Telisha 'Nikki' Jones defends AI artist Xania Monet amid industry backlash

The face behind Artificial Intelligence (AI) singer Xania Monet has been revealed as Telisha “Nikki” Jones.

She exclusively sat down with seasoned US journalist Gayle King, speaking out about her invention and the criticism surrounding it.

AI continues to be at the centre of debates across the music industry, and Jones seems to be unbothered.

Responsible for the AI singing sensation that was introduced to the public, she describes herself as a creative rather than a singer.

According to Jones, she uses an AI music generator called “Suno” and writes the lyrics herself, adds prompts for speed and instruments, and lets the software bring the vocals to life.

“Lyrics are a hundred percent me, real-life experience. All the stuff I went through or a close family member, I wrote about it,” she said.

Speaking to King, she shared that she wants people to know that there is still a real person behind the technology. “Xania is an extension of me, so I look at her as a real person,’ she said.  “There’s real emotion and soul put into those lyrics”.

Xania has already made history as the first AI artist to appear on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart with “How Was I Supposed To Know”, one of her popular songs. 

She also signed a multimillion-dollar deal with “Hallwood Media”, which sparked reactions from real musicians in the industry.

“What Jones has done with Xania Monet represents the future of music. AI is breaking down barriers ... giving creators who might not have had a traditional path into the industry the chance to bring their stories and ideas to life while connecting directly with listeners,” said the label in a statement.

Not everyone is a fan of the rise of AI musicians.

R&B singer Kehlani shared her frustrations in a TikTok video, saying she does not respect artists who “do none of the work”, arguing that AI takes away from the effort real singers put into their craft.

Singer SZA also questioned why the industry would “devalue” R&B  and voiced concern over the environmental harm that is linked to the use of AI.

King asked Jones how she responds to those who say she skipped the hard work that real singers go through.

“You seem to have circumvented, taken a shortcut through all of that,” she said.

Jones responded: “I wouldn’t call it a shortcut because I still put in the work. Anytime something new comes and challenges the norm, there’s going to be a strong reaction."