Benson Boone: Pop Star Extraordinaire or Just Another TikTok Sensation?

In a red jumpsuit emblazoned with "Austin," Benson Boone — the Mormon-adjacent, BYU-educated pop sensation — burst onto the ACL stage like a millennial Freddy Mercury, back-flipping off his piano. Clearly, Boone had something to prove.

"I am 'so legit,' as Taylor Swift said," he seemed to scream, reminding us he's opened for her. "I'm a real boy, not just a TikTok algorithm's dream!"

He pranced, he sang, he even cut off his jumpsuit with scissors for a shirtless spectacle. It was like watching a desperate audition for America's Got Talent: Gen Z Edition.

Boone's "Drunk In My Mind" showcased some high notes, I'll give him that. But then he pulled the classic nice-guy move, telling the crowd to hydrate. Wow, thanks, Benson. We're only in Texas, it's not like it's hot or anything.

He played the piano, he nailed the Freddy Mercury call-and-response bit. Cool, bro. You've done your homework. Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle if you need a real challenge.

Oh, and the backflip. Can't forget the backflip. It was almost as impressive as his sudden rise to fame — Eras Tour, VMAs, American Idol.

Someone behind me actually said, "I love this song" before "Cry." I guess if you mix The Lumineers, Imagine Dragons, and Fun., you get Benson Boone. Who knew?

"He's so hot. Oh my God," someone mid-set said. Yeah, well, so is climate change, but you don't see me fangirling over it.

And the vertical panels on the background screen? A clear nod to his viral status. Because nothing says "authentic musician" like mimicking TikTok layouts.

Boone also shared some deep thoughts: "Our loved ones die and that sucks. Put your phones away and focus on that." Thanks for the existential crisis, Benson.

"Have you ever been scared of something?" he asked. Yeah, Benson, like your music not living up to the hype.

But my college buddy Clint summed it up best: "He's better than I thought." Way to set the bar high, Clint.

So there you have it. Benson Boone: Legit pop star or just another viral sensation? You decide. I'll be over here, rolling my eyes and sipping my overpriced festival beer.