Last week ARIA revealed that the number one song in Australia for 2024 was Benson Boone’s undeniable viral hit “Beautiful Things”, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time with the pop star in Australia for his highly anticipated sold out tour. Taking over Hordern Pavilion for two sold out nights in Sydney, Benson commanded the crowd with an energy reminiscent of the late Freddie Mercury. 

From the second he ran out onto that stage, it was a PRODUCTION. Sitting at the piano for “Intro” from his debut album “Fireworks & Rollerblades”, he stood on top of it halfway through to yell “Sydney” and do a front flip off it as he transitioned into “Be Someone”. Welcoming the audience to the show, he had everyone singing along immediately as he played songs like “Coffee Cake”, “Cry”, “Pretty Slowly”, “There She Goes” and “Slow It Down” early on in the set. “Friend” was an emotionally charged moment that he explained the importance of having his friends on the road with him, and encouraged everyone to think of their friends during the song. Backed by a LED screen, a big lighting rig, and a live band, the production felt ready for arenas. The backflips and front flips kept on coming throughout the show, and every time they got a roaring reaction from the crowd. 

Steering into some older material, he sang “What Was”, “In The Stars”, “To Love Someone” and “GHOST TOWN”, but surprisingly songs like “NIGHTS LIKE THESE”, “Sugar Sweet” and “Before You” were missing from the setlist. Declaring that he was at the end of the show, “Beautiful Things” erupted the biggest singalong of the night. Returning with his shirt off and wearing American flag shorts, he declared “It truly has been the biggest year. And I think it’s only fair for the last song that I give you something you haven’t heard before. A little tease of the album” before revealing the energetic “Young American Heart”. Closing the show by jumping off the stage and into the crowd, he ran up and down the front row hugging and high-fiving fans before biding his farewell.

The compelling 90 minute show was full of hits, and a pure masterclass in showmanship. From the moment he ran onstage to the moment he left, you were in awe with how he commanded your attention and flawlessly delivered vocals in-between continuous running around and backflips. The mic was on and loud, and there wasn’t one moment where the show felt like it lagged vocally or energy wise. Benson Boone is a superstar, and if you weren’t on-board going into the show then you definitely were after it.