Image source: Getty / Rodrigo Varela / Latin Recording Academy
Christina AguileraThe iconic “Beautiful” music video gets an update 20 years after the song was first released. “In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Stripped and World Mental Health Day, I’m honored to share the new music video for Beautiful, which will be released on October 19th,” Aguilera captioned a snippet of the video posted on October 11th. after World Mental Health Day. “Turn off and on. Take a seat, log out, put your mind, body and soul first.”
At the center of the piece is a room full of young girls in matching two-piece leotards, applying a thick layer of makeup. Overhead, adult voices are heard, advising the girls not to slouch, but wear makeup if they want to be taken seriously and exercise regularly – old sayings that have been foisted on women and girls for decades.
When the original video first debuted in 2002, Aguilera fans were blown away by the beauty of the footage paired with the song emotional lyrics. “You’re beautiful in every way / words can’t bring you down / so don’t bring me down tonight,” Aguilera sings to clips of a woman from anorexia looking at himself in the mirror, same-sex couple kissing, a trans woman prepares to come outand young people are bullied for their appearance.
Since its release, Aguilera’s song and accompanying video have become anthems for them seeking sympathy and reassurance. While it’s human nature to live with the fear of judgment and rejection, Aguilera’s lyrics have lifted the spirits of millions over the past two decades, making her decision to release a new music video on World Mental Health Day all the more meaningful.
Watch Aguilera’s “Beautiful” music video here.
Christina Aguilera “Beautiful” video (2002)
Christina Aguilera “Beautiful” Music Video (2022)
Aguilera’s new music video “Beautiful” will be available on October 19.