BBC Introducing faces backlash for showcasing AI track
BBC Introducing is under fire after spotlighting an AI-generated track as its Artist of the Month. Find out why musicians are upset and what it means for the future of new music.
The BBC has found itself in hot water after a regional BBC Introducing show featured a song that turned out to be almost entirely AI-generated. BBC Radio West Midlands picked “Papi Lamour” as their Artist of the Month and played his track “Be Inspired.” But during the broadcast, Lamour revealed that while he wrote the lyrics, everything else, the music, production, vocals, the whole thing, was created by AI software.
Lamour, who has a background in computer science, explained that he basically used AI tools to “commission a virtual band.” The presenter praised the track for how good it sounded, though Lamour did admit he’d struggle to perform it live since none of it was actually recorded by a human.
A lot of independent musicians are annoyed, and understandably so. Birmingham singer Mollyxo went viral after posting a video calling the BBC’s decision “disappointing.” She said she’s spent years gigging, writing, and improving her craft, only to watch an AI-made track get a slot that many real artists work hard to earn.
Others pointed out that BBC Introducing is supposed to spotlight human talent, especially emerging or local acts. With limited space on the show, many feel that giving one of the top monthly features to an AI-generated track goes against what the platform is meant to stand for.
The BBC defended the decision, saying they choose tracks based on how they sound and what they think audiences will enjoy. They also said they were upfront about the AI element in the broadcast and that they’re paying close attention to how AI is evolving in the music world. Supporting real UK artists, they added, is still a priority.
Lamour has responded too, saying he’s calm about the criticism and proud of what he created using the tools available to him.
This whole situation taps into a growing argument in the music industry: how much space should AI have? Some people see AI as a helpful creative tool, while others worry it could push actual musicians aside, especially if AI tracks start taking up space meant for real artists. There are also questions about copyright, training data, and whether AI-generated music should sit alongside human-made work on a platform known for backing grassroots talent.
Musicians are now calling for the BBC to be clearer about how it plans to handle AI music going forward. Many think this could be a defining moment for how major platforms deal with AI-created tracks.