Christina Aguilera releases powerful new Beautiful music video 20 years later

Beverly Hills, California - Christina Aguilera released a new music video for her hit song Beautiful, and updated it for the problems kids and teens are facing today.

Christina Aguilera has released a new music video to celebrate her album Stripped's 20-year anniversary.
Christina Aguilera has released a new music video to celebrate her album Stripped's 20-year anniversary.  © Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/xtina

Twenty years later, Christina Aguilera still thinks you're beautiful.

The pop star took to Instagram to share an updated music video for her iconic self-love power anthem from 2002.

In the caption, she stressed that her message from 20 years ago still rings true: "We are Beautiful, no matter what they say. A message I will always stand by and a message I prioritize to instill in my own children through every chapter of their lives!"

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The powerful new video tackles the often detrimental messages of social media, which can have negative effects on people's body image and mental health.

Last week, the Genie in a Bottle artist shared her plans for the reboot by writing, "In celebration of the 20-year anniversary of Stripped and World Mental Health Day, I’m honored to share a new music video for Beautiful."

The 41-year-old had a piece of advice for her followers: "Tune out and turn in. Take your space, log off, put your mind, body, and soul first."

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Christina Aguilera wants us to remember that we are still beautiful, 20 years later.
Christina Aguilera wants us to remember that we are still beautiful, 20 years later.  © KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Aguilera further explained the meaning behind one of her most popular songs.

"The original Beautiful set out to bring awareness and a sense of compassion in the face of judgement, criticism, and outside opinions.

"It still carries an important message to remember our core values outside of what’s being fed to us…to find a sense of balance and accepting ourselves for who we are."

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Unlike in the 2002 video, the singer doesn't make an appearance in the new version. Beautiful (2022 Version) follows a group of children and teenagers trying to live up to social media beauty ideals while constantly looking into the glow of their smartphones.

One scene shows young women with what appears to be plastic surgery marks on their faces and bodies. But instead of getting permeant work done, the kids wipe off the marks and go play outside. Other scenes show teens in treatment facilities and struggling with prescription drug use.

The new video ends with a shot of a smartphone oozing with blood and a pointed message that reads: "In the last 20 years, since Stripped was first released, social media has transformed our relationship with our bodies and, in turn, our mental health. Research suggests that time spent on social networking sites is associated with body image issues, self-harm, and disordered eating in children and teens. This needs to change."

In her new Instagram post, the singer further shared: "Today, it’s harder than ever to hear our own voice amongst so many others infiltrating our feeds and minds with mixed messaging ... ultimately leading us to tune-out our own truth and self-worth."

If you or someone you know need help or is struggling with a mental health crisis or emotional distress, please call the Mental Health Hotline at 1-866-903-3787 for free and confidential support.

You can also text "HOME" to 741741 from anywhere in the US, anytime for the Crisis Text Line and access to live, trained crisis counselors.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/xtina

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