Kelly Clarkson divided many of her fans this week after revealing her “love” for artificial intelligence.
“American Idol” champion and former talk show host shares his excitement for artificial intelligence on the “Las Culturistas” podcast on Wednesday. His approach would probably ruffle feathers.
“It’s controversial, I don’t care,” Clarkson told hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. “Here’s the thing: I love AI. There are so many cool things about AI that I’m obsessed with.”
After stating that he was happy to use artificial intelligence “artistically,” he continued, “I’m having fun with it, just like everyone else.” But when it comes to other artists and musicians embracing the technology, he’s keen on more established ground rules.
“When you see AI artists competing with humans on a roster, I have a problem,” he said. “I think there should be a separate list. I think you’re welcome. I think you’re welcome to the table. I think what we’re going to create with AI and musically is really cool and creative, and maybe people who couldn’t do certain things will be able to do that now.”
Watch Kelly Clarkson’s “Las Culturistas” look below. His comments on AI can be found around 1:22:37.
He continued: “It’s basically like having [the] The Olympics and then you have robots competing with humans. So who will go further? I am curious. I don’t like that and I think it’s a very interesting thing and what we’re going to do with it is going to be fun. But I don’t think they should compete.”
Moments later, Rogers and Yang brought up AI-generated “actor” Tilly Norwood, who has been interviewed by media outlets around the world and appeared on CNN and other television networks, to the chagrin of actress unions.
“We can’t lose the person. We can’t lose what he is,” Clarkson said. “But there might be interest in both, that’s what I’m saying.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Clarkson’s comments had sparked a slew of responses online, mostly negative.
“I hate it when very famous musicians talk about these issues as if they have to fight for attention like smaller, independent, and even slightly successful artists,” one person wrote to X. “It’s like if this bullshit had been around before she won American Idol, she’d be as against it as we are. No contact.”
Another added: “Notice that the AI has no issues other than how it will affect itself?”
Many users on Reddit shared similar thoughts.
One person wrote: “Guess it wasn’t too surprising and was on brand for her.” “But it’s a wonderful, dark reminder that these people we all venerate for their talent and creativity are still caught up in artificial intelligence.”
Three-time Grammy winner Clarkson wrapped her self-titled daytime talk show in August after seven seasons on NBC. Last month, she returned to “The Voice” as a coach after a three-year hiatus and hinted at plans to release new music after releasing her latest single, “I’d Be Lyin'” in July.
Of course, Clarkson is far from the first celebrity to spark controversy with a somewhat bemused approach to artificial intelligence. In April, Reese Witherspoon backtracked after sharing a since-deleted Instagram post explaining why she chose to join the “AI Revolution.”
In a follow-up post on his Instagram story, the actor emphasized that he doesn’t believe computers should replace humanity, adding that he still plans to “learn as much as possible so I can be educated about this technological revolution.”
“If you want to learn with me, great, let’s do it! If you don’t, that’s okay too,” she wrote.