5 Reasons Why Benson Boone’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ With Brian May At Coachella 2025 Became An Instant Classic

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2025 delivered one of its most unexpected and instantly legendary moments: Benson Boone’s electrifying cover of Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody." This performance, which took place in April 2025, transcended a typical festival set, becoming a global talking point not just for the ambition of the song choice, but because the rising pop star was joined on stage by none other than Queen’s iconic guitarist, Brian May. As of December 13, 2025, the buzz surrounding the performance remains potent, cementing Boone’s status as a dynamic live performer capable of tackling rock royalty. The collaboration was a masterclass in stage presence and vocal prowess, immediately drawing comparisons to the late, great Freddie Mercury and sparking intense debate among fans and critics about Boone's theatrical flair and the sheer audacity of the cover.

Benson Boone: A Brief Biography and Profile

Before his explosive moment at Coachella 2025, Benson Boone had already established himself as a major force in contemporary pop music. His journey from a viral TikTok sensation to a chart-topping artist is one of the fastest rises in recent memory.

• Full Name: Benson James Boone
• Born: June 25, 2002
• Hometown: Monroe, Washington, United States
• Career Start: Gained initial recognition by briefly competing on *American Idol* in 2021, though he voluntarily withdrew from the competition.
• Breakthrough Singles: "Ghost Town" (2021), "In the Stars" (2022).
• Global Hit: "Beautiful Things" (2024), which propelled him to global superstardom and topped charts worldwide.
• Debut Album: *Fireworks & Rollerblades* (2024).
• Musical Style: Known for his powerful, emotive vocals and piano-driven pop ballads, often compared to artists like Lewis Capaldi and Shawn Mendes.

The Audacity: Why ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Was the Ultimate Coachella Risk

The decision to cover "Bohemian Rhapsody" is one of the most high-stakes moves any artist can make. The 1975 Queen masterpiece is revered for its complex structure, operatic sections, and the inimitable vocal performance of Freddie Mercury. Any cover is instantly scrutinized, and performing it at a major festival like Coachella is a direct challenge to rock history.

The Context of the Coachella Setlist

Boone’s Coachella 2025 set was part of his ongoing *Fireworks & Rollerblades* tour, showcasing tracks from his successful debut album. The setlist was a mix of his biggest hits and fan-favorite deep cuts, including the emotional ballad "Cry," the energetic "Drunk in My Mind," and the viral hit "In the Stars."

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The "Bohemian Rhapsody" cover was strategically placed as the grand finale, a show-stopping moment designed to elevate his performance from a standard pop set to a legendary festival appearance. The song’s inclusion was a clear signal of Boone’s ambition to be seen as more than just a TikTok artist, but a versatile vocalist with serious theatrical chops.

The Freddie Mercury Channeling and Theatrical Flair

During the performance, Boone fully embraced the theatricality of the song. He showcased a remarkable vocal range, moving seamlessly from the tender balladry of the opening verses to the hard-rock guitar solo section and the iconic operatic mid-section.

Boone’s stage presence was a clear homage to Freddie Mercury, utilizing dramatic lighting and body language that mirrored the Queen frontman's legendary command of the stage. This channeling was both praised for its commitment and criticized by some online commentators who felt he was "copying Freddy Mercury a bit too much," suggesting he needed to find his own interpretation.

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The Surprise Guest: Brian May’s Shocking Appearance

The moment the performance truly solidified its place in Coachella history was the introduction of Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May. As the song moved into its iconic, blistering guitar solo, May walked onto the stage, sending the Indio, California crowd into a frenzy.

A Collaboration for the Ages

Brian May’s presence was not merely a cameo; he delivered the signature "Bohemian Rhapsody" guitar solo with his characteristic tone and passion. For a young artist like Benson Boone, having a rock icon of May’s stature join him was an extraordinary endorsement and a powerful statement about his talent.

The collaboration instantly elevated the cover from a great vocal performance to a historic musical event. It connected the new generation of pop music, represented by Boone’s TikTok-driven fame, directly to the timeless legacy of rock and roll. This unexpected pairing became the single most talked-about moment of the Coachella 2025 weekend.

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The Viral Aftermath and Critical Debate

Videos of the performance quickly went viral across all social media platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, racking up millions of views within days. The discussion focused primarily on three aspects:

• Boone’s Vocal Power: Many vocal coaches and music critics praised his ability to hit the difficult notes and maintain control throughout the complex song.
• The Brian May Factor: The sheer shock and delight of the surprise appearance guaranteed media coverage and fan excitement.
• The Crowd’s Reaction: Interestingly, some reports noted a "lukewarm reaction" from certain segments of the Coachella crowd, which Boone later addressed. This created a secondary viral moment, sparking a debate about whether the younger festival audience truly understood the magnitude of the Queen legend's presence.

Despite any mixed reactions from the live audience, the performance was universally hailed by the media as an "instant classic" and a major career highlight for Boone, proving his ability to command a massive festival stage with a song far outside his typical genre. The moment was a powerful demonstration of topical authority, linking Boone's modern pop success with the foundational pillars of rock music.

Beyond the Cover: The Future of Benson Boone's Live Performances

The success of the "Bohemian Rhapsody" cover with Brian May has set a new, high bar for Benson Boone’s future live shows and festival appearances. The performance showed his willingness to take risks and honor music legends, which is a key component of building a lasting career.

Fans now expect more high-profile collaborations and ambitious covers, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and unpredictable live act. By channeling the spirit of Freddie Mercury and securing a feature from Brian May, Benson Boone didn't just sing a cover—he crafted a moment of musical history that will be referenced for years to come, proving that a viral star can also be a rock spectacle. The reverberations of this single performance continue to shape the narrative around the *Fireworks & Rollerblades* artist, ensuring his name remains firmly in the global music conversation.