5 Reasons Benson Boone’s Viral Adele Covers Are Redefining Male Pop Vocals (The ‘When We Were Young’ Phenomenon)

Benson Boone has officially cemented his status as one of the most powerful vocalists in modern pop, and the proof lies in his stunning, viral covers of Adele’s biggest hits. As of late 2025, videos of the singer performing "When We Were Young," "All I Ask," and "Rolling In The Deep" during his recent tour have flooded social media, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his emotional depth and incredible vocal control. His rendition of "When We Were Young" in particular has become a major talking point, showcasing a mastery of a song notoriously difficult to sing, even for seasoned professionals.

This isn't just a singer covering a popular track; it's a monumental moment where a rising star takes on one of music's greatest voices and not only meets the challenge but transforms it into a signature performance. His ability to navigate the demanding vocal terrain of Adele’s catalog—a feat few male artists attempt—has redefined how the industry views his talent, moving him far beyond his initial reality TV roots.

Benson Boone: Full Biography and Career Profile

Benson James Boone is an American singer-songwriter whose meteoric rise began on a major television stage but quickly accelerated into a global streaming phenomenon. His career trajectory is a testament to the power of raw talent and strategic independence.

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• Full Name: Benson James Boone
• Date of Birth: June 25, 2002
• Age (as of 2025): 23
• Hometown: Monroe, Washington, United States
• Nationality: American
• Musical Style: Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Ballad
• Key Career Milestones:
  • American Idol (2021): Briefly competed on Season 19 before withdrawing to pursue his own path.
  • Breakthrough Singles: "Ghost Town" (2021), "In The Stars" (2022), "Beautiful Things" (2024).
  • Record Label: Signed to Night Street Records, an imprint of Warner Records founded by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds.
  • Touring: Headlined the successful "American Heart Tour" in 2024/2025.
• Notable Achievements: His single "Beautiful Things" became a global chart-topper, solidifying his status as a major international artist.

The Viral Moment: Why ‘When We Were Young’ Broke the Internet

While Boone has a history of showcasing his versatile voice on social media, his recent live covers of Adele’s music, particularly "When We Were Young," have garnered unprecedented attention. The performance that truly went viral took place during his "American Heart Tour" stop in Columbus, Ohio, on August 25.

The choice of "When We Were Young" is a bold one. Adele’s original is a masterclass in vocal dynamics, requiring a singer to move effortlessly from a tender, almost whispered beginning to a booming, belt-it-out climax. For a male vocalist, matching the emotional resonance and technical precision of the song’s high notes is an immense challenge.

Boone’s performance was hailed as a surprise song that night, and the reaction was immediate. Fan-shot videos of the cover began circulating rapidly across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The consensus among viewers was clear: he didn't just sing the song; he owned it. Critics, who often maintain a skeptical distance from young pop stars, were forced to admit that the "Beautiful Things" singer possesses a truly rare and powerful instrument.

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His performance was lauded for its pure, soaring high notes and the raw, unpolished emotion he injected into the lyrics. Unlike many pop covers that rely on studio polish, Boone’s live rendition showcased his natural, unedited vocal prowess, proving he has the stamina and range to tackle even the most demanding balladry.

3 Other Adele Covers That Solidify His Topical Authority

The "When We Were Young" cover is not an isolated incident. Benson Boone has repeatedly turned to Adele's catalog on his tour, a clear signal that he views her work as the ultimate benchmark for vocal excellence. By consistently delivering on these challenging tracks, he is building topical authority around his vocal skill, proving he’s more than just a one-hit wonder.

1. The Emotional Depth of ‘All I Ask’

Another standout performance that has captured the attention of fans is his cover of "All I Ask." This song, a deeply vulnerable and technically complex piano ballad, requires a singer to convey heartbreak with both power and delicacy. Boone performed this cover in cities like Salt Lake City and London, showcasing a different facet of his voice—one focused on control, vibrato, and sustained, high-register notes.

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• Vocal Challenge: The intense, sustained high notes in the bridge and chorus.
• Boone’s Interpretation: He brings a slightly rock-influenced edge to the track while maintaining the song's core emotional fragility.

2. The Powerhouse Energy of ‘Rolling In The Deep’

To demonstrate his versatility beyond the slow, emotional ballads, Boone also tackled the iconic, energetic anthem "Rolling In The Deep." Performed live in Anaheim, this cover allowed Boone to unleash the full force of his chest voice.

• Vocal Challenge: The gritty, powerful delivery and the rapid-fire, rhythmic chorus.
• Boone’s Interpretation: A high-energy, rock-infused take that proves he can command a large arena with a powerful, driving vocal performance. This cover contrasts sharply with his ballad work, demonstrating his wide dynamic range.

The Takeaway: Redefining Male Pop Vocals

The phenomenon of Benson Boone covering Adele is more than just good content for a viral video; it marks a significant moment in contemporary pop music. For years, the male pop landscape has been dominated by a softer, more breathy vocal style. Boone's choice to cover a powerhouse vocalist like Adele and succeed is a bold statement.

It signals a return to a focus on technical vocal mastery, raw power, and an expansive range—qualities that were once cornerstones of pop music but have become increasingly rare. By consistently delivering these demanding performances, Boone is not just honoring Adele's legacy; he is setting a new, higher standard for male vocalists in the industry, proving that genuine, unassisted vocal talent can still dominate the charts and capture the world's attention. His "American Heart Tour" has become a proving ground, and his Adele covers are the undisputed highlights.