Kelly Clarkson Says 'There Should Be a Separate Chart' To Prevent AI From Competing Against Human Artists

Kelly Clarkson is enthusiastic about AI developments and its place in the music industry, but she is drawing a line between the machine and the musicians.

The singer is all for experimenting with AI, as it allows creative tools for people who don't have access to them. However, Clarkson has made it clear that she wants to separate AI artists from humans. Her solution? Give AI music its own chart.

Clarkson 'Loves AI' but Is Careful To Distinguish It From Human Works

Clarkson shared her takes on AI in the 30 September episode of 'Las Culturistas', hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. The discussion came during the 'I Don't Think So Honey' segment, where guests are given one minute to deliver a take or rant on a topic of their choosing.

Clarkson used this as an opportunity to explain her enthusiasm for AI while clarifying the restrictions she believes are necessary. 'Here's the thing,' she said. 'I love AI. There are very amazing things with AI that I am obsessed with, and I'm very into it artistically, too. I have fun with it just like everybody else does.'

'But when you see AI artists competing on a chart with humans, I have an issue,' she clarified. 'I think there should be a separate chart.'

The 'Since U Been Gone' singer welcomed the avenues that AI-generated music would open for artists who wanted to try something new.

'I think it's welcome. I think it's really cool and creative what we're going to create with AI, musically. People that maybe can't do certain things will maybe be able to do it now,' she said.

'I think it's a fun field to play in, but I don't think that they should be competing with humans. It's basically like having the Olympics and then you're having robots compete with humans,' she elaborated. 'Well, who's gonna throw further? Oh, I wonder.'

'I'm down with it, and I think it's a very interesting thing, and what we're gonna do with it is gonna be fun. But I do not think they should be competing.'

Clarkson's Pro-AI Stance Receives Backlash From Podcast Listeners

The response to Clarkson's statement on the podcast included criticism from listeners. Critics slammed her pro-AI stance despite the limitations she wished for its role in the music industry.

'Disappointing episode. God forbid we disagree with or push back on a guest. I suppose it is easier to say nothing to keep the celebs coming,' one commenter said on Spotify. 'All three of you are way too smart to ever have a good reason to use ChatGPT. Please stop,' said another.

'Like everyone else, that ChatGPT bull s*** took me out of it. What a gross disappointment. I'm not finishing this episode,' another complained.

'Yeah, it's controversial bc it's legit harming our planet and our brains,' a commenter said in response to Clarkson's statement.

Artists Wrestle With Opposing Stances on AI in Music Production

Kelly Clarkson's positive attitude towards AI comes at a time when many music artists are taking sides on its role within their work. Like Clarkson, Dr. Dre has been vocal about how he uses AI in his process, while rapper Tyler, the Creator has criticised the use of AI in creative work.

'I think AI needs to do the mundane sh*t like figure out the robot to fix these f*cking potholes or get this damn smog,' Tyler said in Posdnuos and Maseo's 'Art Official Intelligence Radio' back in 2024. 'Adding snares and drawing? Like, no.'

Tyler said he would rather work through his limitations rather than use AI to get around them. 'I'm not about to sit here and AI my voice for some sh*t that I'm not good at. I'm going to just keep trying my best and be pure at it,' he said. 'It's OK to kind of suck at sh*t. I'm just like, leave the arts alone.'

Tyler's comments were echoed by the more than 200 artists who signed an open letter warning against the 'predatory use of AI' in music, with signatories including Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, and Jon Bon Jovi.

'We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists' voices and likenesses, violate creators' rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,' the letter states.