They say in show business you should save your best tricks for last. Benson Boone clearly missed the memo.
The US singer-songwriter opened the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert series with his trademark flip, a dazzling burst of agility that landed even more impressively considering what he told fans hours earlier during his visit to Yas Marina Circuit.
Boone had arrived in the UAE capital only the day before, straight from the US, and admitted he was jet-lagged.
Then again, that is what dizzying success on the back of a viral Coachella appearance in April can do for you. It unlocks reserves you did not know you had and on Thursday it powered a Middle East debut that was both fun and sweet.
Backed by a four-piece band and clad in an all-red racing outfit, Boone's appearance made the younger fans scream like they were witnessing the second coming – albeit the male version – of Taylor Swift.
For the more mature among us, there was some Freddie Mercury in there, too, in the way Boone, 23, stood up straight in front of the mic, one finger directing a thousand-yard smile into the crowd.
And there was also a hint of Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, who headlined the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix on the same stage six years ago, with a marvel of a voice that
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.