The problem with Xania Monet: The AI-generated singer who has amassed millions of followers

"Her ballad, How Was I Supposed to Know?, debuted at number 30 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart after reaching number one on the digital R&B sales chart, going viral on TikTok, and accumulating more than seven million streams on Spotify. As of the publication of this article, it has almost 12.5 million plays."

"It's what commercial music has been honing for decades: an intimate tone, a tale of fragility, and a production that mimics 2000s R&B, aimed somewhere between Brandy, Aaliyah, and Toni Braxton. The song speaks of growing up without a father figure and learning to love oneself."

"According to a 2024 study, almost half of young people in the U.S. were open to AI-generated music as long as it made them feel something. The question is no longer Is this artist real? but rather Does this artist match my mood?"

"Authenticity is an effect: if the voice moves you, its origin matters little. In fact, for a large segment of Generation Z, authenticity is no longer defined by who creates a work."

Xania Monet, an AI-generated singer created by Mississippi poet Telisha Nikki Jones using Suno technology, achieved significant commercial success with her ballad 'How Was I Supposed to Know?', reaching number 30 on Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart and accumulating over 12.5 million Spotify streams. The song's appeal stems from its intimate tone, relatable narrative about fatherlessness and self-love, and production mimicking 2000s R&B aesthetics reminiscent of Brandy, Aaliyah, and Toni Braxton. A 2024 study reveals nearly half of young Americans accept AI-generated music if it evokes emotional responses. This shift challenges traditional notions of artistic authenticity, suggesting the defining question has evolved from 'Is this artist real?' to 'Does this match my mood?', potentially enabling algorithmic optimization of emotional content.

Read at english.elpais.com