Before becoming a chart-topping singer, 22-year-old Benson Boone was known for his talent in the classroom and onstage.

MONROE, Wash. — This Sunday, all eyes will be on the 2025 Grammy Awards, and a small town in Washington will be cheering on one of its own. Benson Boone is from Monroe and is nominated in the Best New Artist category, marking a major milestone in his rising music career.

Boone, 22, was born and raised in Monroe, where he attended Monroe High School and honed his passion for music. Before becoming a chart-topping singer, Boone was known for his talent in the classroom and onstage — particularly during his senior year, when he starred as Buddy in the local school’s production of "Elf."

His natural stage presence was clear from the start.

"He just shines in front of humans," said Stephen Loewen, the teacher who cast and directed Boone in the play.

Long before his Grammy nod, Boone was known for his backflips, a hobby his dad, Nate Boone, says he started at just 3 years old.

"We just could never stop from having him do backflips off the couch or flips wherever he could," Nate Boone told KING 5 over the phone.

But it wasn’t until later in high school that Boone discovered his passion for singing. After performing in the school’s "Battle of the Bands" competition, he realized music was his true calling. He went on to compete on "American Idol," while amassing a sizeable following on Tiktok. His rising presence caught the attention of Dan Reynolds, lead singer of Imagine Dragons. Boone soon signed with Reynolds’ record label, launching him into a whirlwind music career that included a world tour and opening for Taylor Swift.

For Boone, his roots in Washington are never far from his mind. Last spring, he awarded two local seniors his namesake Benson Boone Scholarship, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the community that helped shape him.

"Washington – we all love it here," Nate Boone shared with KING 5, expressing excitement at the possibility of his son returning to perform in his home state after earning Grammy recognition.

As the 22-year-old continues to rise in the music world, those who have known him for years believe there is much more to come. "He's got years ahead of him of a successful career," Loewen added.

In Monroe, it’s clear that the excitement for Benson Boone’s success goes beyond the Grammy nomination. His journey from a small-town high school to the biggest stage in music serves as an inspiration to others in his community.

For now, all eyes are on the Grammys — but Benson Boone’s story is just getting started.

"He hasn't stopped writing. He's still putting out new work. And just seeing the stuff he's continuing to create and the emotions he's continuing to tap into, is enormous. And I think he's really he's connecting with so many different humans on so many different levels," said Loewen.

His former Student Leadership teacher at Monroe High School, Jaime Johnson, said Benson Boone still exemplifies the qualities that matter most-- even after his rise to fame.

"He's also incredibly humble. He doesn't realize all the talent that he has at all times," said Johnson. "He's also very loyal to, like, his group and to his people."

She added, "I would say, as he's at the Grammys, like... just to enjoy it! And to take it all in, you know? And just be present, yeah. And show love, win or lose... he's gonna win eventually. If he doesn't win this time, he will later."