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Summerfest has a knack for catching artists on the brink of superstardom, and last night Milwaukee got a front-row seat to witness the Benson Boone phenomenon in full force.
Performing on the first night of the last weekend of this year’s Summerfest at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Boone delivered a high-energy, vocally electric, and visually thrilling show that felt more like a stadium concert than a festival appearance.
While fans may remember Boone’s impromptu Summerfest debut in 2023, when he filled in for AJR last-minute, opening for Imagine Dragons, it was clear this time around that he had earned his spot at the top of the bill. In just two years, Boone has gone from a breakout replacement to a Grammy-nominated headliner with billions of streams, viral moments, and a sold-out crowd singing his every word.
With his latest album "American Heart" freshly released just weeks ago and his world tour kicking off next month, Boone’s Summerfest performance doubled as both a celebration and a preview. And for the lucky fans who packed the amphitheater, it was a night of flips, falsettos, and feelings they won’t soon forget. Here are our 12 reasons why you shouldn’t have missed it!
1. He’s blowing up
With "Beautiful Things" becoming the most-streamed song in the world last year and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, Boone isn't just having a moment, he's shaping pop music’s next era.
2. His falsetto could shatter glass
From “Cry” to “Beautiful Things,” Boone’s falsetto rang out with precision and passion. It’s one thing to hit those notes in the studio, it’s another to do it flawlessly while sprinting across the AmFam amphitheater.
3. This wasn't his first rodeo
Boone first performed at Summerfest in 2023 when he filled in for AJR, opening for Imagine Dragons. Now, two years later, he returned as a headliner, a full-circle moment that proved just how far he's come in such a relatively short period of time.
4. He got the zoomies
Boone’s stage presence is part pop star, part golden retriever. Whether he was doing somersaults mid-song or launching into a sprint from stage left to stage right, the energy was nonstop and contagious.
5. Because fans got a first taste of "American Heart" and his world tour
Released just a couple weeks before the show, "American Heart" is still fresh in fans’ playlists. Summerfest attendees got one of the first-ever live previews and a sneak peek of what’s coming on his world tour, which kicks off next month, including a stop at the United Center in Chicago.
6. “Beautiful Things” hits even harder live
The moment Boone launched into his 5x-Platinum smash, the energy shifted. The entire amphitheater belted out every word, turning the emotional ballad into a full-blown catharsis to cap off a memorable night.
7. He stuck the landing and stole the show
Boone’s acrobatic flips have become a viral staple of his performances, and he didn’t disappoint, flipping all throughout the evening.
8. He’s opened for Taylor Swift and performed with Lana Del Rey
Boone’s 2024 included sharing the stage with Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour in London and a duet moment with Lana Del Rey at Hangout Fest. Milwaukee fans got the same performer lighting up global festivals, right here at home.
9. Grammy-nominated and only getting started
Already a Grammy nominee and multi-platinum artist, Boone is still in his early 20s with a sky-high ceiling. Catching him now feels like catching lightning in a bottle.
10. The show was completely sold out
Tickets for the amphitheater performance vanished fast, and for good reason. The packed house brought an electric energy, creating one of the most unforgettable nights of the festival.
11. Bishop Briggs opened the night with a bang
Before Boone even hit the stage, Bishop Briggs set the tone with a fierce and emotional opening set. Her powerhouse vocals and magnetic energy had fans on their feet from the very beginning.
12. The Aces brought the indie pop vibes early
Before Bishop Briggs and Benson Boone took the stage, The Aces warmed up the crowd with a stylish, confident set of infectious indie pop. Their harmonies and effortless cool made for the perfect kickoff to a stacked lineup of music.
