Kelly Clarkson has sparked discussion about artificial intelligence after saying she enjoys using AI tools, but clarified that she does not believe AI-generated artists should compete with human musicians on the same music charts.
The singer and The Voice coach made the comments during an appearance on Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, released on Wednesday, 30 September. The wide-ranging episode covered Clarkson's life after The Kelly Clarkson Show. It covered her plans for new music and her use of ChatGPT before turning to the growing role of artificial intelligence in music.
AI Should Not Be Competing
Clarkson spoke positively about ChatGPT during the interview, including discussing how she uses the technology for interior design ideas. The conversation later moved towards AI-generated music, prompting her to discuss where she believes a distinction should be made between AI as a tool and AI-generated performers.
During the programme's closing 'I Don't Think So, Honey' segment, Clarkson objected to AI-created musicians competing directly against human artists in official music charts.
'I don't think that they should be competing with humans,' Clarkson said. She compared the situation to an Olympic competition in which robots would compete against people.
A Reddit Debate
The comments were subsequently shared on Reddit's r/Fauxmoi, where the post focused on the contrast between Clarkson's enthusiasm for AI tools and her objection to AI-generated music competing against human performers. The discussion attracted thousands of votes and hundreds of comments. Reddit users expressed a range of reactions to her position.
Some Reddit users criticised Clarkson for drawing a distinction between AI applications she finds useful and AI entering the music business, while others argued that using AI for personal or practical purposes is different from allowing fully AI-generated recordings to compete commercially with human-created music.
The Rules on AI
Clarkson's comments come as the music industry continues to establish rules around AI-generated recordings and chart eligibility.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry announced in July that it was introducing global principles covering recordings developed with generative AI. Under the framework, recordings using AI can qualify for official charts when the work is substantially human-made, the AI service is properly authorised and lawful, and there are no concerns about stream or chart manipulation.
Australia has also introduced specific rules. The Australian Recording Industry Association said recordings that are fully generated by AI are not eligible for its ARIA Charts, while human-made recordings that use generative AI in limited or supporting ways can remain eligible. The rules took effect with the chart dated 31 August 2026.
Kellyoke Showdown
Clarkson has also recently spoken about AI in connection with her final Kellyoke performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She chose 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters for the programme's final Kellyoke because it was the most requested song. She described the track as 'basically like humans against AI' and said she had to work particularly hard to perform its high notes.
'Golden' was originally performed by EJAE, REI AMI and Audrey Nuna as the voices of the fictional group HUNTR/X in KPop Demon Hunters. Clarkson's performance was part of the final season of her daytime talk show, which ended on 31 August after seven seasons.
Clarkson is now preparing for the next stage of her music career. She released 'I'd Be Lyin' in July 2026 and is returning as a coach on The Voice for its 30th season. She has also teased additional projects, including new music and a project connected to her approaching 25th anniversary in the entertainment industry.
