Benson Boone tells Scott Mills about Katy Perry’s support

Benson Boone joined The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 this morning and spoke openly about leaving American Idol and the lasting support he has received from Katy Perry ever since.

Scott asked Benson when he first realised he could sing, referencing the moment Lionel Richie called his voice a natural talent.

Benson revealed he has only been singing for about five years, starting in his final year of high school. He said the memorable American Idol audition clip was filmed in 2021 after he had been singing for just one year.

During their chat, Scott reminded listeners that Katy Perry once predicted Benson would win the entire show, but he chose to leave to carve his own path.

Benson explained: “Do you want to know the actual truth? I actually think that she is really glad that I left the show.”

He added that they recently caught up at an awards show: “She was like, really happy for me. Also, really worried about me. I think she understands that when you are starting to go through all of this, there’s just a lot of hate coming your way… She actually really is a lovely person.”

Scott and Benson agreed that Katy’s advice was invaluable, with Benson recalling: “She told me she was like, ‘leaving that show was the best thing you ever did.’”

Benson also talked about how the show first reached out to him during the pandemic, saying he went along with it for fun while at college. He didn’t expect it to shape his music career so significantly.

Alongside looking back at his time on American Idol, Benson spoke about his new album American Heart, which is out this Friday. Fearne Cotton is already a big supporter, and comedian Joe Lycett joined the call to share some Birmingham recommendations for Benson’s upcoming visit.