Benson Boone, the 22-year-old singer of the hit song “Slow It Down,” made headlines after an unexpected moment during his performance at the 2025 Grammys. 

The “American Idol” alum, who was nominated for Best New Artist, faced some backlash for a crotch grab on stage, which quickly went viral on social media.

Boone, recognizing the controversy, took to Instagram early the following morning to offer an apology for the onstage mishap.

The incident occurred as Boone performed his song “Beautiful Things” on Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pop singer had his moment of flair as he was joined onstage by supermodels Heidi Klum and Nikki Glaser,

who ripped off his black tuxedo, revealing his flamboyant, low-cut, baby blue sequined jumpsuit.

The jumpsuit, designed by stylist Monty Jackson, was a ’70s-inspired bell-bottom mesh one-piece that showcased Boone’s bold fashion sense.

Boone’s performance was energetic, with two signature backflips adding a touch of acrobatics to his lively stage presence.

However, after the performance, Boone made an unintentional and somewhat awkward adjustment to his outfit, drawing attention to his crotch. The moment quickly garnered attention online, with many fans commenting on the act.

In response to the backlash, Boone posted a shirtless selfie on his Instagram story, sitting in bed, and expressed his regret. “Sorry for adjusting my jumpsuit so aggressively on stage tonight,” he wrote.

“That thing was extremely restricting in certain areas.” His apology was likely aimed at alleviating any discomfort or criticism stemming from the viral moment, as it had become a talking point across social media.

The internet buzz surrounding the crotch grab was palpable. “I will be thinking about Benson Boone’s crotch grab for… a WHILE,” one user tweeted on X (formerly Twitter).

Others joined in with their surprise, with one person commenting, “Did anyone see Benson Boone grab himself on stage, or am I just imagining things?”

The moment sparked further conversation, with many on social media noting the singer’s boldness, turning it into a lighthearted topic for fans to discuss.

This wasn’t the only shocking wardrobe reveal during the evening. Similar tear-away clothing moments made waves, including Best Rap Album winner Doechii, who stripped down mid-performance, and Sabrina Carpenter, who followed suit with a dramatic fashion change during her own performance, paying homage to Goldie Hawn.

Though the spotlight on Boone’s crotch grab might have overshadowed the performance itself, the rising star did have much to celebrate at the 2025 Grammys. He was among the nominees for Best New Artist, an honor that ultimately went to Chappell Roan.

Nevertheless, Boone showed support for Roan’s win, applauding her as she used her acceptance speech to advocate for better compensation and healthcare for developing artists, a powerful statement that resonated with many in the industry.

The incident at the Grammys has certainly added an unexpected twist to Boone’s career trajectory.

While the moment sparked both laughter and criticism online, it also spotlighted the 22-year-old singer, who is still making a name for himself in the music world.

Whether or not the crotch grab will be remembered as an embarrassing blunder or a quirky moment in his rise to fame, Boone’s talent continues to shine.

As for the future, Benson Boone seems to be taking everything in stride. His apology was sincere, and he likely learned a valuable lesson in navigating the pressures and expectations of live performances.

With his captivating voice and unique stage presence, Boone remains one of the brightest new stars in the music industry, and his journey is only just beginning.