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Grammy Awards CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., in a landmark statement, confirmed that music featuring elements generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will now be up for award contention. While AI in art has been steadily gaining attention, this move underscores a significant shift in recognizing AI’s impact on the music sector. Mason, however, emphasized that while AI elements are recognized, the accolades will continue to be presented to human contributors, not directly to AI systems.
As an affirmation of the rapidly evolving creative industry, the Grammys have made a pivotal decision to include AI-generated music in their award considerations. Harvey Mason Jr. publicized on July 5 that songs featuring AI components are set to be reviewed for award eligibility.
From 2024 onwards, music incorporating AI will be part of Grammy nominations, as revealed by the Recording Academy’s CEO. However, the Academy will not directly award the AI element, maintaining the focus on human contributions.
While this move to accept AI-generated music is momentous, Mason was keen to stress that the Grammy Awards will persist in celebrating human ingenuity. Therefore, while AI’s role is acknowledged, the actual awards will be presented to the human artists, ensuring the Grammys’ core values of human talent and craftsmanship are preserved.
The decision to incorporate AI-created music into the Grammy Awards has sparked fervent reactions among fans and industry commentators. Reactions on social media platforms are mixed, with some voicing their discontent with the inclusion of AI.
A fan voiced their skepticism over the decision, branding it as “ludicrous.” In contrast, some fans backed the announcement, arguing that the awards needed to stay abreast of contemporary trends. Another fan chimed in stating that AI’s role in music production has been a reality “for some time now.”
Mason Jr. underscored that music featuring AI components is eligible for nomination. He stated:
“Music, inclusive of AI-produced elements, is eligible for entry and consideration for a Grammy nomination. Period.”
The forthcoming Grammy Awards, set for February 4, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will be the inaugural event to entertain the prospect of AI-created music being nominated. The ceremony will serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate music produced with the aid of AI in an innovative and groundbreaking manner.
During a previous Grammy weekend, distinguished musicians Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, and Lil Wayne were honored for their impact.
In a connected news story, famous music producer Timbaland has recently faced criticism for his plans to launch a start-up centered around AI-produced music.
