Music industry insiders ‘already thinking about’ Benson Boone’s next move after copycat criticism

Music industry insiders are keeping close tabs on Benson Boone, who was previously accused of copying Harry Styles’ fashion and energy

Benson Boone has been criticized for his Harry Styles-esque branding(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)

Benson Boone was thrown into the spotlight after the success of his song Beautiful Things.

However, fans outside his circle were quick with some blows as they criticized his style, aesthetic, and general branding. They worried he might be trying too hard to mirror the success of One Direction’s Harry Styles, who is known for his more daring fashion choices and feminine-leaning looks.

After some pretty stand out performances at award shows, he caught the public’s attention and, apparently, music executives are taking note. Public relations expert Bob Bradley, founder of Bradley Public Relations & Marketing, told the Mirror US, “Industry insiders know that artists like Benson Boone are constantly evolving. The right wardrobe stylists, music managers, and PR minds are already thinking about how to shape his next chapter for 2026 and beyond.”

He didn’t deny that there were some hard parallels between Benson and the Watermelon Sugar singer, but he doesn’t think a comeback from Harry would jeopardize the young star’s career. “I’m not worried about the ‘Benson Buzz’ wearing off. Whether it’s a signature backflip or a headline-grabbing outfit, those moments stick because there’s real substance behind the showmanship,” he said.

He’s made major performances at award shows(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)

Bob noted that Benson, like Harry, is falling into a “rare class of modern rockstars.” He boiled Bensons appeal down to “stage presence, style, and an authentic connection with fans,” which he called “the full package.”

The expert added, “We’re not oversaturated with artists like them, we’re actually lacking stars with an edge. Even if Harry makes his predicted comeback in late 2025, it won’t make a dent in Boone’s rise. If anything, it’ll reignite interest in both artists and highlight the subtle musical and stylistic overlaps they share.”

Charlie Lewis, founder of Lewis Line Public Relations, also pushed back against fans’ concerns. “Benson isn’t chasing iconography; he’s building something fresh and relevant,” he said.

Further, he argued that the backflip, which has become a stable for Benson’s performance, isn’t what will make him major long term. “The backflip was a memorable early moment, but what will matter long-term is his vocal talent and genuine connection with fans. If his team keeps prioritizing authentic growth over imitation, he has real staying power,” he said.

Most recently, Benson turned up to perform at the American Music Awards where he performed his standout song. The musician did, of course, show off his signature backflip. However, he lost out on his Best New Artist nomination to Gracie Abrams at the fan voted award show.

He previously opened for Taylor Swift(Image: Getty Images)

Between performers and announcers, Benson made his way over to Shaboozey, who was also nominated in the category, for a bit of chat. The pair came together to pose for a photo.

According to Nicola Hickling, after the two hugged, Shaboozey complimented Benson’s outfit by simply saying, “I love your suit.”