The Grammys have clarified that AI-generated music will be eligible for the award starting in 2024, as the music industry embraces the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. Harvey Mason, CEO and president of the Recording Academy, stated in an interview that music containing elements created by AI can be considered for a Grammy nomination. However, the Academy will not specifically award a Grammy for the AI portion of a track. For example, if an AI voice model sings lead vocals, it may qualify for the songwriting category but not the performance category, as the performance is not a human creation. The Academy aims to ensure that technology enhances human creativity rather than replacing it.
The decision by the Academy follows an update to its rules and eligibility criteria, which stated that works without human authors do not qualify for any category. The increasing use of AI, exemplified by the emergence of the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, has prompted ed the industry to address the inclusion or exclusion of AI in music. Some artists, like Grimes, have embraced AI and expressed willingness to share royalties with creators who use her tracks successfully. However, rapper Ice Cube has criticized AI, considering it a threat and vowing to sue anyone imitating his voice on an AI track and the platform hosting the song.
The Grammys have taken the issue of AI in music seriously, holding a summit with industry leaders to discuss its future. Mason envisions AI technology being used in many records and songs this year. The clarification from the Academy allows AI-generated music to be recognized and celebrated within the Grammy framework while ensuring that human creativity remains central to the artistic process.
