AI-Created Drake and The Weeknd Track Declared 'Ineligible' for Grammy Awards

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. is clarifying misconceptions surrounding the AI-generated track "Heart on My Sleeve," which mimics the voices of Drake and The Weeknd. Initially reported by Variety, its Grammy eligibility sparked debate, leading Mason to emphasize that the track is not under consideration for an award.

Created by an individual using the pseudonym "Ghostwriter," the song features original lyrics but utilizes unauthorized vocal imitations of the artists. In an interview with The New York Times, Mason noted that while the lyrics, crafted by a human, could qualify for songwriter categories, the vocal elements pose legal issues. "As far as the creative side, it’s absolutely eligible because it was written by a human,” he stated.

However, in a subsequent Instagram post, Mason firmly stated that "Heart on My Sleeve" would not be eligible for Grammy consideration. He clarified, “Let me be extra, extra clear: Even though it was written by a human creator, the vocals were not legally obtained, the vocals were not cleared by the label or the artists, and the song is not commercially available. Because of that, it’s not eligible.”

Mason's remarks indicate that the primary concern lies with the lack of consent, rather than the use of AI technology itself. This could suggest that the Grammys might consider AI-generated tracks if proper permissions were secured. While Mason acknowledges that the music industry must adapt to AI advancements, he also recognizes the complex copyright challenges involved.

Following a complaint from Universal Music Group, which represents Drake and The Weeknd, "Heart on My Sleeve" has been removed from major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.

"I take this stuff very seriously,” Mason remarked, highlighting the rapid evolution of these issues. Meanwhile, Ghostwriter has released a new AI-generated track, "Whiplash," featuring vocal imitations of Travis Scott and 21 Savage. This song has been shared on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), rather than traditional streaming services, with Ghostwriter seeking an official collaboration. Despite some buzz among fans, neither Scott nor 21 Savage has yet responded.