AI-Generated Drake and The Weeknd Collaboration Eligible for Grammy Awards

In a groundbreaking development, an AI-generated track featuring the voices of renowned artists Drake and The Weeknd is causing ripples in the music industry, as it garners consideration for two Grammy Awards.

The track, titled “Heart On My Sleeve,” was masterminded by an AI known as Ghostwriter. This artificial intelligence harnessed its capabilities to process vocals and craft a composition that strikingly resembles the signature styles of the aforementioned singers. Remarkably, neither Drake nor The Weeknd participated in the creation of this song.

Despite its controversial emergence in the music sphere, “Heart On My Sleeve” gained significant attention when it was released earlier this year and has continued to make waves, even after being removed from various platforms on multiple occasions.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the eligibility of the AI-generated track for Grammy Awards, stating, “It’s absolutely eligible because it was written by a human.” This assertion underscores the significance of the creative process behind the song, even if the performances were simulated.

The song is now under consideration for two prestigious Grammy Awards categories: Best Rap Song and Song of the Year. Both of these categories emphasize songwriting and composition rather than performance, aligning with the unique nature of “Heart On My Sleeve.”

Following the initial release of “Heart On My Sleeve” earlier this year, Universal Music Group (UMG), the label where both Drake and The Weeknd are currently signed, issued a statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence in music.

The song was initially posted on YouTube in mid-April and subsequently became available for streaming on platforms like Apple, Tidal, Deezer, and Spotify. Reportedly, it garnered over 630,000 listens on Spotify alone.

Universal, recognizing the emerging challenges posed by “deep fakes” and the use of generative AI in music, decided to remove the track from all the aforementioned platforms. In a comprehensive statement, the company addressed the complex issue of AI-generated music, copyright infringements, and artists’ rights.

The statement acknowledged UMG’s history of embracing new technology but emphasized the need to protect artists’ interests and creative expressions. It urged stakeholders in the music ecosystem to consider whether they stand with artists, fans, and human creative expression or with the proliferation of deep fakes and fraudulent content.

Universal emphasized the importance of platforms assuming a legal and ethical responsibility to prevent their services from being misused in ways that harm artists. The statement also commended platform partners for recognizing the need to address these challenges and contribute to effective solutions.

The emergence of AI-generated music and its potential recognition at the Grammy Awards reflect the ongoing evolution of the music industry in the digital age, prompting discussions about artistic authenticity and technological innovation.

As “Heart On My Sleeve” continues to capture attention, it highlights the intricate intersection of technology, creativity, and the ever-evolving music landscape.