Kelly Clarkson Loves AI, But Says AI Artists Should “Compete” on Separate Charts

During an appearance on Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang's Las Culturistas podcast, Kelly Clarkson expressed her positive view of AI in music, yet firmly stated that AI artists should not be competing against human musicians on the same charts. Clarkson began by saying she loves AI, appreciating its artistic potential, but felt it was inappropriate to pit AI against human performers.

She advocated for a separate chart for AI artists, believing such a move would preserve the unique qualities of human musicians while allowing AI to thrive in its own right. Clarkson noted that AI brings new creative possibilities, enabling people who might not have had the ability to produce certain sounds or styles. However, she cautioned that AI should not be allowed to compete with humans, likening it to the Olympics where robots would be pitted against athletes.

Clarkson emphasized that while AI is here to stay, it is crucial to maintain the distinctiveness of human creativity. She believed both AI and human artists could find an audience, but the two should remain distinct. Other figures in the music industry, like Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun and Boy George, have also embraced AI's potential, though others, including Jack Antonoff and Grimes, have voiced concerns about AI's impact on music creation.

Currently, Billboard does not prohibit AI-generated music from its charts, with Xania Monet becoming the first AI artist to enter the lists in September 2025, subsequently signing a $3 million record deal.