American Boy

{{Quote box|width=330px|align=left|quote="It's a song as breezy as air, so carefree its gorgeously channeled vocals practically float off from the grounded four-on-the-floor disco beat and Quincy-Jones-producing-Michael-Jackson funk bass. It's a pure pop gem with a joyful bounce, verdant in textures (particularly the sunglassed analogue synth stabs), contagiously catchy, danceable and singable, and lyrically devoid of depth or scope, like an aimlessly pleasant walk in the park."|source=— Timothy Gabriele of PopMatters commenting about "American Boy".}}

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"American Boy" was written by Estelle, William Adams Jr., John Stephens, Kanye West, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, Ethan Hendrickson and Keith Harris. It was also produced by will.i.am and recorded over the instrumental of his song "Impatient", from his third studio album Songs About Girls (2007). The credits of Lopez, Speir, and Harris were the result of this sampling. In a 2008 interview with Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul, Estelle explained how the song came to fruition: "We were just messing about in the studio, joking around. And John (Legend) just said to me 'Why don't you write a song about meeting an American boy?'. So I was like 'Well, that's pretty easy' - because I have a lot of male friends out there in New York. And I unwittingly ended up creating a new ladies' anthem!"{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Pete|title=To Estelle and Back|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/255/to_estelle_and_back/|work=Blues & Soul|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-date=15 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915143356/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/255/to_estelle_and_back/|url-status=dead}} She also spoke about West's involvement on the song, commenting "Kanye basically just brought his own cheeky self to the track, his own sense of humour. At first he was like 'How can you rap over a dance beat?' - and now he's DONE it!" Instrumentation on the track includes drums, keys, synths, and bass; the former were provided by will.i.am while Caleb Speir provided the latter. will.i.am also co-recorded and co-engineered the song with Padriac Kerin at The Record Plant in Hollywood, Florida as well as Hit Factory Criteria and Circle House Studios in Miami. Serge Tsai mixed the song and recorded West's rap at Platinum Sound Recording Studios in New York City.

"American Boy" is an R&B, disco and funk song with a tempo of 118 beats per minute. Estelle's vocals, which have been described as "sweet" and "flirty", ranges from B₃ to E₅.{{cite news|title=Digital Sheet Music – Estelle "American Boy"|via=MusicNotes.com|publisher=EMI Music Publishing}} Timothy Gabriele of PopMatters described Estelle's vocals as those of one connecting "with her inner soul chanteuse". West's rap verse has been described by The New York Times{{'}}s Jon Caramanica as "perfunctory" and idling "cool".{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Caramanica|title=CRITICS' CHOICE New CDs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/arts/music/05choi.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|access-date=27 January 2014|date=5 May 2008}} Lyrically, the song describes a foreign woman's interest in a male American suitor, listing places such as New York and Los Angeles as sites she wants to visit. Timothy Gabriele of PopMatters found the song's lyrics to be about "the thrill of new experience, the excitement of a being in a fresh, unexplored environment while simultaneously meeting someone new."

"American Boy" was released as the second single from Shine on 24 March 2008.{{cite web|title=American Boy|url=https://www.hmvdigital.com/releases/327369|publisher=HMV|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204012846/https://www.hmvdigital.com/releases/327369|archive-date=4 February 2014|url-status=dead}} "American Boy" was released on third CD single formats, as well as a promo single, a maxi single, and 12-inch picture discs. The second CD single contains a radio remix of the song by UK dance and remix group Soul Seekerz. The third CD single features "Lift to Me", a song recorded by US rapper and producer Hi-Tek, featuring Estelle, for his fourth studio album Hi-Teknology 3 (2007). It also includes the music video for the single. The maxi single includes several remixes of the song by Soul Seekerz and TS7 as well as the uncensored version, the version excluding West rap segment, and the song's instrument. The promo single features remixes by TS7 and different versions of the single. The 12-inch disc includes the TS7 remix and remixes of the previous single "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" by British electronic duo The Count & Sinden and British disc jockey Aaron Ross. The 12-inch promo features "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" and instrumental versions of both songs.

