‘American Idol’ Alum Wins Single of the Year Award

Apparently, Benson Boone scratches an itch for a lot of people.

On February 20, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced that the song “Beautiful Things” by the former “American Idol” contestant was given the IFPI Global Single Award for 2024. 

“We are delighted to present the IFPI Global Single Award to Benson Boone,” said IFPI CEP Victoria Oakley. “As a global breakout artist, this is an amazing achievement to produce a truly worldwide hit. Congratulations to Benson, his team and Warner Records for this incredible accomplishment.”

Benson Boone’s Song was Best-Selling Single in 2024 Across All Digital Formats

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In the press release, IFPI, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide, stated that the annual award is presented to the artist with the world’s best-selling single of the year across all digital formats. Billboard amplified IFPI data also published on February 20 indicating that in 2024, “Beautiful Things” garnered 2.11 billion equivalent global subscription streams, including paid subscription streaming, ad-supported platforms, and single-track downloads.

The release also noted that in addition to Boone making his first appearance in an IFPI Global Chart Top 10, the next two spots were also held by newcomers, with Sabrina Carpenter was No. 2 with her single “Espresso,” Teddy Swims placed third with “Lose Control.”

“It is also fantastic to see so many other newcomers to the industry shine through in the IFPI Global Singles Chart,” Oakley said. “It is a wonderful reflection of how emerging artists – working in partnership with their record labels – are finding international success.”

Benson Boone Created Buzz With Memorable Performance at Grammys

Coincidentally enough, Carpenter and Swims joined Boone on the list of nominees for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which was won by Chappell Roan. But Boone won the attention of millions with his jaw-dropping performance of “Beautiful Things” that began seated at his table in a suit, but transitioned to a flip off of the piano in a sparkly blue jumpsuit.

The most viral moment of the performance actually came after Boone finished singing, as he rather demonstrably adjusted the crotch of his pants. As Vice reported, Boone would apologize in his Instagram stories, stating, “Sorry for adjusting my jumpsuit so aggressively on stage tonight. That thing was extremely restricting in certain areas.”

In the days following Boone’s Grammy moment, People recounted that Boone had been on season 19 of ‘American Idol’ in 2021 and made it to the top 24, but ultimately withdrew from the show, saying later on the Zach Sang Show, “I don’t want people to be like, ‘Oh, Benson Boone, “American Idol” blew him up. Like, that’s where he comes from. No. I want to be Benson Boone ’cause I write smash hits and they love my music … I just didn’t want that label on me.”