Benson Boone Discusses Sobriety and Spiritual Journey After Leaving Mormon Faith

Pop star Benson Boone has made headlines for his decision to abstain from drugs and alcohol throughout his young life. Surprisingly, his commitment to sobriety arises not from his upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but from personal reflections about his own nature.

The 22-year-old artist, who gained popularity with his hit song “Beautiful Things,” recently spoke candidly during an interview with Rolling Stone. Boone revealed that his choice to avoid substances stems from a recognition of his addictive tendencies rather than adhering strictly to religious principles.

In the interview, he stated, “I just think for me personally, like, dude, I would die.” Boone’s acknowledgment of having an “addictive personality” reflects a deeper understanding of his health and lifestyle. He elaborated, saying, “I feel like if I started, I would do it so much that my health would just decline, and I wouldn’t enjoy touring as much.” The concern for his health resonates strongly in his decision-making process.

The Pressure of Substance Use in the Music Industry

During his conversation with Rolling Stone, Boone grapples with the societal pressures surrounding substance use, particularly within the music industry. While Mormons traditionally abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and certain caffeinated beverages, Boone’s decisions have been deeply influenced by personal experiences rather than solely religious doctrine. He recalls trying coffee while out in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, influencer Maggie Thurmon, in hopes of developing a taste for the beverage. However, he humorously notes that it “literally tastes like burnt wood.”

Reevaluating Faith and Personal Beliefs

The young musician also opened up about his evolving relationship with his faith. Despite growing up in a devout family, Boone shared that he no longer identifies as a Mormon. He stated, “I don’t want to be a part of one religion. I have my own opinions. Some are from this religion, some are from this religion, some are from no religion.” His journey of self-discovery has allowed him to form a unique set of beliefs, distilling insights from various perspectives.

Finding Personal Truth Amid Confusion

Boone’s ambivalence towards his faith began in his childhood. He described feeling disconnected from the intense spiritual experiences that his peers spoke of in church. “Growing up, a lot of people at church would talk about these experiences that they’ve had and these personal revelations and feelings and voices. I never felt it as physically present as they did,” he reflected.

It was a revelation to Boone when he shared his doubts with a friend who felt similarly. This moment of camaraderie provided him relief and served as a turning point in his understanding of both faith and community. Connecting with others who experienced similar doubts has greatly impacted his beliefs.

Diverging from Convention

After graduating high school, Boone briefly attended Brigham Young University, a private institution owned by the LDS Church. There, strict adherence to the Church Educational System Honor Code is expected, which includes refraining from substance use, maintaining chastity, and adhering to a specific dress code. However, Boone took classes remotely for one semester and didn’t fully experience life under these constrictive rules.

Despite distancing himself from his religious upbringing, Boone maintains a supportive relationship with his parents. They respect his choices regarding faith. He mentioned, “My parents definitely have their own views, but when it comes to religion and God, they want me to figure it out on my own.” This unconditional support underscores the importance of understanding and acceptance in familial relationships.

The Intersection of Political Views and Personal Beliefs

Interestingly, Boone likens his nuanced perspective on religion to his views on politics. He emphasized that individuals do not have to fully align with one side or another. “People think if you have one or two views that are on the left or right side, that you have to be on the left or on the right. And I don’t think that’s how it is,” he explained.

This philosophical stance reflects Boone’s desire for individuality within a larger cultural framework, a theme that resonates throughout his work as an artist. He clarified that despite the title of his upcoming album, “American Heart,” it does not reflect political sentiments but rather signifies his personal experience.

Musical Journey and Breakthrough Success

In an interview with MTV, Boone recounted discovering his musical talent almost by accident during high school. Initially, he had little interest in singing, recalling, “Singing was never something I thought that I could do.” His journey began when he filled in for a friend’s band and discovered his passion for performance during their Battle of the Bands contest.

This unexpected performance ignited Boone’s career, leading him to post his original songs on TikTok, ultimately catching the attention of producers from “American Idol.” Although he made it to the Top 24, Boone chose to leave the competition to focus on his burgeoning music career.

In October 2021, Boone signed with Night Street Records, founded by Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, and released his debut single, “Ghost Town.” This song achieved significant commercial success, followed by his hugely popular single, “Beautiful Things,” which charted internationally and marked a pivotal moment in his career. Boone’s electrifying performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards showcased his growth and potential, as he seamlessly entertained the audience.

Aiming Higher Than One Hit Wonder

Despite his success with “Beautiful Things,” Boone remains focused on evolving as an artist. He stresses the importance of developing a diverse musical repertoire rather than being pigeonholed by a single hit. “I think I’m getting to the point where I just want people to know that there’s more than just that song,” he acknowledged.

Additionally, Boone reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey. Understanding the need for humility and facing the potential pitfalls of success is vital for sustained growth. He practices self-awareness through regular conversations with his manager and friend, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Benson Boone continues to navigate his career, his commitment to sobriety and personal authenticity resonates not just within the music industry, but within any journey of self-discovery. By sharing his story, he offers a glimpse of hope and understanding to others forging their path in a complex world.