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Mariel Concepcion of Billboard called "American Boy" "a charming duet with West".{{cite magazine|last=Concepcion |first=Mariel |title=Shine - Estelle |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3i9fd76a66aebe6d4ce3a1d0a0d2c94e0c |magazine=Billboard |access-date=18 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503212854/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3i9fd76a66aebe6d4ce3a1d0a0d2c94e0c |archive-date=3 May 2008 |url-status = dead}} Andy Kellman of AllMusic, Luke Bainbridge of Observer Music Monthly and Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine named the song as a standout on its parent album.{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|title=Shine - Estelle|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/shine-mw0000783329|work=AllMusic|access-date=18 January 2014}}{{cite web|last=Bainbridge|first=Luke|title=Reviews: 11-25|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/mar/16/popandrock.shopping7|work=The Observer|access-date=27 January 2014|date=15 March 2008}}{{cite web|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|title=Estelle: Shine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/estelle-shine|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=23 January 2014|date=22 April 2008}} Bill Lamb of About.com gave the song a four star rating, listing the chemistry between Estelle and West, the song's beat and Estelle's vocals as the song's highlights. Lamb also added "This song is perfection for a slick, summery glide across the dance floor."{{cite web|last=Lamb|first=Bill|title=Estelle featuring Kanye West - "American Boy"|url=http://www.top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/estelleamerican.htm|website=About.com|access-date=23 January 2014|archive-date=3 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203212550/http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/estelleamerican.htm|url-status=dead}}

Alex Fletcher of Digital Spy found "American Boy" to "boasts bags of self-confidence ("Don't like his baggy jeans but I like what's underneath 'em," she purrs at one point), a winning chorus and sultry, super-sleek production from Will.i.am and John Legend" while commenting "it shouldn't have taken a guest spot from the self-proclaimed King of Hip-Hop to make this tune a hit."{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=Alex|title=Estelle ft. Kanye West: 'American Boy'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/review/a91322/estelle-ft-kanye-west-american-boy.html|work=Digital Spy|access-date=23 January 2014|date=11 March 2008}} Timothy Gabriele of PopMatters called the song "an essential piece of ebullient summer musical manna rained down from empyreal heights and granted to us passive listeners as one final gift before the world spirals off into an inescapable vortex of cyclones, earthquakes, economic collapse, and a doom-sealing Presidential race."{{cite web|last=Gabriele|first=Timothy|title=Estelle: Shine|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/estelle-shine/|work=PopMatters|access-date=23 January 2014|date=27 May 2008}} Joshua Love of Pitchfork praised the song's hook and will.i.am's production work.{{cite web|last=Love|first=Joshua|title=Estelle: Shine|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11498-shine/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=23 January 2014|date=27 May 2008}} while Omar Jenning of The Skinny was dismissive of West's rap interlude.{{cite web|last=Jenning|first=Omar|title=Estelle - Shine|url=http://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/records/42517-estelle_shine|work=The Skinny|access-date=23 January 2014|date=23 April 2008}} Ben Hogwood of musicOMH lauded the song as an example of how "Estelle has added a large pinch of soul to take her music to the next level."{{cite web|last=Hogwood|first=Ben|title=Estelle – Shine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/estelle-shine|work=musicOMH|access-date=27 January 2014|date=31 March 2008}}

