David Hernandez and Mila Jam Team Up on Beautiful 2.0
David Hernandez’s “Beautiful” has long stood as a defining anthem of self-worth and empowerment. Now, to celebrate the song’s 10th anniversary, Hernandez is unveiling “BEAUTIFUL 2.0,” a bold and emotionally charged reimagining featuring acclaimed transgender artist Mila Jam.
“Mila doesn’t just sing the message—she embodies it,” Hernandez says. “The original video showed people from all walks of life defining beauty for themselves instead of letting the world do it for them. This new version is about standing fully in your power, which feels even more urgent as visibility grows alongside resistance.”
Completely re-produced by Niko The Kid, BEAUTIFUL 2.0 and its official music video arrive on Valentine’s Day, February 14, across all major streaming platforms. From his home in Los Angeles, Hernandez shares more about the song’s rebirth and its renewed purpose.
INTERVIEW >>
You are clearly standing in your power with the release of BEAUTIFUL 2.0.
David Hernandez: When I released “Beautiful” 10 years ago, standing in my power meant having the courage to say, “This is who I am” and to put that truth into the world, even when it felt risky. Today, standing in my power looks quieter but stronger. It’s about choosing alignment over approval, surrounding myself with people who see me fully and being intentional with the projects I say “Yes” to.
What was it about Mila, as both an artist and a human being, that made her the right voice to help expand the song’s meaning?
David Hernandez: Mila is someone who lives her truth in a very unapologetic and loving way, and that combination is powerful. She brings a perspective that expands the song into something more communal and more reflective of where the world is right now.
You and Mila share a real history as friends and former roommates in NYC.
David Hernandez: We knew each other when we were struggling, dreaming, figuring life out in our tiny apartment. That history made this collaboration feel less like a business decision and more like a full-circle moment. We’re friends first.
How did today’s cultural climate influence the way you approached the re- release?
David Hernandez: We’re living in a time where visibility is greater than ever, but so is the backlash that comes with it. That reality absolutely shaped how we approached this. We wanted the video and the performance to feel confident, radiant and grounded. Like, here we are: standing tall and proud no matter what.
Releasing BEAUTIFUL 2.0 on Valentine’s Day reframes the holiday around self- love and chosen family.
David Hernandez: I used to think of love more in terms of romance and external validation. Now I understand love as something much broader. It’s community and chosen family. It’s how you show up for yourself when no one’s watching. Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect moment to celebrate the kind of love that sustains a person, not just the kind that sweeps one off their feet.
Looking ahead, what do you hope a young queer or trans listener takes away from hearing your voice alongside Mila’s on BEAUTIFUL 2.0?
David Hernandez: More than anything, I want them to feel less alone. I want them to hear two voices saying, “You don’t have to shrink to survive. You deserve to take up space exactly as you are.” If this song helps someone feel even a little more seen, a little more confident or a little more hopeful about their future, then it’s doing exactly what it’s meant to do.
“BEAUTIFUL 2.0” and its official music video will be available on all major streaming platforms February 14, 2026.
