Kesha faces backlash over apparent AI-generated artwork for new single ‘Delusional’

22 November, 2024

Kesha performs in 2024

Kesha is facing a backlash from fans after the cover for her new single ‘Delusional’ was accused of using AI-generated artwork.

The singer announced news of the track by sharing a post on Instagram, alongside a picture of its cover. In it, a bunch of leather handbags are seen strewn across the street, with the word “delusional” spray-painted on each of them.

However, upon closer inspection, aspects of the image seem slightly off – as some of the bags have the word misspelt, while others seem to contain characters that don’t quite resemble real letters.

Because of these details, as well as other minor details in the image, numerous fans have begun thinking that the art was made using artificial intelligence, with some taking to social media to criticise the singer.

“Kesha we love you pleaseeeee don’t resort to Ai. You’re known for your artistry, please don’t use a program that steals from other artists to promote your work,” one commented on the Instagram post. Another added: “Girl please don’t use AI. ur fans have been supporting ur art for years and u should support ours (I’m a graphic designer and this cover sucks tbh)”.

Elsewhere, one quipped that “a selfie would’ve been better”, while many others simply questioned why she allegedly didn’t reach out to a real artist or photographer to get the shot.

On Twitter/X, another criticised Kesha for the seemingly-AI cover single, writing: “kesha ilysm but never use ai ever again… not only it has many errors, it is also disrespectful to designers… This post is not meant to hate on kesha. I love this woman so much, it’s just necessary to call artists out when they do something not cool.”

“As a visual artist I’m offended, someone who is privileged enough to afford designers using AI to save bunch of bucks is truly decline of creativity. yeah not supporting on this one,” someone else shared. See more responses below.

The single is set to drop on November 29, and can be pre-saved here. It comes following the release of recent single ‘Joyride‘. It is worth noting that neither Kesha nor anyone on her team has confirmed whether or not the artwork was in fact made with an AI platform.

The backlash towards Kesha over the alleged use of AI comes shortly after Tears For Fears were also at the centre of controversy, when they used an AI-generated cover of their own in September.

Speaking out after criticism from fans, the members confirmed that the cover was “envisioned in collaboration with” digital creator Vitalie Burcovschi. “The ‘Songs For A Nervous Planet’ album artwork is a mixed media digital collage, with AI being just one of the many tools used in the creative process,” they explained.

“We wanted vibrant artwork that evoked a sense of sci-fi, futuristic themes, and an escape from what is known. The sunflowers are a joyful nod to classic Tears For Fears imagery, while the juxtaposition of the astronaut is a link to our upcoming song, Astronaut, and a sense of alienation and not belonging. We have been fans of Surrealistly’s work for a long time and knew he would be the perfect artist to bring our vision to life.”

The use of AI in creative fields has been a growing topic of debate in recent years. Back in April, Billie Eilish, Robert Smith, Stevie Wonder and Nicki Minaj were among the famous artists who signed an open letter warning against the “predatory” use of artificial intelligence.

Before then a new act was approved in Tennessee to protect musicians from AI deepfakes. That move came after several US politicians argued for the need for legislation to catch up with advancements in AI technology after graphic AI images of Taylor Swift circulated widely on social media in January.

More recently, Radiohead‘s Thom Yorke, ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and other industry figures were among those who signed a statement against using creatives’ work to train AI, Mark Zuckerberg said that it may lead to some “interesting” but “soulless” tracks, and David Attenborough said he was “profoundly disturbed” by an AI clone of his voice.

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