In 2009, "American Boy" earned Estelle and Kanye West a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, while receiving a nomination for Song of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/51st_Show/list.aspx |title=GRAMMY.com |access-date=3 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204185746/http://www.grammy.com/Grammy_Awards/51st_show/list.aspx |archive-date=4 December 2008 |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-coldplay-lead-nominations-for-51st-annual-grammy-awards-20081203|title=Lil Wayne, Coldplay Lead Nominations for 51st Annual Grammy Awards|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=3 December 2008|access-date= 18 August 2011}} The song received a nomination for BRIT Award for Best British Single.{{cite web|title=Estelle |url=http://www.brits.co.uk/artist/estelle |work=BRIT Awards |access-date=26 January 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117211251/http://www.brits.co.uk/artist/estelle |archive-date=17 January 2014 }} The single won Best Song at the 2008 MOBO Awards.{{cite news|title=The MOBO Awards 2008|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/events/mobos08.shtml|access-date=15 December 2017|publisher=BBC|date=15 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907091559/http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/events/mobos08.shtml|archive-date=7 September 2017}} The song was nominated for Best R&B/Urban Dance Track at the 2009 International Dance Music Awards.{{cite web|title=2009 International Dance Music Awards|url=http://wintermusicconference.com/events/idmas/index.php?wmcyear=2009|publisher=Winter Music Conference|access-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204200/http://wintermusicconference.com/events/idmas/index.php?wmcyear=2009|archive-date=17 August 2017}} It received a nomination for Outstanding Duo or Group at the 40th NAACP Image Awards.{{cite news|author1=Tim Henley|title=2009 NAACP Image Awards Nominations|url=http://newsok.com/article/3815567|access-date=17 December 2017|publisher=News OK|date=11 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306024639/http://newsok.com/article/3815567|archive-date=6 March 2016}} "American Boy" was nominated for Best International Song at the NRJ Music Awards 2009.{{cite news|title=NRJ Music Awards 2009|url=http://musique.ados.fr/news/nrj-music-awards-2009-nomines-nominations_article9131.html|access-date=17 December 2017|publisher=Musique|date=20 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424093046/http://musique.ados.fr/news/nrj-music-awards-2009-nomines-nominations_article9131.html|archive-date=24 April 2016}} The song won Best Collaboration at both the 2008 UK Urban Music Awards,{{cite web|title=UMA Nominees & Winners 2008|url=http://www.urbanmusicawards.co/uma-nominees-winners-2008/|publisher=Urban Music Awards|access-date=21 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126100700/http://www.urbanmusicawards.co/uma-nominees-winners-2008/|archive-date=26 November 2016}} and the 2009 Urabn Music Awards.{{cite news|title=Rihanna scoops two Urban Music wins|url=http://metro.co.uk/2009/07/20/rihanna-scoops-two-urban-music-wins-283196/|access-date=21 December 2017|publisher=Metro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222026/http://metro.co.uk/2009/07/20/rihanna-scoops-two-urban-music-wins-283196/|archive-date=13 November 2017 }} The music video earned a nomination at the 2009 MTV Australia Awards for Best Collaboration.{{cite news|title=MTV Australia Awards 2009 Nominees|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/lady-gaga/news/the-vodafone-mtvaas-nominees|access-date=15 December 2017|publisher=MTV|date=27 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013231549/http://www.mtv.com.au/lady-gaga/news/the-vodafone-mtvaas-nominees|archive-date=13 October 2017}}

