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Benson Boone is going full heartthrob mode — literally and figuratively — with his new album American Heart, which drops June 20. The singer-songwriter, known for his viral TikTok ballads and breakout hit, Beautiful Things, revealed the album cover this week — it’s red, white, and very ripped. The image features Boone shirtless, draped in an American flag, serving abs and patriotism on a platter.
The kicker? Not too long ago, Boone expressed discomfort with being objectified and said he didn’t want his body to be a selling point. Cue the internet's raised eyebrows and quippy memes.
But first things first: The X handle of @PopCrave confirmed Booned new album, stating:
“Benson Boone announces new album, ‘American Heart,’ out June 20.”
From emotional ballads to patriotic thirst traps, Benson Boone’s latest album has fans confused and amused
The timeline, upon seeing Benson Boone’s shredded, star-spangled American Heart album cover, went full comedy club. @positionsmafiaa pointed out the obvious plot twist with a perfectly timed roast:
“didn’t he complain about people only talking about him for his body — why are his abs on the cover 😭.”
Somewhere, irony is doing pushups. Others channeled their inner classic rock dads:
“It’s giving Bruce Springsteen born in the usa,” said @whotfisjovana.
“Missed opportunity for July 4th," @BoredOhms wrote.
Honestly? They're not wrong. Meanwhile, the critics were not pulling punches:
“noone is listening to this,” commented @freshslmr.
“nothing a does is a gag,” @venlcehoe wrote.
Cold. Brutal. Possibly written while wearing sunglasses indoors. Some fans, like @jps_aririah were still on board — abs or not:
“i will be listening as long as the smash hit sorry im here for someone else is on it.”
(A fair condition. That song slaps.) Then came the social commentary:
“not a time to be proudly american but ok. read the room,” said @ms__lost
“this is giving 2008 recession,” @akiss_00 said.
In short, the Internet did what it does best — laugh through the confusion, roast the contradictions, and pre-save the album anyway. If Benson Boone’s goal was to get everyone talking (and maybe thirst-following), he absolutely understood the assignment.
Benson Boone’s career, the new album & the shirtless elephant in the room
Boone first captured the internet’s heart (and For You pages) after appearing on American Idol in 2021, though he left early to pursue his own path. That move paid off — his viral single Ghost Town led to a deal with a major label and streams in the millions. His sound blends emotional vulnerability with indie-pop charm, and his tearjerking lyrics earned him a Gen Z fanbase, who love a good cry to a falsetto.
But while his voice soared, Boone recently expressed unease about being reduced to 'hot guy who sings.' In an interview with Rolling Stone, he admitted:
“I don’t want to rely on my physical form to be the primary driver of my shows.”
Which makes the shirtless American Heart artwork, well, ironic.
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The upcoming album is Boone’s sophomore project and a follow-up to his debut, Walk Me Home..., released earlier this year. This time, the themes dive deeper into identity, heartbreak, and yes — America. Although details are still sparse, Boone promises a blend of intimacy and boldness, saying the project reflects who he is at his core. (Insert flag emoji.)
Of course, the boldness apparently includes strategically placed stars, stripes, and six-pack abs.
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