Cher, the first artist to utilize auto-tune in a music track, has expressed her disapproval of the rampant AI technology in the entertainment realm, going as far as suggesting its use should be prohibited. Despite her innovative past with technology in music, she stands firm in her belief that the current trend of AI is “out of control.”
At 77 years old, Cher was taken aback when she stumbled upon an AI-created rendition of her performing a Madonna song. This incident highlights the ongoing issue in the entertainment industry, where AI is used to generate tracks with the recognizable vocals of artists from various eras, all done without their permission.
“Not AI,” said Cher in an interview with AP. “Someone did me singing a Madonna song and it was kind of shocking. They didn’t have it down perfectly. But also,” she continued, “I’ve spent my entire life trying to be myself, and now these a******* are going to go take it? And they’ll do my acting and they’ll do my singing? And I mean, it’s just… it’s out of control.”
The controversy extends beyond the music industry, stirring unrest among screenwriters and actors in the film and TV sectors. Many in these professions worry about being replaced by AI without fair compensation. Amidst this turmoil, reports from the previous summer indicated that Google was negotiating with major music labels to acquire licenses for the voices and melodies of artists for AI-generated songs, offering artists the choice to opt-out.
“I’m telling you if you work forever to become somebody — and I’m not talking about somebody in the famous, money part — but an artist and then someone just takes it from you, it seems like it should be illegal,” she added.
While some musicians view regulated AI usage positively, Cher is resolute in her opinion that adopting such technology marks a regression. Her outspoken criticism underscores the tension between innovation and ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving landscape of entertainment.
Featured image: Credit: Ralph_PH, Wikipedia