"American Boy" was listed number 7 on the 100 Best Songs of 2008, published by the music magazine Rolling Stone.{{cite magazine|title=The 100 Best Singles of 2008|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/24947047/the_100_best_singles_of_2008/2|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229022339/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/24947047/the_100_best_singles_of_2008/2|archive-date=29 December 2008|url-status=dead|date=25 December 2008}}Blender named it the fourth best song of 2008.{{cite web |title=Blender's 1001 Downloads: The Top 144 Songs of 2008 |url=http://www.blender.com/articles/default.aspx?key=45697&pg=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327113706/http://www.blender.com/articles/default.aspx?key=45697&pg=10 |archive-date=27 March 2009 |date=11 November 2008}} The song also ranked the 10th best song of 2008{{cite web |title=The 100 Best Tracks of 2008 |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/?page=10 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=5 January 2019 |date=15 December 2008}} and 238th on the Top 500 songs of the 2000s, published by Pitchfork.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7685-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-500-201/6/ |title=Staff Lists: The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 500-201 |website=Pitchfork |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=20 June 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100622031202/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7685-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-500-201/6/|archive-date= 22 June 2010}} The Village Voice{{'}}s Pazz & Jop annual critics' poll ranked "American Boy" at number 2 to find the best music of 2008, after M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes". MTV listed the song fourth on its list of "Best Songs of 2008".{{cite web |author1=James Montgomery |title=The Best Songs Of 2008 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1601017/the-best-songs-of-2008-in-bigger-than-the-sound/ |website=MTV |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121102333/http://www.mtv.com/news/1601017/the-best-songs-of-2008-in-bigger-than-the-sound/ |archive-date=21 January 2015 |date=9 December 2008}} PopMatters named "American Boy" the best single of 2008.{{cite web |title=The Best Singles of 2008 |url=https://www.popmatters.com/66604-the-best-singles-of-2008-10-1-2496096640.html |website=PopMatters |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801001819/https://www.popmatters.com/66604-the-best-singles-of-2008-10-1-2496096640.html |archive-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 December 2008}} BBC America listed "American Boy" at eighty-five on its list of "Top 100 British Songs of the 21st Century".{{cite web |title=100 Greatest British Songs of the 21st Century |url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2015/11/100-greatest-british-songs-of-the-21st-century-so-far/2 |website=BBC America |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208014828/http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2015/11/100-greatest-british-songs-of-the-21st-century-so-far/2 |archive-date=8 December 2018 |date=25 November 2015}} in 2019, Time Out included it in its list of the 50 best songs of the 2000s.{{cite web |title=The 50 best songs of the 2000s |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/music/the-50-best-songs-of-the-2000s |website=Timeout |access-date=9 December 2020 |date=3 January 2019}} In 2020, The Guardian named it the eighty-fifth greatest ever UK no. 1.{{cite web |title=The 100 greatest UK No 1s: 100-1 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/apr/27/the-100-greatest-uk-no-1s |website=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302025537/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/apr/27/the-100-greatest-uk-no-1s |archive-date=2 March 2022 |date=5 June 2020}}

"American Boy" proved to be an international success, outperforming Estelle's previous singles in the United Kingdom and stands as her most successful single worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 72 on 31 March 2008. It dropped out of the Top 75 the following week and re-entered at number one a week later, where it remained for four consecutive weeks.{{cite web|title=UK Singles Chart (March 29, 2008)|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080323/7501/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=18 January 2014|date=29 March 2008}} It lasted thirty two weeks on the singles chart, earning a triple platinum certification for sales exceeding 1,800,000 copies. It landed on the UK year end chart at number six and on the end of the decade chart at number 83. In Ireland, "American Boy" entered the singles chart number eight and rose to peak at number two one week later.

In the Flanders region of Belgium, "American Boy" entered the chart at number 41 on 26 April 2008. The song advanced to the top twenty in the following week and inside the top ten three weeks later. It reached the chart's summit on 7 June 2008, where it remained for another week. The song charted in the top five for eleven consecutive weeks and lasted a total of twenty four weeks on the chart. "American Boy" reached number four in the Wallonia region of Belgium and lasted twenty five weeks on the chart. The song also reached number one in Slovakia; number three in Denmark, France, Hungary and Italy; and number five in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

In Australia, "American Boy" entered the singles chart at number seven, earning the title of the week's "highest debut".{{cite web|title=Australian Singles Chart (May 18, 2008) |url=http://www.australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?year=2008&date=20080518&cat=s |work=ARIA Top 50 Singles |via=Hung Medien |access-date=18 January 2014 |date=18 May 2008 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203121255/http://www.australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?year=2008&date=20080518&cat=s |archive-date=3 February 2014 }} The song rose to number three four weeks later, where it stayed for three consecutive weeks. "American Boy" earned a platinum certification by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for sales exceeding 70,000 units. In New Zealand, the single debuted at number 25 on 31 March 2008 and rose to its peak position of number five four weeks later. The song remained on the chart for thirteen more weeks.

