"UglyDolls" Soundtrack Lyrics

“UglyDolls (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – Album Guide to Tracks and Key Scenes

Overview

What if “perfection” sounds polished, but the tunes that stick are the messy, joyful ones? UglyDolls answers with a pop-forward soundtrack — Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Bebe Rexha, Pentatonix, Anitta and more — wrapped around a bright, kid-ready musical score by Christopher Lennertz. It’s a jukebox of self-acceptance: buoyant hooks for hope, swaggering villain songs for conformity, and cast-sung showtunes that turn friendship into a chorus.

The story follows Moxy and the Uglyville gang as they tumble into the Institute of Perfection, ruled by preening golden boy Lou. The music maps that arc: candy-colored ensemble numbers introduce community; an arena-sized boast drills the “rules”; breezy covers power training montages; and a reunion finale folds pop and showtune into one big, arms-around-each-other sing-along. The album arrived via Atlantic Records with multiple singles and language variants, while Lennertz’s orchestral/electronic score got its own release later.

Genres in phases: bubbly showtune-pop — belonging and optimism (“Couldn’t Be Better”); electropop villainy — image-obsessed swagger (“The Ugly Truth”); shiny Top-40 pop — self-talk anthems (Rexha’s “Girl in the Mirror,” Clarkson’s “Broken & Beautiful”); a cappella pop — communal momentum (Pentatonix’s “You Make My Dreams”); and orchestral score — warmth for Uglyville, glassy textures for Perfection.

How It Was Made

Composer Christopher Lennertz built both the songs and score, partnering with lyricist Glenn Slater for the original numbers. The creative team stacked the cast with singers (Clarkson, Monáe, Jonas, Shelton) so the onscreen performances could carry set pieces. Atlantic issued the song album near release; later, a dedicated score album followed. STX’s music head Jason Markey oversaw supervision/clearances, with extra attention on multilingual versions for global rollouts.

Tracks & Scenes

“Couldn’t Be Better (Movie Version)” (Kelly Clarkson & UglyDolls Cast)

Where it plays:

Opening Uglyville set-piece as Moxy sings the town awake. It’s diegetic musical storytelling: the community cooks, crafts, and banters as choreography sweeps through streets and rooftops.

Why it matters:

Establishes the film’s thesis — joy over polish — and plants Moxy’s itch to see what’s “over the mountain.”

“The Ugly Truth” (Nick Jonas)

Where it plays:

Lou’s entrance anthem on a stage in Perfection. Screens flare his name while trainees chant; he struts down a catwalk, inspecting posture and smiles like a pop idol drill sergeant. Diegetic performance inside the story.

Why it matters:

The glossy hook sells conformity as spectacle, turning Lou into a chart-ready villain.

“The Uglier Truth” (Nick Jonas)

Where it plays:

Later, in Lou’s office, a darker reprise — whispered threats, smaller room, colder lighting. He plots how to push the Uglies out. Semi-diegetic reprise underscoring scheming.

Why it matters:

Shows the mask slipping: same melody, meaner intent. Reprises equal character development.

“You Make My Dreams” (Pentatonix)

Where it plays:

A cappella cover powers a brisk training/try-hard montage as the gang attempts Perfection drills — synchronized turns, runway walks, smile practice — cut with Uglyville improvisations. Non-diegetic needle-drop propelling motion.

Why it matters:

Communal vocals = teamwork. The familiar classic reframed as a group push toward belonging.

“Girl in the Mirror” (Bebe Rexha)

Where it plays:

Pop self-talk cue over a makeover/pep montage for one of the dolls, intercut with Moxy’s resolve. Non-diegetic; hooks land between dialogue buttons.

Why it matters:

Spells out the film’s self-acceptance credo in radio language kids can chant.

“All Dolled Up” (Janelle Monáe feat. Kelly Clarkson, Pitbull, Gabriel Iglesias & Wanda Sykes)

Where it plays:

Perfection-prep showcase with Mandy firmly in the middle — runway beats, cosmetic routines, twirl-and-pose mini breaks. Diegetic/performative in-world — a staged drill that morphs into a song.

Why it matters:

Monáe’s sheen contrasts Moxy’s earnestness; the duet textures preview their eventual alignment.

