Xania Monet becomes the first AI artist to chart on US Billboard, with How Was I Supposed to Know? debuting at No. 30 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart and appearing on multiple other Billboard lists as AI-driven acts gain prominence.

Kehlani has voiced concerns on social media about AI potentially replicating copyrighted work without proper credit, reflecting broader debates on copyright and credit.

Critics, including Kehlani, Mac DeMarco and SZA, have criticized AI in music, while ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus has praised AI as a tool, illustrating a divided landscape.

Monet secured a multimillion-dollar record deal with Hallwood Media following industry bidding, signaling rising interest in AI-powered music.

Billboard reporters contacted multiple stations for comment, but few provided responses at press time, underscoring a cautious media environment around AI in music.

Industry activity shows AI acts increasingly appearing in Billboard’s Emerging Artists category, signaling a broader shift toward AI-inclusive creativity.

Reactions in the industry are split: some see AI as innovation and cost-efficient content, while many working artists view it as theft and a threat to authentic artistry.

The industry reaction is mixed, with prominent artists such as SZA and Kehlani publicly opposing AI-based music.

The rise of AI musicians is intersecting with industry tensions, as listener shares shift away from human artists and concerns mount about the future viability of human musicians.

Kehlani’s critical remarks underscore concerns that AI artists can sign lucrative deals without real human effort, raising questions about labor, credit, and compensation.

Public commentary from artists like Lucas Woodland frames AI music as a disruptive force that could threaten traditional musicians if AI support grows unchecked.

Analysts argue AI may not kill music immediately but could erode the meaning and humanity of musical expression if exploitation and uncredited work become standard.