"American Boy" experienced great chart success in the United States. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on 3 May 2008, slowly rising the chart until it reached number 11 almost four months later.{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Hot 100 (May 3, 2008)|url=http://acharts.us/us_singles_top_100/2008/18|magazine=Billboard|via=aCharts.us|access-date=18 January 2014}}{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Hot 100 (August 30, 2008)|url=http://acharts.us/us_singles_top_100/2008/35|magazine=Billboard|via=aCharts.us|access-date=18 January 2014}} It was later removed from iTunes resulting in its fall to number 37 on 6 September 2008.{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Hot 100 (September 6, 2007)|url=http://acharts.us/us_singles_top_100/2008/36|magazine=Billboard|publisher=aCharts.us|access-date=18 January 2014}} The song was re-added to iTunes, causing a resurgence in downloads that aided its rise to its peak position of number nine on 27 September 2008, selling 91,000 downloads.{{cite web|last=Grein|first=Paul|title=Week Ending Sept. 14, 2008: Metallica And The Hard Rock Pantheon|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-14-2008-metallica-and-the-hard-rock-pantheon.html|work=Chart Watch|publisher=Yahoo! Music|access-date=18 January 2014|date=16 September 2008}}{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Hot 100 (September 27, 2008)|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2008-09-27/hot-100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=18 January 2014|date=27 September 2008}} "American Boy" became Estelle's highest-charting single in the United States, ahead of "Thank You" (2011), which only peaked at number 100. It ended the year at number 39 on the Hot 100 year-end chart and as the thirty-third best selling song of 2008.{{cite web|last=Grein |first=Paul |title=Chart Watch Extra: The Year That Songs Overtook Albums |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-the-year-that-songs-overtook-albums.html |work=Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo! Music |access-date=1 February 2014 |date=31 December 2008 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219211720/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-the-year-that-songs-overtook-albums.html |archive-date=19 February 2012 }} The song was also her best selling single there, selling 2 million downloads and earning a double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).{{cite web|last=Grein |first=Paul |title=Week Ending Oct. 4, 2009: A Debut Like Buttah |url=http://www.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-oct-4-2009-a-debut-like-buttah.html |work=Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo! Music |access-date=18 January 2014 |date=6 October 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226165952/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-oct-4-2009-a-debut-like-buttah.html |archive-date=26 February 2014 }} As of September 2009, "American Boy" was the 25th best-selling downloaded song of all time in the UK,{{cite web |title=Lady Gaga crowned queen of the downloads |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6147367/Lady-Gaga-crowned-queen-of-the-downloads.html |website=The Telegraph |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225035638/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6147367/Lady-Gaga-crowned-queen-of-the-downloads.html |archive-date=25 December 2019 |date=7 September 2009}} and as of November 2011, it was the 17th best-selling digital song by a British artist in the United States.{{cite web |title=Chart Watch Extra: Adele Tops Brit Tally |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-adele-tops-brit-tally-183403147.html |website=Yahoo Music |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514214112/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-adele-tops-brit-tally-183403147.html |archive-date=14 May 2012 |date=24 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}

The music video for "American Boy" was directed by Syndrome. It features guest appearances by John Legend, Kardinal Offishall, Sa-Ra's Taz Arnold, Kidz in the Hall's Naledge and Double-O, Danger Mouse, Consequence, Hi-Tek, Ryan Leslie, T.I., Brandon Hines, LL Cool J, and 106 & Park{{'}}s Terrence J, among others. The music video was nominated for Best UK Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, but lost to The Ting Tings' single "Shut Up and Let Me Go" (2008).{{cite web|title=2008 MTV Video Music Awards - Best UK Video|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/28072008/436137/2008_mtv_video_music_awards_best_uk_video|publisher=MTV Networks|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913050812/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/28072008/436137/2008_mtv_video_music_awards_best_uk_video|archive-date=13 September 2008}}{{cite web|title=Ting Tings Win at The VMAS|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/444527-ting-tings-win-at-the-vmas|publisher=MTV Networks|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915030203/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/444527-ting-tings-win-at-the-vmas|archive-date=15 September 2008}} The video also ranked at number 45 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2008 countdown, while its spin-off channel BET J listed it at number 10 on the year-end Last Call 2008! Top 50 Countdown.

