The 5 Biggest Viral Moments From Benson Boone's Coachella 2025 Debut
Benson Boone’s debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2025 was not just a performance; it was a masterclass in viral marketing and a genuine display of star power that cemented his status as a global phenomenon. As of today, December 23, 2025, the buzz surrounding his two weekend sets—especially the surprise guest and the hilarious follow-up—continues to dominate music headlines.
The singer, best known for his chart-topping hit "Beautiful Things," leveraged his massive popularity to deliver a memorable, high-energy performance. His set was quickly hailed as one of the most talked-about debuts of the entire festival, blending powerful vocals with genuine, self-aware humor that resonated with the massive crowd in Indio, California.
Benson Boone: A Quick Biography and Career Profile
Benson James Boone is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has rapidly ascended to global stardom. Born on June 25, 2002, in Monroe, Washington, Boone initially gained public attention through a different medium: reality television.
His career trajectory changed dramatically after a brief but impactful appearance on American Idol in 2021.
Boone chose to leave the competition early, a decision that allowed him to pursue his own creative vision, eventually signing with Night Street Records, an imprint run by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds.
His breakthrough single, "Ghost Town," launched his career, but it was the 2024 mega-hit "Beautiful Things" that solidified his position as a major force in pop music, leading directly to his coveted spot on the Coachella 2025 lineup.
Benson Boone Profile:
- Full Name: Benson James Boone
- Born: June 25, 2002
- Birthplace: Monroe, Washington, United States
- Genre: Pop, Singer-Songwriter
- Career Start: Posting singing videos online, briefly on American Idol (2021)
- Record Label: Night Street Records (Warner Records)
- Major Hits: "Ghost Town," "In the Stars," "Beautiful Things"
The Brian May Cameo That Broke the Internet
The biggest headline from Benson Boone’s Coachella Weekend 1 set at the Empire Polo Club was his surprise collaboration with a true rock legend.
Midway through his performance, Boone introduced Queen guitarist Brian May to the stage.
The duo performed a powerful rendition of Queen’s iconic anthem, "Bohemian Rhapsody," followed by a collaborative take on Boone's own smash hit, "Beautiful Things."
This moment was instantly hailed as an "instant classic" and a massive highlight of the opening weekend, showcasing Boone’s respect for music history while bridging the gap between classic rock and modern pop.
The unexpected nature of the Brian May appearance, a musician who rarely performs at festivals of this nature, generated an enormous amount of media coverage and social media buzz, elevating Boone's debut from a simple set to a historic festival moment.
The Cardboard Cutout Troll: Weekend 2’s Viral Response
The story took a humorous and self-aware turn during Coachella Weekend 2. Following the first weekend, several reports and social media comments noted that a portion of the younger crowd seemed to have a lukewarm or confused reaction to the appearance of Brian May, the legendary Queen guitarist.
Benson Boone, clearly aware of the online chatter, decided to address the situation in the most hilarious way possible: by trolling the audience.
During his second weekend set, instead of bringing out the actual Brian May, Boone brought out a life-sized cardboard cutout of the guitarist.
He performed the same Queen track, "Bohemian Rhapsody," with the inanimate object standing beside him, a brilliant piece of performance art that mocked the previous crowd’s perceived lack of musical knowledge.
This move was a massive success, instantly going viral and being celebrated by both fans and critics for its quick wit and confidence.
It demonstrated Boone’s ability to engage with his audience and the cultural conversation, turning a potentially awkward moment into one of the festival’s most talked-about highlights. He essentially paid homage to the late Freddie Mercury and the spirit of Queen by using humor and showmanship.
Beyond the Cameo: The Full Benson Boone Coachella Setlist
While the Brian May collaboration dominated the headlines, Boone’s full setlist proved that he is far more than a one-hit wonder. His performance was a showcase of material from his debut album and his popular EPs, demonstrating his range as a singer-songwriter.
The set was a powerful mix of his biggest hits and deeper cuts, connecting emotionally with the thousands of fans gathered at the festival grounds.
Key Tracks from the Coachella 2025 Setlist:
- "Beautiful Things" (The inevitable, massive singalong)
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen Cover, featuring Brian May or the cardboard cutout)
- "Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else"
- "Cry"
- "Drunk In My Mind"
- "There She Goes"
- "Slow It Down"
- "In the Stars"
- "Mystical Magical"
- "Be Someone"
- "Coffee Cake"
The setlist, which also included tracks like "I Wanna Be the One You Call" and "Wanted Man," gave fans a comprehensive look at the music from his *Fireworks and Rollerblades* era, demonstrating his growing topical authority in the pop music landscape.
The Lasting Impact on Boone’s Career
Benson Boone’s Coachella debut was a pivotal moment in his career. It was a successful transition from a viral TikTok star and streaming giant to a legitimate, must-see live performer capable of commanding one of the world's biggest stages.
The calculated risk of the Brian May collaboration, and the brilliant recovery with the cardboard cutout gag, showcased his personality and secured him a permanent place in Coachella lore.
This performance will undoubtedly fuel the ongoing success of his 2025 tour dates and further solidify "Beautiful Things" as one of the defining songs of the year. For an artist still early in his journey, his dual-weekend showing proved that Boone is not only here to stay but ready to take on the mantle of pop music’s next global superstar.
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