Kesha Replaces AI Art With Photography Following Criticism

Pop star Kesha has decided to use photography for her single's artwork after facing criticism for initially using AI-generated imagery.

The original AI-generated cover for Kesha’s single Delusional, which drew criticism from fans.

AI Art for "Delusional" Sparks Controversy

Kesha first unveiled the artwork for her single Delusional in November of the previous year. The image featured a pile of bags on a street, but fans quickly identified it as AI-generated. A significant tell-tale sign was the AI's difficulty in correctly spelling the word "Delusional" on the bags.

The AI's attempts at spelling "Delusional" were often comically incorrect.

Fan Frustration and Calls for Change

The use of AI art by a prominent artist led to a wave of complaints. Many felt it was a disservice to human artists. "As a visual artist I’m offended, someone who is privileged enough to afford designers using AI to save a bunch of bucks is truly a decline of creativity,” one fan account expressed on social media.

The single, released on November 29, featured the controversial AI image on platforms like YouTube, where it continued to receive negative comments. Users posted messages like, "Lovely song wish there wasn’t AI," and "Kesha we love you, we just wish you’d change the AI cover art, support real artists please."

Kesha Reverses Course: Photography Chosen for New Art

Recently, the pop star, known for hits like Timber and TiK ToK, acknowledged the backlash and announced a shift back to traditional photography for the single's artwork.

"When making the single art for my song Delusional, I wanted to make the point that it’s DELUSIONAL that the world expects artists to continue making art when we are so undervalued,” Kesha explained. "I tried to echo my ideas in the form of a political single cover. I’ve realized that living in alignment with my integrity is more important than proving a point.”

Kesha has now collaborated with photographer Brendan Walter, who has a portfolio that includes music videos and album covers.

Kesha on Art, Integrity, and AI's Role

Reflecting on the situation and the broader implications of artificial intelligence, Kesha added, “AI is a Pandora’s box that we as a society have collectively opened, and I think it’s important that we keep human ramifications in mind as we learn how to use it as a tool and not as a replacement.”