Mudvayne and HELLYEAH frontman Chad Gray has released a new music video for his cover of Christina Aguilera’s 2002 hit single “Beautiful.” Originally penned by 4 Non Blondes vocalist Linda Perry, the song has become a personal statement for Gray, who says its message of self-acceptance and overcoming insecurity resonates deeply with his own experiences.
Gray explained that the song’s themes of finding inner beauty and learning to accept yourself were what initially drew him to the track. His connection to its message has only grown stronger through his journey toward sobriety and personal growth.
“I have struggled my entire life with all of those things so when I heard it years ago, it spoke to me, I felt what Linda Perry was trying to say with the lyrics. As I have found sobriety and worked on myself, I have found even more of a connection with this song. My songwriting has always been driven by my experiences and feelings, from dark to light from helpless to hopeful.”
Although Gray didn’t write the original song, he wanted to reinterpret it through his own musical lens, bringing a heavier sound to Aguilera’s pop classic. The vocalist also acknowledged that a metal-leaning cover of “Beautiful” might not have been something fans expected from him in 2026.
“Although I didn’t write ‘Beautiful,’ I am passionate about its meaning so I wanted to put my own spin on it. I know no one had me covering a pop song in 2026 on their bingo card, but here we are. I changed the bridge, got the scream, big drums, and big guitars in there. Maybe some of the metal family can hear it and find their own self-love because we are beautiful no matter what they say.”
Perry has also weighed in on Gray’s interpretation, offering her approval of his performance and the passion he brought to the material.
“It made me smile. His passionate and fearless vocals get a thumbs up from this listener.”
The newly released music video for Gray’s version of “Beautiful” was directed by Alex Bemis. The cover brings a heavier approach to the song while keeping its central message of self-worth and acceptance intact.
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