Estelle performed "American Boy" at various awards shows, where the song also earned her nominations for several categories. She first performed it on The Friday Night Project on 21 March 2008. Estelle performed the song with Kanye West at the Fête de la Musique on 21 June 2008.{{cite web|title=Fête de la musique sur France 2 : Duffy, Estelle, Willem attendus|url=http://www.leblogtvnews.com/article-20210637.html|website=Le Blog TV News|access-date=31 January 2014|language=fr|date=6 June 2008}} She performed the song at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards with Kanye West singing his rap section, during an image of then newly elected United States president Barack Obama appeared on a giant screen.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} She later performed it at the 2008 World Music Awards, hosted in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a live band.{{cite web|title=Singer Estelle performs at the World Music Awards 2008 at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club on November 9, 2008 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/estelle/photos/3388005/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203190239/http://www.mtv.com/artists/estelle/photos/3388005/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2014|publisher=MTV Networks|access-date=31 January 2014}} Estelle performed a mash up of the song with the Ting Tings "Shut Up and Let Me Go" and "That's Not My Name" at the 2009 BRIT Awards.{{cite web|last=Singh|first=Amrit|title=The 2009 BRIT Awards Looked Like This|url=http://www.stereogum.com/53511/the_2009_brit_awards_looked_like_this/video/|work=Stereogum|access-date=31 January 2014|date=18 February 2009}} West also performed the track at the Coke Live Music Festival in 2011.

• A Russian rapper Timati sampled the music theme for his "Welcome To St.Tropez" song (feat. Bluemarine).
• Busta Rhymes produced a remix version of the song with Estelle, talking over Kanye West's rap section. Both Lost Frequencies and Dutch DJ Brooks also produced remixes of the song in 2019.
• Pitbull remixed the song on the track "American War" from his 2008 mixtape Free Agent, changing the lyrics to be about George W. Bush and the Iraq war, and sampling Edwin Starr's 1970 hit "War" on the chorus.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-jMqV28dxM |title=Pitbull American war |date=2009-06-28 |last=erhantr20 |access-date=2024-07-01 |via=YouTube}}
• The song has also been covered by many artists, including Kid Mac BMK and Casey Donovan, Fall Out Boy, and Sam Sparro. Most notably, Sparro's acoustic rendition of the song was performed on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge appearing on the station's third compilation album and as a B-side to his single "21st Century Life".{{cite web|title=Sam Sparro – 21st Century Life (CD, Maxi-Single)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Sam-Sparro-21st-Century-Life/release/1467507|work=Discogs|date=28 July 2008 |access-date=31 January 2014}}
• A jazz a cappella rendition, performed by Howard University's Afro Blue, aired during Season 3 of the NBC show The Sing-Off.{{Cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Grady |date=January 14, 2020 |title=The Sing-Off recap: Dance to the Music! |url=https://ew.com/recap/the-sing-off-season-3-episode-3/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}
• The song has received international parodies, with the name being changed to the synonymous countries. These parodies include Hamish & Andy's "Armenian Boy" and JoePolitics's "Ukrainian Boy".
• In a 2009 episode of Gavin & Stacey, James Corden and Sheridan Smith performed West's second verse in character as Smithy and Rudi.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/SPwoc39BmqE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20101124184812/http://www.youtube.com//watch?v=SPwoc39BmqE Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPwoc39BmqE| title = Smithy and Rudi rap to Gavin {{!}} Gavin & Stacey - BBC | website=YouTube| date = 2 December 2009 }}{{cbignore}}
• In 2014, Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) and Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) covered the song in the Glee season-finale episode "The Untitled Rachel Berry Project".
• In late 2020, a Fortnite-themed parody called "Chug Jug With You", made in late 2018 by YouTuber Leviathan, became popular on the social media app TikTok.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/22/22295287/fortnite-parody-american-boy-internet-tiktok|title=Fortnite parody 'Chug Jug with You' is taking over TikTok|work=Polygon|last=Diaz|first=Ana|date=Feb 22, 2021|accessdate=17 March 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/chug-jug-with-you-viral-fortnite-meme-tiktok-song|title=Chug Jug With You: A viral Fortnite meme reveals the best thing about TikTok|work=Inverse|last=Colantonio|first=Giovanni|date=February 11, 2021}} On November 20, 2023, the official Fortnite TikTok posted a silent clip that matched up perfectly to the song, leading to speculation that the song could be coming to the game.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-20 |title=Fortnite players convinced viral silent TikTok teasing long-awaited emote |url=https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/fortnite-players-convinced-viral-silent-tiktok-teasing-long-awaited-emote-2391601/ |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=Dexerto |language=en}} Leviathan would later make a post to X, noting that this was not the case.
• In 2022, the beat of "American Boy" was sampled on "Party Time", the debut single from UK comedy rap trio The Northern Boys.{{cite magazine |last1=Kee |first1=Miles |title=The Northern Boys, Rapping Retired U.K. Teachers, Break Down Their Filthy Viral Hit 'Party Time' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/northern-boys-party-time-tiktok-rap-1234598288/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=24 September 2022 |publisher=Penske Business Media, LLC. |access-date=11 October 2022}}
• A Malay version sampled the song entitled "Malaysian Boy".
• A Neapolitan version sampled the song entitled "Napoletan boy" by Brava Martina

