Chad King: Maintaining Identity After Physical Transformation

Chad King, lead singer of the Grammy-winning duo A Great Big World, has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to stop concealing the physical effects of his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, emphasizing that despite changes to his body and voice, he remains fully present as an artist and person.

In an interview with HuffPost published on April 18, 2026, King reflected on years of privately managing his condition while continuing to perform and record music. He described how symptoms of MS — a chronic neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system — had gradually manifested in ways he initially tried to hide from public view, including alterations in his gait, speech, and physical stamina.

&ldquo. Yes, my physical body might look different, and I might sound different, but I’m still here,” King told HuffPost. The statement underscores his shift from concealment to openness, a change he said was motivated by a desire to live authentically and to challenge stigma surrounding invisible illnesses in the entertainment industry.

King co-founded A Great Big World with Ian Axel in 2008, and the duo rose to prominence with their 2013 hit “Say Something,” a collaboration with Christina Aguilera that earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Since then, they have released multiple albums, toured internationally, and contributed music to film and television projects.

Multiple sclerosis, which King was diagnosed with several years prior to his public disclosure, varies widely in symptoms and progression. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, common manifestations include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or weakness in limbs, and changes in speech — all of which King acknowledged have affected his daily life and performance routines.

Despite these challenges, King affirmed that his creative drive and commitment to music have not diminished. He noted that adapting to his evolving physical reality has required adjustments in how he prepares for shows, manages rehearsal schedules, and communicates with bandmates and crew — but that these adaptations have not compromised his ability to connect with audiences.

The decision to speak openly comes amid broader conversations in the music industry about accessibility, disability representation, and the pressures artists face to maintain a certain image. King said he hopes his transparency will encourage others living with MS or similar conditions to feel seen and supported, particularly in high-visibility professions where differences are often scrutinized.

A Great Big World has not announced any changes to their touring or recording plans as a result of King’s disclosure. Representatives for the duo did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication. However, King emphasized in the interview that he continues to write, sing, and perform with the same passion that has defined his career.

As of April 2026, King remains an active member of A Great Big World, with the duo having released new music as recently as late 2025. His public discussion of MS adds to a growing list of musicians who have used their platforms to discuss health challenges, including artists like Selena Gomez (lupus), Toni Braxton (lupus and heart condition), and Montell Jordan (chronic pain), contributing to a gradual shift toward greater openness about health in popular music.