Recorded 2008 | Genre Electronic, dance-pop | |
Released January 6, 2009 (2009-01-06) Format CD single
digital download Length 5:12 (album version)
3:51 (radio edit) Label Konvict Muzik
Universal Motown | ||
"Beautiful" is the third single from Akon's third studio album, Freedom. The song features American pop singer, Colby O'Donis and a rap verse from Canadian rapper, Kardinal Offishall. "Beautiful" was released to radio on January 6, 2009. The song has also been released in other three international versions: in Portuguese with Brazilian singer Negra Li, in Dutch with Dutch singer Brace, and in Spanglish with Mexican singer Dulce María. The rap from the original was removed, and Colby O'Donis' vocals were also removed in favor of the other singers.
Contents
Cover versions
Several cover versions of the song have been recorded. The most notable version of the song is by Sri-Lankan pop group Gravity, who performed the song live at the 2009 premier music competition "TNL Onstage"", resulting in it soon becoming the most aired track on TNL Radio during the months that followed. Australian Clare Bowditch also included a cover of the song as a bonus track on her 2010 studio album Modern Day Addiction.
Different versions
The song has also been recorded in three international versions: in Portuguese, with Brazilian singer and actress Negra Li, in Dutch, with Dutch singer Brace, and in Spanglish, with Mexican singer/actress/songwriter Dulce María. The rap from the original was removed, and Colby O'Donis' vocals were also removed in favor of the other singers.
The Spanglish version was first performed in an event at Mexico, in April 1, 2009. On the next day, it was leaked for airing and on the internet. The Portuguese version was leaked two days before.
The music videos in Portuguese, Dutch and Spanglish were released at YouTube on June 2, 8 and 9, respectively.
On the Australian compilation album So Fresh Summer 2010 only, a version features a singing verse sung by Hayley Williams of Paramore replaced Kardinal Offishall's rapping lines.
Track listing
- "Beautiful" (featuring Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall) - 5:13
- "I'm So Paid" (featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy) - 4:29
- "Beautiful" (featuring Negra Li) - 4:07
- "Beautiful" (featuring Negra Li) [Dance Mix] - 4:01
- "Beautiful" (featuring Dulce Maria) - 4:06