At the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards, pop icon Christina Aguilera moved audiences to tears with a powerful, stripped-down rendition of her hit song “Beautiful.” The performance came as the five-time Grammy Award winner received the Advocate for Change Award, recognizing her decades-long commitment to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.
Aguilera, known for her powerhouse vocals and outspoken advocacy, became visibly emotional as she sang the song that has long been regarded as an anthem for self-acceptance. According to GLAAD and coverage from major entertainment outlets including Billboard and People, the moment stood as one of the night’s most moving highlights, showcasing Aguilera’s enduring influence both as an artist and as an ally.
A Song That Defined a Generation
Released in 2002 as part of Aguilera’s critically acclaimed album Stripped, “Beautiful” was written by Linda Perry and quickly became a global anthem for empowerment and inclusivity. The song’s music video—featuring LGBTQ+ individuals, people of different body types, and those facing bullying—was groundbreaking at the time. It earned widespread praise from advocacy groups and won a GLAAD Media Award in 2003 for its positive portrayal of self-acceptance and diversity.
Over the years, “Beautiful” has become synonymous with Aguilera’s message of authenticity and resilience. Its lyrics, “You are beautiful, no matter what they say,” continue to inspire fans more than two decades later.
During her GLAAD performance, Aguilera reflected on the impact the song has had over the years. “When I sang ‘Beautiful’ in 2002, I never imagined how many people would hold onto it like a lifeline,” she said, addressing an audience filled with LGBTQ+ advocates, artists, and allies.
Christina Aguilera’s Ongoing Advocacy
Aguilera’s connection to the LGBTQ+ community runs deep. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for equality and acceptance. In 2023, she headlined LA Pride in the Park, where she delivered a colorful, celebratory performance that honored queer visibility.
In a 2024 interview with GLAAD, Aguilera noted that her advocacy stems from her own experiences with self-expression and identity in the entertainment industry. “I know what it feels like to be judged or told to fit into a box,” she said. “The LGBTQ+ community has always been about breaking those boxes open—and that’s something I deeply relate to.”
Her contributions extend beyond music. Aguilera has supported various LGBTQ+ organizations over the years, including The Trevor Project, GLAAD, and GLSEN, all of which work to promote safety, mental health, and equality for queer and transgender youth.
The Advocate for Change Award
GLAAD’s Advocate for Change Award recognizes public figures who have made significant contributions to advancing equality and visibility for LGBTQ+ people. Past recipients include Madonna, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and Demi Lovato.
Aguilera’s selection for the 2024 honor was praised by GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis, who highlighted her long-standing influence. “Christina has always used her music and her voice to inspire marginalized communities to embrace who they are,” Ellis said. “She didn’t just create an anthem—she built a movement of empowerment that still resonates today.”
During her acceptance speech, Aguilera acknowledged the importance of continuing the work toward inclusion and mental health awareness. “This award isn’t about me—it’s about every person who has ever felt unseen or unheard,” she said. “You deserve love, safety, and to live your truth without fear.”
A Viral and Emotional Moment
Aguilera’s emotional performance of “Beautiful” quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans and fellow celebrities sharing clips and messages of support. Pop artist Pink tweeted, “We don’t deserve her heart,” while RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Adore Delano wrote, “Crying with you, mama. This song got me through my darkest days.”
Aguilera’s vulnerability on stage was especially poignant, coming just weeks after she had to cancel a string of performances due to vocal strain. “I had to be here tonight, even if my voice cracks,” she told the audience, before being met with thunderous applause and encouragement to continue.
Her performance concluded with a standing ovation, as she was joined on stage by drag performers who harmonized with her on the song’s final chorus. The moment symbolized unity and strength—a testament to how “Beautiful” continues to bring people together across generations and identities.
The Legacy of “Beautiful”
Beyond its chart success, “Beautiful” has had a measurable impact on mental health and LGBTQ+ visibility in pop culture. Advocacy groups and media scholars often cite the song as one of the earliest mainstream pop hits to address self-esteem and identity in a compassionate, inclusive way.
In 2022, Aguilera released a 20th-anniversary version of the music video, updating it to highlight modern challenges such as online bullying, body image pressures, and social media toxicity. The reimagined visual was praised by mental health organizations for drawing attention to the ongoing importance of self-acceptance in the digital age.
“Two decades later, the message of ‘Beautiful’ feels more urgent than ever,” Aguilera said at the time. “We need to remind ourselves and each other that self-worth isn’t defined by outside opinions—it comes from within.”
A Career of Empowerment
Christina Aguilera’s influence extends far beyond her music. Since debuting in the late 1990s, she has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her artistry has often centered around empowerment, individuality, and authenticity—values deeply aligned with the themes of “Beautiful.”
Throughout her career, Aguilera has spoken openly about the pressures of fame, self-image, and personal growth. Her ability to channel vulnerability into strength has inspired millions of fans to embrace their own identities and stories.
As she continues to perform, record, and mentor new artists, Aguilera remains a steadfast advocate for acceptance and equality. Her recognition at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards serves as both a celebration of her legacy and a reminder that art can be a catalyst for change.
A Timeless Message
In an era where conversations about inclusion and mental health remain vital, Christina Aguilera’s tearful performance of “Beautiful” reaffirmed the enduring power of compassion and authenticity in music.
As the final notes echoed through the auditorium, it was clear that her message—one of love, strength, and resilience—still resonates as deeply as it did 20 years ago. Aguilera’s voice, both literally and figuratively, continues to remind audiences worldwide that beauty comes from being unapologetically yourself.