Singer Benson Boone has opened up growing up as a Mormon, saying he feels detached from the faith despite his religious upbringing.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, the “Beautiful Things” hitmaker, 22, admitted to never feeling as “physically present” as others at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“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 said. “I never felt it as physically present as they did, and so 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,” the “Slow It Down” singer added.
After confiding in a close friend about his feelings, Boone said he was relieved that his pal felt the same way.
“ 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,” the “American Idol” Season 19 alum explained.
Still, his decision to stray from his religious upbringing did not result in disapproval from his parents.
“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.”
As for his current stance on faith, Boone admits that he has no interest in booze and drugs — something Mormons abstain from.
“I just think for me personally, like, dude, I would die,” he said. “Cause 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.”
The Grammy-nominated artist admits, however, that he had previously tried coffee, which is also forbidden in the religion.
During the pandemic, Boone enrolled in Brigham Young University — a private Mormon university in Utah.
However, he dropped out after just one semester to pursue a music career, which this year earned him a nomination in the Best New Artist category at the Grammys.
In 2021, the Monroe, Wa. native auditioned for Season 19 of “American Idol.” Boone managed to make it to the top 24 before ultimately exiting.
The singer’s career changed forever after he released his track “Beautiful Things,” which became the most-streamed song in the world in 2024.
