to the rising star’s gift for turning grief into sonic beauty.

Taking the stage for a live performance that won’t soon be forgotten, Boone introduced the song with a heartfelt message: “Um, so… this song is called ‘In the Stars’ and, um… genuinely, thank you so much for the support that you guys have shown this song because it has changed my life”.

Watch his performance below.

From the very first note, Boone’s voice trembled with emotion, pulling the audience into a space where vulnerability and melody met in perfect harmony.

A defining track in his career, “In the Stars” has quickly become a heartbreak anthem for a generation. Written in collaboration with Michael Pollack and Jason Evigan, the song was initially a challenge for Boone.

“When ‘In the Stars’ was first written, hearing the first version was actually not what I expected,” he admitted in a recent interview. “I didn’t like the production and I didn’t know if the song was any good.” But after encouragement from his mother, who reminded him of the song’s emotional weight—written in honor of her grandmother—Boone returned to the studio and transformed the track into what he now calls “a masterpiece… one of my favourite songs I have ever written.”

Upon its release, “In the Stars” sparked global acclaim. The song became a Platinum-certified hit in the U.S., achieved Gold status in early 2023, and crossed one billion streams—a major milestone for the former American Idol contestant. It climbed into the Top 10 charts across Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands, further cementing Boone’s international appeal. “I’m absolutely speechless,” Boone shared in a post marking the streaming milestone. “Music is such a beautiful way to express emotions and experiences that you have gone through.”

And Boone’s journey to stardom is nothing short of cinematic. Hailing from Monroe, Washington, he discovered his vocal ability almost by accident during a high school talent show. “Something clicked,” he recalled. “It felt like a movie in every way and that is where it all started.” After a brief appearance on American Idol in 2021, Boone made the bold decision to walk away from the show and forge his own musical path. It was a leap of faith that has clearly paid off.

Now, with his debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades released in April 2024 and a string of emotional hits—like “Ghost Town” and “Beautiful Things”—Boone continues to craft music that feels both intimate and universally relatable. “Every song you hear from me is in some way a piece of my mind’s diary,” he explained. “And sharing it can sometimes be scary. But being vulnerable can be powerful.”