Mudvayne and Hellyeah vocalist Chad Gray has released a rock cover of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” transforming the 2002 pop hit into a heavier performance featuring powerful vocals, big guitars and hard-hitting drums.
Known for his distinctive growls and melodic clean vocals, Gray brings both sides of his voice to the Linda Perry-penned song. The cover begins with a slower, stripped-back approach before building into a full-on rock anthem, giving the familiar track a sound that reflects his metal background.
Gray says the song has held personal meaning for him for years, particularly its message of self-acceptance and overcoming insecurity.
“The song ‘Beautiful’ is a song about self-acceptance, finding your inner beauty, and overcoming insecurity,” Gray explains. “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 [songwriter] Linda Perry was trying to say with the lyrics.”
He adds that finding sobriety and working on himself have deepened his connection to the song.
“Although I didn’t write ‘Beautiful,’ I am passionate about its meaning so I wanted to put my own spin on it,” Gray says. “I changed the bridge, got the scream, big drums, and big guitars in there.”
Gray also hopes his version reaches listeners who might connect with its message through a heavier musical approach.
“I know no one had me covering a pop song in 2026 on their bingo card, but here we are,” he adds. “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 given Gray’s interpretation her approval, praising his performance and the intensity he brings to the song.
“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,” Perry says.
Gray has spent three decades in the rock and metal scene as the frontman of Mudvayne and Hellyeah. Mudvayne’s catalogue includes three platinum-certified albums, while the band’s single “Happy?” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Hellyeah’s self-titled album earned Gold certification after selling more than 500,000 copies.
Following a 29-date headline tour featuring songs from across his catalogue, Gray is scheduled to appear at Australia’s Good Things Festival in December 2026 alongside Limp Bizkit, Spiritbox, Bilmuri and Ministry. He is also booked for Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple in 2027.
The Front of the Stage Editorial Team delivers the latest updates in rock, metal, and alternative music, keeping you connected to the pulse of the scene.
