5 Reasons Benson Boone’s Adele Cover Is Being Called ‘Better Than The Original’ (Vocal Coach Analysis Inside)

Benson Boone’s recent, stunning live cover of Adele’s 2015 hit, “When We Were Young,” has unequivocally become one of the biggest viral moments in music in late 2025. This performance, which first exploded online from his *American Heart Tour*, has not only captivated his dedicated fanbase but has also successfully converted critics who doubted the *American Idol* alum’s vocal prowess.

The astonishing feat of singing an Adele track—a singer renowned for her extensive vocal range and power—in the original key has sparked a massive online debate. Many fans are now crowning Boone as the premier male vocalist of his generation, with some boldly claiming his rendition is "better than the original." This article breaks down the performance, the vocal science behind his success, and the full biography of the Gen Z pop star.

Benson Boone: A Brief Biography and Career Highlights

Benson James Boone is an American singer-songwriter who quickly rose from a viral TikTok sensation to a global chart-topper. Born on June 25, 2002, in Monroe, Washington, Boone’s journey into music was relatively late, as he didn't seriously discover his singing talent until he was 17 years old after a friend encouraged him following a Jon Bellion concert.

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• Full Name: Benson James Boone
• Born: June 25, 2002
• Hometown: Monroe, Washington
• Discovery: Began singing seriously around age 17 after a Jon Bellion concert.
• Breakthrough: Briefly competed on Season 19 of *American Idol* in early 2021 but voluntarily withdrew from the competition before the live shows.
• Record Label: Signed to Night Street Records, a label founded by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds.
• Major Hits: "Ghost Town" (2021), "In The Stars" (2022), and the global number-one smash "Beautiful Things" (2024).
• Debut Album: *American Heart* (2024).
• Key Tours: He is currently on the *American Heart Tour*, where the viral Adele cover originated.

Boone’s quick ascent is a testament to the power of social media, transforming him from a young man who was also a talented athlete and tumbler into a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter.

The Viral Moment: "When We Were Young" on the American Heart Tour

The cover that shattered the internet took place during the *American Heart Tour*, specifically at a concert in Columbus, Ohio, on August 25. The decision to perform “When We Were Young,” a track from Adele’s album *25*, was a surprise to the audience, and a video of the performance quickly went viral across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

The reaction was immediate and intense. Fans and critics were stunned by his ability to tackle a song known for its immense technical difficulty and emotional depth. The performance was widely shared, drawing praise for its raw power and emotional vulnerability.

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What makes the cover so unique is that Boone performed the song entirely in the original key. This is a crucial detail, as male vocalists often transpose female-led power ballads down several steps, making Boone's choice a powerful statement on his vocal range and confidence.

5 Technical Reasons the Adele Cover Went Viral

The success of the "When We Were Young" cover is not just about a good voice; it’s a masterclass in modern vocal technique and emotional connection. Vocal coaches and music analysts have broken down the performance, highlighting several key elements that made it an instant classic.

1. Singing in the Original Key: The Ultimate Vocal Test

Adele’s songs are notoriously demanding. “When We Were Young” requires a significant vocal leap and sustained power in the higher registers. By performing it in the original key, Boone was directly challenging the notion that only female powerhouses could handle the song’s intensity. This technical choice immediately elevated the performance from a simple cover to a viral moment of vocal supremacy.

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2. Expert Use of Vocal Mix and Power

Vocal coaches noted Boone’s impressive command of his vocal mix, allowing him to transition seamlessly between his chest voice and head voice for the high notes without cracking or straining. The “power on those high notes” was a key phrase used by analysts, demonstrating his ability to maintain volume and tone in a range typically difficult for male singers.

3. The Signature "Rasp" and Grit

Boone’s vocal style is often described as smooth, but he incorporates a distinct “rasp” or “grit” that adds a raw, emotional texture to his performance. This subtle use of vocal fry and twangy mix gives his voice a unique edge, preventing the cover from sounding like a clean, but sterile, imitation. It’s this grit that injects a fresh, male perspective into Adele’s deeply emotional lyrics.

4. Dynamic Control (Diminuendo and Crescendo)

A great vocalist doesn't just sing loud; they control dynamics. Boone’s work on his hit "Beautiful Things" is known for its use of *diminuendo* (softening the voice) before launching into a powerful chorus. He applies this same control to the Adele cover, pulling the energy back in the verses to build tension, which makes the powerful, soaring chorus feel even more impactful. This dynamic range is what separates a good singer from a great performer.

5. The Element of Surprise and High Difficulty

The cover was an unexpected addition to the *American Heart Tour* setlist, contributing to its viral success. Furthermore, the decision to cover a song like "When We Were Young," alongside other vocally challenging songs he has covered like "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles, showcases an extensive vocal range that demands respect from the music community.

The Impact: Benson Boone as the "Male Adele"

The success of the "When We Were Young" cover has firmly cemented Benson Boone's reputation as a vocal powerhouse and a leading figure among the new generation of Gen Z male pop stars. The comparison to Adele is the highest form of praise, suggesting he possesses the rare combination of technical skill and profound emotional delivery that defines the British icon's career.

Beyond "When We Were Young," Boone has continued to showcase his love for Adele's catalog, performing other difficult tracks like "All I Ask" at a recent show in Salt Lake City and a cover of "Someone Like You" in Oslo, Norway, both in 2025.

His willingness to tackle these monumental songs, coupled with the success of his own original music like “Beautiful Things” and “Slow It Down,” positions him as a serious contender for the future of pop music. Benson Boone is not just a viral star; he is a showy, technically proficient male artist who is flipping the script on a pop landscape that has largely been dominated by female vocalists in the 21st century.