The singer Cher is recognized as the first artist to use auto-tune on a track, but she won’t be adopting “out of control” AI technology.
Cher strongly criticized the use of AI in the entertainment industry and proposed that it should be banned. The 77-year-old expressed her astonishment upon hearing an AI-generated version of her performing a Madonna song.
Cher Criticizes AI for Playing a Fake Rendition of Her Covering a Madonna Song
When asked about the rapidly advancing technology by AP, Cher said, “It’s not AI.”
“Someone created a rendition of me singing a Madonna song, and it was rather surprising. They didn’t quite capture it perfectly.
“But the thing is, I’ve dedicated my entire life to being true to myself, and now these folks are going to try to imitate it? They’ll handle my acting; they’ll handle my singing.
“And honestly, it’s just… it’s getting out of hand.”
The star’s remarks coincide with the ongoing trend where fans and creators use AI to produce tracks using the recognizable vocals of artists, both from the past and present, without obtaining their consent.
Concerns have also arisen in the film and TV industry, with screenwriters and actors expressing worries about AI taking over their roles without fair compensation.
Reports during the summer indicated that Google was negotiating with prominent music labels to license artists’ voices and music for AI-generated songs, while allowing artists the option to decline participation.
While some musicians have expressed support for the controlled use of AI, Cher remains firm in her belief that embracing it would be a misguided move.
She further stated, “I’m telling you, if you dedicate your entire life to becoming an artist—and I’m not referring to fame or money—but to truly be an artist, and then someone simply appropriates it, it feels like it should be against the law.”
Cher’s Pioneering Use of Technology in Music
The American singer isn’t fundamentally opposed to the incorporation of new technology in music; her most famous song, “Believe,” was recognized as the pioneering use of auto-tune in 1998.
“When we used it, it wasn’t referred to as [auto-tune], it was a pitch machine,” she explained.
She recalled a disagreement with her longtime producer, Mark Taylor, regarding the song when he introduced the new technology.
It began, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is the greatest thing ever.’ And I realized, ‘You don’t even recognize it’s me. This is the best thing ever.’ And then we gave each other a high-five.”
Cher is currently promoting her new holiday album, “Christmas,” released on Friday, and an upcoming 25th-anniversary edition of her Grammy Award-winning album “Believe,” set to be released next month.
