Benson Boone Brings Out Queen’s Brian May for Iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” at Coachella 2025

The 22-year-old rising star stuns with high-flying acrobatics, powerhouse vocals, and a surprise duet with rock legend Brian May—plus announces his new album American Heart, out June 20.

Indio, California, April 12 — In one of the most talked-about moments of Coachella 2025’s opening weekend, breakout pop star Benson Boone lit up the stage not just with his signature acrobatics and soaring vocals — but by bringing out rock royalty Brian May of Queen for a jaw-dropping rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Boone, 22, closed his electrifying set in epic fashion, starting Queen’s iconic ballad seated at the piano draped in a fur-lined onesie, before shedding it mid-performance and backflipping off the keys. As the crowd roared, May emerged behind him for the legendary guitar solo, sending the audience into a frenzy. Backed by a full choir in flowing robes and dramatic lighting, the duo delivered a theatrical, pitch-perfect tribute that earned instant viral buzz.

But May wasn’t done. The legendary guitarist stayed on stage to accompany Boone on his chart-topping hit “Beautiful Things,” a song that helped catapult the young star into the pop spotlight earlier this year.

Hints of the collaboration had surfaced just hours earlier, when May posted a selfie with Boone en route to Palm Springs, teasing fans with:
“Do we look happy?!!! Gonna treasure this moment on the plane with @bensonboone — a truly golden 22-year-old prodigy. I’m proud and happy to say we are now officially pals 💥💥💥💥”

Boone’s Coachella moment wasn’t just about star power — it was also about big announcements.
“I’ve got one more announcement to make,” he told the crowd. “This is less like one song and more like 10. My second album will be coming out June 20, 2025 and it is called ‘American Heart.’” He debuted the album’s title track live on stage, revealing a Springsteen-inspired sound with an Americana twist.

“It all started with me believing in the song ‘Beautiful Things.’ Now, I have a whole album just about ready to go — and I’ve never believed so much in a body of work,” Boone said in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.

Throughout the set, Boone showcased the full range of his artistry — delivering energetic renditions of “Cry,” “Drunk in My Mind,” and “Slow It Down,” complete with backflips, crowd interaction, and his trademark piano theatrics. He also debuted “Mystical Magical” and got the crowd singing along to “Forever and a Day.”

Fresh off a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and riding high on the success of his debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades, Boone’s Coachella debut solidified him as one of the most compelling live acts of 2025.

He’s set to return for Weekend 2 of Coachella next week — and with that level of surprise and showmanship, fans are already bracing for another unforgettable moment.