Benson Boone has opened up about growing up as a Mormon, admitting that it made him feel “confused and frustrated”.
The Grammy-nominated artist sat down with Rolling Stone as the first of four cover stars for its Future Of Music issue. While speaking to the publication, the ‘Beautiful Things’ hitmaker discussed his upbringing and the religion he was raised in.
Boone – who was born in Monroe, Washington and grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – admitted he did not feel a connection to Mormonism.
“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, and so I was always confused and frustrated. I was always scared to bring that up to people because I just didn’t want to accept that, like, I wasn’t feeling what everyone else was feeling,” he told the outlet.
Boone went on to discuss his beliefs from a broader perspective and shared: “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.”
He also went on to clarify that he was not pressured by his parents to follow Mormonism while growing up, sharing: “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. And whatever I come to, and whatever I feel is right, that’s what they want for me.”
Elsewhere, Mark Zuckerberg previously shared footage of him dressing up as Boone for his wife’s 40th birthday.
The Meta tycoon borrowed Boone’s blue jumpsuit to perform at the birthday party for his wife, Dr Priscilla Chan. Footage from the event showed Zuckerberg dramatically taking off his formal wear to reveal the jumpsuit, much like Boone did performing ‘Beautiful Things’ at the Grammys – then stomped around onstage, performing in front of a live band. He also sang, like Boone, on top of a piano.
Elsewhere, Boone previously apologised for a viral moment from the Grammys in which he “aggressively” grabbed his crotch.