Written by Antonina Schubert
A sold-out crowd packed Nationwide Arena last night for the Columbus stop of Benson Boone’s American Heart Tour, and it was the kind of show that reminds you why live music feels so electric. From the first note to the final burst of confetti, the night was a celebration of music, passion, and the unshakable bond between Benson Boone and his fans.
Elliot James Reay Opens the Night With Soul
The evening began with Elliot James Reay, whose Elvis-inspired style and 50s–60s influences set the tone with timeless charm. Backed by an outstanding band on guitar, keys, and drums, Reay showed off powerhouse vocals that filled the arena with ease.
One of the most memorable moments came during “Sweetness,” when fans lit up the venue with phone flashlights, creating a sea of lights that shimmered across the arena. By the end of his set, the Columbus crowd had fully embraced him, offering the kind of warm welcome that makes openers shine.
Benson Boone Takes the Stage
Boone’s entrance was nothing short of dramatic, with a cheeky pre-show video sparking laughs before he launched onto the stage with a backflip, the first of at least seven throughout the night. The massive stage, which could overwhelm some artists, only seemed to fuel him. Boone sprinted from end to end, performed from multiple vantage points so every fan got a close-up, and somehow made the massive space feel intimate.
A jaw-dropping moment for the night came when a section of the stage rose high above the crowd with Boone in the middle on it, standing on top of a piano while singing, completely unsecured. It was nerve-wracking and thrilling all at once, showing his commitment to giving fans a show they’d never forget.
A Deep Connection with Fans
What stood out most wasn’t just Boone’s stamina or stage tricks, it was his relentless focus on the fans. He waved, pointed to signs, sang directly into fans’ phones, and leaned into the crowd to hold hands mid-song. At one point, he paused to reflect on his journey, calling music and performing “the biggest blessing and opportunity I’ve had.” That sincerity, paired with his boundless energy, made the night feel personal even in an arena setting.
The emotional weight of the night came during Boone’s ballad moments. “Drunk In My Mind” carried a special energy, as he shared how much he loves performing it live. But it was “In the Stars” that turned the arena into something close to sacred. A quiet, powerful performance that highlighted both his vocal range and his ability to capture grief and love in song. “Momma Song” brought tears to many, set against a backdrop of home videos that made the tribute deeply personal.
Magic, Spectacle, and Surprises
For all its tender moments, the night also dazzled with spectacle. During “Mystical Magical”, Boone rode a giant chandelier across the stage, creating a surreal, cinematic scene. His band kept the energy sky-high. The setlist wove fan favorites with the new album and included a nostalgic medley of early tracks like “Let Me Go,” “There She Goes,” and “Sugar Sweet.”
The night’s biggest surprise came with the night’s surprise cover song. With the help of his best friend and a t-shirt cannon, Boone had a fan in the crowd reveal the song via the t-shirt shot out. And Columbus hit the jackpot: Adele’s “When We Were Young.” What followed was pure magic. Boone’s delivery was so powerful and heartfelt that the arena went almost silent, hanging on every lyric. It was one of those rare live performances that feels timeless, a moment fans will be talking about for years.
A Night to Remember
As red, white, and blue heart-shaped confetti rained down during “Young American Heart,” it was clear the show had given fans everything they came for: spectacle, intimacy, and above all, heart. Boone’s energy never faltered, his love for the audience evident in every smile and every note.
Even though this was just the third stop of the American Heart Tour, the show already feels like something legendary in the making. Boone has found a rare balance, delivering a show packed with fireworks, soaring vocals, and larger-than-life staging, while never losing sight of the emotional connection that first drew fans to his music.
For the thousands inside Nationwide Arena, the night was exactly what Boone promised: mystical, magical, and unforgettable.
And for anyone hoping to experience the magic for themselves, the American Heart Tour continues across North America before heading to the UK and Europe later this year. You can check if he’s coming to a city near you here, this is a show you won’t want to miss!
