Benson Boone is NOT the “Next Freddie Mercury”

While celebrities were blasted off into space earlier this week, there has been another pop culture moment on my mind. At Coachella, on Saturday evening, Benson Boone performed Bohemian Rhapsody with Queen Guitarist Brian May. It was a moment filled with backflips and tight blue leotards. I thought it was a nice tribute, but when I started reading the comments online a fury grew inside.

“He’s our generation’s Freddie Mercury” one comment read. The rest of the comment section seemed to align with that theme, and not enough people were disagreeing for my liking. I have nothing against Boone, I think his songs are cute and his backflips are fun. But he does not hold a candle to the icon that Freddie Mercury is.

I was first introduced to Queen as a young child. My parents had their greatest hits CD and played it on pretty much every car ride. I distinctly remember Somebody to Love and You’re my best friend playing the most, and of course, the classics like We Will Rock You/We are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody.

I always liked their music, especially as I grew older because it reminded me of my childhood. Summer car rides with my parents and I’ll that I had to worry about was what stuffed animal I was going to try to win at the carnival.

This changed when I watched Freddie Mercury’s biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody”. I knew the general details about his life, and his tragic death, but the biopic revealed some of the most intimate details about his life.

Mercury was a major subject of racism and homophobia both growing up and throughout his career. He was incredibly lonely, due to being a gay man who was the lead of a Rock Band. He threw elaborate parties and abused any substance he could find. He had a lot of unprotected sex in response to figuring out his sexuality. This ultimately led to his demise. He kept his diagnosis a secret, and it was likely for the best, as AIDS was heavily scrutinized in the 80s and 90s.

I don’t blame him for his actions, in fact, I sympathize with him. I know how it feels to be different and not feel 100% comfortable with who you are. I have struggled, and continue to struggle with my sexuality and I have gone down self destructive paths.

The difference is he was at the forefront of one of the biggest bands in history. However, he did not let his faults define him. He was incredibly talented and had a wide vocal range, he thanked his extra incisors for that. He could replicate any song her heard on piano. He was able to draw incredible crowds as he engaged with his fans on stage. He was a performer and that is why his legacy has lasted for generations, and will last for generations to come.

Benson Boone grew up in Monroe, Washington and was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He went to BYU for a semester, and discovered his passion for music in a high school battle of the bands. He had a few songs pop off on TikTok and is dating an influencer.

Boone fully lacks the substance and story to live up to Freddie Mercury, not to mention the talent. Back flips are cool, but they are not captivating. He could not have all of Wembley dance in sync to one of his songs, Never mind and entire set.

Boone also entirely misses the mark. His tribute was nice, however, he immediately promotes his new album about American Pride. In the climate we are in right now, how dare you perform a Queen song? Especially not Freddie’s Magnum Opus. Wearing the same outfit does not make you the same person. Freddie Mercury’s style made him stand out, Benson Boone is a knock off.

Benson Boone is not, and never will be, our generation’s Freddie Mercury.