“Ugly” (Anitta) — English & multilingual versions

Where it plays:

Album cut used in marketing and international materials; the Portuguese and Spanish versions surface around global releases. Non-diegetic needle-drop context.

Why it matters:

Extends the film’s message beyond the film — same hook, many languages.

“Broken & Beautiful” (Kelly Clarkson)

Where it plays:

Lead single tied to the film’s promotion; appears on the album and in ancillary usage around release. Non-diegetic in most presentations; a pop calling card for the campaign.

Why it matters:

Gives parents a radio-friendly entry point; lyrically mirrors Moxy’s arc.

Score Highlights (Christopher Lennertz)

Standout cues:

Warm woodwinds and strings for Uglyville; crisp synth pulses and tight percussion for Perfection. Expect playful mickey-mousing for slapstick and broad “everybody together” cadences at the finale.

Notes & Trivia

• The film wasn’t originally pitched as a full musical; once “Couldn’t Be Better” clicked, the team expanded into set-piece songs.
• “You Make My Dreams” began as a Pitbull gag version but landed with Pentatonix in the final cut.
• Atlantic dropped multiple singles and a YouTube playlist to drip-feed the album ahead of release.
• The score album arrived months later via a different label, separating pop cuts from orchestral cues.
• Localized versions of Anitta’s “Ugly” amplified the message in Portuguese and Spanish territories.

Reception & Quotes

Critics split on the film but agreed the music is relentless ear-candy designed to move the needle with families. The soundtrack even topped kids-album charts in some markets.

“Revel in imperfection with Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, and Kelly Clarkson.” Apple Music editorial

“Songs first, world-build second — a commercial pop musical in bright plastic.” Album roll-out coverage

“Once the opening number worked, the movie leaned into being a musical.” Billboard interview with the composer

Interesting Facts

• Chart note: The album hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Kids Albums chart.
• Dual releases: Songs on Atlantic; score later on Sony Classical — two distinct drops for two audiences.
• Villain song with bite: Nick Jonas’s “The Ugly Truth” is staged like a pop concert inside the movie.
• A cappella momentum: Pentatonix’s cover supplies rhythmic glue during training bits.
• Global messaging: “Ugly” was re-recorded in Portuguese and Spanish to mirror international launches.

Technical Info

• Title: UglyDolls (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• Year: 2019
• Type: Songs compilation + original score (separate album)
• Songs by: Christopher Lennertz (music) & Glenn Slater (lyrics); performed by Various Artists
• Composer (score): Christopher Lennertz
• Music supervision: Jason Markey (STX music)
• Label(s): Atlantic Records (songs album); Sony Classical (score album)
• Key songs featured: “Couldn’t Be Better (Movie Version)” (Kelly Clarkson & Cast); “The Ugly Truth” / “The Uglier Truth” (Nick Jonas); “You Make My Dreams” (Pentatonix); “Girl in the Mirror” (Bebe Rexha); “All Dolled Up” (Janelle Monáe feat. cast); “Ugly” (Anitta); “Broken & Beautiful” (Kelly Clarkson)
• Release context: Album streeted April 26, 2019 (songs); score released Aug 23, 2019 (digital)
• Availability / notes: Streaming on major platforms; multilingual singles issued for select regions

Questions & Answers

Is UglyDolls a proper musical?

Yes — characters sing story songs onscreen (e.g., the opening and Lou’s big number), with extra pop singles on the album.

Who wrote the songs?

Composer Christopher Lennertz and lyricist Glenn Slater; the film cast and guest artists perform them.

Where does “The Ugly Truth” appear?

When Moxy’s crew first reaches Perfection, Lou performs it like a pop-idol rules lesson.

Is the score on the same album?

No. The pop soundtrack is on Atlantic; a separate score album was released later by Sony Classical.

Which track powers the training montage?

Pentatonix’s cover of “You Make My Dreams” provides the a cappella sprint during Perfection drills.

Key Contributors

Sources: Apple Music (album page); Spotify (album page); Wikipedia (film & soundtrack overviews); Billboard (composer interview; lead single); Film Music Reporter (score release); Discogs (album credits); STX/ETM-LA (supervision); Pentatonix/Atlantic releases; Official trailers and studio clips.

November, 20th 2025