Kelly Clarkson has recently voiced her thoughts on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and music, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges it poses for artists. During an episode of the *Las Culturistas* podcast that aired on 30 September, the renowned singer discussed the creativity that AI can inspire, while also raising concerns about its implications when it competes with human artistry.
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Clarkson, known for her chart-topping hits such as “Since You Been Gone,” expressed her enthusiasm for AI technology as a creative outlet. “I love AI. There are very amazing things with AI that I am obsessed with,” the singer remarked. Her appreciation extends to its artistic opportunities, allowing it to sit alongside traditional human creativity. However, she emphasised that the human element remains essential in producing art.
Despite her fascination with AI, Clarkson drew attention to a key issue: the competition between AI-generated music and human-created songs. She suggested that separate charts should be established to differentiate between the two, arguing that it is unfair for AI artists to vie for the same recognition as their human counterparts. “To chart as an artist is a huge deal,” she stated, pointing out the diluted significance of achievements in a space where the competitors’ natures fundamentally differ.
In an analogy about sports, Clarkson likened the situation to humans competing against optimally engineered robots. This, she believes, compromises the human experience of competition, where attributes that define artistry and emotion are stripped away in favour of cold calculation.
Clarkson also cautioned against a simplistic perspective on AI in the creative sphere, noting that many of the tools musicians use today, including auto-tuning, are forms of technology that modify human artistry. She urged her audience to recognise that AI is not a wholly new phenomenon in music creation. The blending of technology with art is thus part of an ongoing evolution rather than a stark disruption.
With AI gradually becoming more entrenched in the music industry, Clarkson underscored the importance of cultivating a form of literacy around its use. “We can’t lose ‘human’,” she remarked, asserting that there will always be a craving for genuine human expression in music. Emphasising the coexistence of AI and human creativity, she stated, “But there can be an appetite for both.”
Clarkson’s views find resonance among other artists in the industry. Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA previously labelled AI as a “great tool,” and has even used it in his creative process for composing a musical. Electronic music producer Zedd has similarly acknowledged the role of AI in his work, remarking on its capacity to streamline the production process. “I wouldn’t have been able to make the music I make if it wasn’t for AI,” he explained, indicating that tools once considered controversial are now integral to modern music-making.
Conversely, several prominent artists, including Billie Eilish and Katy Perry, have expressed unease regarding the role of AI in music. Their concerns culminated in a collective petition in April 2024, calling for a halt to AI’s encroachment into musical creation. This duality of opinion illustrates a growing divide among musicians in terms of their acceptance of AI technology.
As the debate continues, Clarkson’s insightful commentary sheds light on the complexities of integrating AI into the artistic realm. While she acknowledges its potential to augment creativity, she also cautions against allowing it to overshadow the invaluable qualities of human artistry. In a rapidly evolving landscape, Clarkson champions the necessity of distinguishing between human and AI contributions, advocating for a balanced approach that honours the essence of music as a form of human expression.
As artists navigate this new frontier, Clarkson’s perspective serves as a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about the future of music in an age defined by technological advancement. The challenge, as she articulately points out, will be to harness the benefits of AI while preserving the soul of artistic creation.