Gayle King had a sit-down with AI Artist creator, Telisha “Nikki” Jones, a poet and entrepreneur from Mississippi. Nikki is the creative force behind Xania Monet, an AI-generated R&B “artist” that recently made headlines by charting on Billboard and securing a notable $3 million record deal.
What began as a discussion about musical innovation swiftly escalated into one of the most intense dialogues featured on CBS Mornings this year.
Nikki came prepared to articulate her creative process, asserting that Xania Monet doesn’t overshadow her; instead, she embodies her. She explained that the lyrics originate from poems she has written over the years, and that she uses the AI application Suno to create the sound. “Xania is an extension of me,” she stated. “I view her as a tangible entity.”
However, Gayle was skeptical.
In her characteristic calm yet assertive demeanor, often employed during interviews with high-profile figures, she looked directly at Nikki and posed the provocative question that ignited a flurry of reactions online: “But you can’t sing.”
Nikki attempted to defend herself, emphasizing her dedication. She highlighted that she writes the lyrics, chooses the vocal style, directs the sound, and painstakingly reviews numerous AI-generated versions before selecting the final product.
But Gayle continued to challenge her, addressing a larger cultural concern that many artists have voiced: “What do you say to those who argue that genuine singers, who invest time to hone their craft, are struggling to gain recognition while your AI creation receives a record deal?”
Nikki countered by labeling AI as a tool rather than an easy way out. She mentioned that Xania’s hit song, “How Was I Supposed to Know?”, was drawn from a heartfelt poem reflecting on her father’s passing when she was just eight years old. For her, the emotion, the writing, and the creativity are undeniably authentic, even if the voice emanates from artificial intelligence.
Nonetheless, critics, such as Kehlani, have accused Nikki of risking the integrity of the art form and taking opportunities away from human artists. Gayle’s pointed remark about her singing only added fuel to the existing fire.
Despite this, Nikki remains undeterred. She believes that AI is simply part of our contemporary landscape, suggesting that creatives should embrace and use it.
