Lainey Wilson Expresses the Pain of Having Her Voice Taken Away by AI: A ‘Gut Punch’

Lainey Wilson, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, has described artificial intelligence (AI) as a profound challenge, likening it to a “gut punch.” The country music star testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property during a field hearing in Los Angeles, California, on February 2. The hearing, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Part II – Identity in the Age of AI,” aimed to explore how congressional leaders can encourage responsible innovation in AI applications while addressing concerns about its potential misuse, particularly concerning the likeness, voice, and other identifying characteristics of individuals.

Wilson, aged 31, was among the witnesses providing testimony during the hearing. She emphasized the deeply personal nature of her art, stating, “My art is uniquely and literally me. My name, my likeness, my voice. I do not have to tell you how much of a gut punch it is to have your name, your likeness, or your voice ripped from you and used in ways that you could never imagine or would never allow. It is wrong, plain and simple.”

The singer highlighted the importance of retaining control over one’s identity, expressing both excitement and apprehension about the potential applications of artificial intelligence. She acknowledged AI’s potential to assist people but voiced concerns about its misuse, particularly in infringing on personal rights.

“Our identities represent years of work to hone our craft and make a livelihood out of our passion,” Wilson continued. “Our voices and likenesses are indelible parts of us that have enabled us to showcase our talents and grow our audiences — not mere digital kibble for a machine to duplicate without consent. …We need artists to keep telling stories, and connecting with fans and bringing people together authentically. And we need to keep humanity in art — we cannot lose that.”

Having experienced the unauthorized use of her likeness in AI-generated content, Wilson emphasized the necessity of protecting artists’ rights. She asserted that it is “unacceptable” for AI to generate content using an artist’s identity without consent. Last month, she participated in a press conference on the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act in Nashville, Tennessee, advocating for legal measures to safeguard music industry professionals from unauthorized AI-generated content.

Wilson’s testimony aligns with a broader concern within the artistic community regarding the unauthorized use of their identities in AI-generated content. This issue has gained attention on a legislative level, with initiatives such as the ELVIS Act aiming to update state laws to protect artists from these infringements. The singer’s testimony comes shortly after fellow artist Jelly Roll delivered a powerful testimony on the fentanyl crisis before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C. Both artists, including their collaboration on “Save Me,” are nominated for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, which will air two days after the hearing.