Linda Perry Says Christina Aguilera’s Raw “Beautiful” Demo Changed Her Mind About the Song

Linda Perry says she originally did not want Christina Aguilera to record the hit song “Beautiful” because she thought the singer was “too perfect” for it.

Speaking on the Zach Sang Show, Perry recalled meeting Aguilera in the studio shortly after writing the song. Aguilera immediately wanted to record it, but Perry doubted she could connect with its emotional message.

That changed after Aguilera sang the demo version.

Perry said the performance revealed a vulnerable side of the singer and helped her realize that “beautiful people are insecure too.” She then insisted Aguilera keep the original demo vocals, despite Aguilera wanting to re-record them.

According to Perry, the raw and imperfect vocal performance is what made the song relatable and powerful.

Released on Aguilera’s 2002 album Stripped, “Beautiful” became one of her biggest hits. The song won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2004 Grammy Awards and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2022, Aguilera released a new music video for the song’s 20th anniversary. The video highlighted the impact of social media on body image and mental health among young people.