Chad Gray has taken an unexpected musical turn ahead of Good Things Festival, releasing his own version of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful’ and giving the 2002 pop ballad a considerably heavier makeover.
It’s not necessarily the song you’d expect from a vocalist who’s spent three decades fronting Mudvayne and HELLYEAH, but for Gray, the decision to cover Linda Perry’s composition has little to do with surprising his metal audience.
The singer has released his interpretation alongside a music video, opening with restrained, melodic vocals before building into distorted guitars, pounding drums and the kind of screams that have become synonymous with his work.
Behind the heavier arrangement is a song Gray says he’s connected with for years, particularly its message about self acceptance and the struggle to overcome insecurity.
“As I have found sobriety and worked on myself, I have found even more of a connection with this song.”
Gray explained that those themes have followed him throughout his life, and while he didn’t write ‘Beautiful’, its lyrics reflect many of the emotions he’s explored in his own songwriting.
He also knows that a Christina Aguilera cover probably wasn’t what most fans were expecting in 2026.
Rather than simply reproduce the original, Gray reworked the bridge and introduced heavier guitars, drums and screamed vocals, hoping the song might resonate with listeners who wouldn’t ordinarily connect with a pop ballad.
The response from its songwriter has been encouraging, too, with Linda Perry offering her approval of the new arrangement.
“Chad Gray’s heavy version of ‘Beautiful’ is a must-listen. It made me smile. His passionate and fearless vocals get a thumbs up from this listener.”
Chad Gray ‘Beautiful’ video
The release arrives as Gray prepares to bring his 30 Years of Madnesss show to Australia for Good Things Festival this December, appearing alongside Limp Bizkit, Spiritbox, Simple Plan, Ministry and more.
As previously reported, the performances will see Gray revisit material from both Mudvayne and HELLYEAH with his own backing band, rather than appearing with either group.
It’s a format he’s spent much of the year developing on the road, giving him the opportunity to perform songs from across his career without being tied to one band’s catalogue.
Whether ‘Beautiful’ will make its way into his Australian sets hasn’t been confirmed, although its release offers another glimpse of what Gray is interested in exploring outside his established bands.
Chad Gray – Good Things Festival 2026
Friday, December 4th – Melbourne, Flemington Racecourse
Saturday, December 5th – Sydney, Sydney Showground
Sunday, December 6th – Brisbane, Brisbane Showgrounds
Tickets and information: Good Things Festival
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