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• Digital download{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (File, AAC, Single)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/2095653|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" – 4:45

• CD single – CD 1{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (CD, Single)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/1329741|work=Discogs|date=20 March 2008 |access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" (radio edit) – 3:57

• CD single – CD 2{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (CD, Single)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/1411428|work=Discogs|date=20 March 2008 |access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" – 4:45
2. "American Boy" (Soulseekerz Radio Remix) – 3:52

• CD single – CD 3{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (CD, Single, Enhanced)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/3336517|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" – 4:47
2. "Life To Me" (Hi-Tek featuring Estelle) (non album track) – 5:01
3. "American Boy" (video) – 4:05

• Maxi single{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (CDr, Maxi-Single, Promo)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/1269254|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" (Soul Seekerz Club Mix) – 7:12
2. "American Boy" (Soul Seekerz Radio Mix) – 3:55
3. "American Boy" (Soul Seekerz Dub Mix) – 7:21
4. "American Boy" (TS7 Remix) – 5:43
5. "American Boy" (TS7 Radio Edit) – 3:51
6. "American Boy" (Dirty) – 4:46
7. "American Boy" (No Rap) – 4:10
8. "American Boy" (Instrumental) – 5:09

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• Digital download – Malpractice Remix{{cite web|title=Estelle – American Boy (File, WAV)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-American-Boy/release/2583992|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" (Malpractice Remix) – 7:36

• Promo single{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (CDr, Single, Promo)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/1627324|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" (TS7 Remix) – 5:43
2. "American Boy" (TS7 Radio Edit) – 3:51
3. "American Boy" (explicit) – 4:46
4. "American Boy" (no rap) – 4:10
5. "American Boy" (instrumental) – 5:09

• 12-inch vinyl{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/1288160|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" (explicit) – 4:46
2. "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" (Count & Sinden Remix) – 5:49
3. "American Boy" (TS7 Remix) – 5:43
4. "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" (Aaron Ross Remix) – 6:09

