Benson Boone, the rising pop sensation and former American Idol contestant, has been making waves in the music industry with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. His meteoric rise caught the attention of none other than Taylor Swift, who invited him to open for her Eras Tour shows in London. While this opportunity propelled him to an even larger audience, it also introduced him to a world of artists he had never encountered before. But who are some of these musicians that Boone had not been familiar with before stepping onto Swift’s massive stage?
One of Boone’s fellow Eras Tour openers is Mette, a dynamic performer from Minnesota who first gained recognition as a professional dancer. Mette’s breakthrough came when she starred in the music video for Lemon by N.E.R.D and Rihanna in 2017. Since then, she has pivoted to music, releasing her debut EP Mettenarrative in 2023, showcasing a mix of R&B, pop, and electronic influences. Before the tour, Boone admitted he was not very familiar with her work, but now, they share the experience of performing on one of the world's biggest stages.
Another artist who joined Boone as an opening act for Taylor Swift was Griff, a British singer-songwriter known for her alternative pop sound. Griff, whose real name is Sarah Faith Griffiths, made her mark in 2019 with the release of Mirror Talk and continued to gain popularity with songs like Black Hole. In 2021, she won the prestigious Rising Star award at the BRITs, further cementing her place in the industry. Boone, who has spent most of his career focusing on American artists, admitted he wasn’t deeply acquainted with Griff’s discography before the tour announcement.
Another artist that Benson Boone had not been widely familiar with before his rise to fame is Laufey, an Icelandic-Chinese musician blending classical jazz with contemporary pop. While Laufey has developed a cult following for her soothing vocals and intricate compositions, she operates in a niche genre that many mainstream pop artists may not immediately recognize. Boone, coming from a more traditional pop background, had not been exposed to Laufey’s style until recently.
While Benson Boone and Conan Gray both appeal to Gen Z audiences, Boone had not delved into Gray’s music before breaking into the industry himself. Conan Gray, a YouTube star-turned-pop icon, gained recognition with tracks like Heather and Maniac. Boone, who focuses on a raw and emotive singing style, has now found a connection with Gray’s vulnerable lyricism and melodic compositions.
Discovering new artists and collaborating with diverse musicians can only enhance Boone’s musical journey. By sharing the stage with talents like Mette and Griff, he is broadening his exposure and musical influences. Furthermore, these experiences will likely inspire him in future songwriting and production, allowing him to evolve as an artist.
Benson Boone’s time opening for Taylor Swift is not just a career milestone—it’s also an opportunity to discover, appreciate, and learn from fellow artists he may not have known before. As he continues to rise, fans can expect Boone to incorporate these newfound influences into his own music, making his future releases even more compelling.
The music industry is vast, and even rising stars like Benson Boone are constantly discovering new artists along the way. Before his Eras Tour gig with Taylor Swift, Boone had not been deeply familiar with Mette, Griff, Laufey, and Conan Gray, among others. Now, as he shares the stage with these talented musicians, his musical world is expanding, setting the stage for an exciting future in the industry.
