The debate abut the role that AI should play in the music world is raging. Some artists have decried the way that the versatile, almost limitless technology has edged itself into songwriting and singing. Others feel that it has its place, with some reasonable curbs or guardrails built in, maybe. Kelly Clarkson seems to be in the latter camp.
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She sure knows a thing or two about music. Clarkson emerged as a fresh-faced sensation years ago after winning the first season of American Idol. She was America's sweetheart then. Now, Clarkson apparently views AI as a valuable tool but not one that should ever muscle people aside. Can it peacefully co-exist with human beings who are vigorously creating and making music?
Like many new technologies, it's still an unexplored, uncharted frontier. That is very exciting. And daunting as well.
"Here's the Thing - I Love AI"
Clarkson tackled the thorny topic on Wednesday, September 30. She visited the Las Culturistas podcast with hosts SNL alum Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. "Here's the thing — I love AI. There are very amazing things with AI that I am obsessed with. I'm very into it artistically, too. I have fun with it just like everybody else does."
However, the "Breakaway" singer also voiced this caveat. "But when you see AI artists competing on a chart with humans, I have an issue. I think there should be a separate chart."
She Understands That AI Is Here for the Long Haul
Kelly Clarkson has a practical view of AI. It's here, it's not going away despite the backlash, so we might a well learn to live with it. And maybe we should not always frame the situation in a binary way, as AI versus humans. Or one striving for absolute supremacy over the other.
She observed on the podcast, "I think that you have to be able to differentiate between [AI and human creations]. We can't lose 'human.' You can't lose what that is like. You know, there will always be an appetite for that. But there can be an appetite for both, is what I'm saying."