• 12-inch promo vinyl{{cite web|title=Estelle Feat. Kanye West – American Boy (Vinyl, 12", Single, Promo)|url=http://www.discogs.com/Estelle-Feat-Kanye-West-American-Boy/release/3325233|work=Discogs|access-date=30 January 2014}}

1. "American Boy" (album version) – 4:45
2. "American Boy" (Instrumental) – 5:09
3. "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" (album version) – 4:17
4. "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" (instrumental) – 4:17

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Locations

• Recorded and engineered at The Record Plant in Hollywood, California; Hit Factory Criteria Miami and Circle House Studios in Miami.
• Mixed and recorded (West's vocals) at Platinum Sound Recording Studios in New York City.

Personnel

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

• Songwriting – will.i.am, Estelle, John Legend, Kanye West, Josh Lopez, Ethan Hendrickson, Caleb Speir, Keith Harris
• Vocals – Estelle, Kanye West
• Additional vocals – John Legend
• Production – will.i.am
• Recording – will.i.am, Padriac Kerin, Serge Tsai (West's vocals)
• Engineering – will.i.am, Padriac Kerin
• Drum programming – will.i.am
• Keyboards – will.i.am
• Synthesizers – will.i.am
• Guitar – Josh Lopez
• Bass – Caleb Speir
• Mixing – Serge Tsai

{{div col end}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Shine, Atlantic Records, HomeSchool Records.{{cite AV media notes |title=Shine (Liner Notes) |others=Estelle |year=2008|author=Estelle |author-link=Estelle (musician) |type=Compact Disc |publisher=Atlantic, HomeSchool |location=London, England }}

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "American Boy"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|certyear=2008|relyear=2008|award=Platinum|type=single|access-date=12 June 2012}}

{{certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|certyear=2008|certmonth=08|relyear=2008|relmonth=03 |artist=Estelle|title=American Boy|award=Gold|type=single|nosales=true}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|artist=Estelle|title=American Boy|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|certref={{cite web|title=Guld OG Platin I August|url=http://ifpi.dk/?q=content/guld-og-platin-i-august|publisher=IFPI|access-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306051951/http://ifpi.dk/?q=content%2Fguld-og-platin-i-august|archive-date=6 March 2017|language=da|url-status = live}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Estelle|title=American Boy|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2013|access-date=16 April 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|nocert=true|salesamount=54,632|access-date=January 10, 2015|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/mdonline/7267.pdf |title=FIMI Annual Digital Sales Report - 2008|publisher=Federation of the Italian Music Industry |access-date=October 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125084131/http://www.musicaedischi.it/mdonline/7267.pdf |archive-date=January 25, 2016 }}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Estelle feat. Kanye West|title=American Boy|type=single|note=sales since 2009|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2021|access-date=5 July 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Estelle|title=American Boy|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|source=archive}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|certyear=2024|relyear=2008|artist=Estelle Ft Kanye West|title=American Boy|award=Platinum|number=4|type=single|id=10700-3234-1|access-date=5 July 2024|refname="bpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|certyear=2024|relyear=2008|artist=Estelle|title=American Boy|award=Platinum|number=5|type=single|access-date=22 May 2024}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic5vxw3eijY Official Music Video]
• [http://www.myspace.com/estelleonline Estelle MySpace Page]

{{Estelle}}

{{Kanye West songs}}

{{Sam Sparro |state=collapsed}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2007 songs

Category:2008 singles

Category:Estelle (musician) songs

Category:Kanye West songs

Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles

Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles

Category:Number-one singles in Scotland

Category:Number-one singles in Slovakia

Category:Songs about the United States

Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:Songs written by Kanye West

Category:Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Category:Songs written by John Legend

Category:Songs written by Estelle (musician)

Category:Sam Sparro songs

Category:Black-and-white music videos

Category:Songs written by will.i.am

Category:American funk songs

Category:American disco songs

Category:Atlantic Records singles

Category:British funk songs

Category:British disco songs