Madonna calls AI usage 'the opposite of making art', says creativity comes from taking risks

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Madonna has joined the growing conversation about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry, making it clear where she stands on the technology's role in creative work. 

The music icon recently criticized AI, arguing that it discourages the kind of risk-taking that defines genuine artistry. Reflecting on how the industry has changed over the years, Madonna contrasted today's focus on algorithms and streaming success with the creative freedom that shaped her career. She argued that artificial intelligence represents "the opposite of making art."

Madonna says AI discourages risk-taking and artistic expression

Speaking to Vogue Italia, Madonna reflected on the changing landscape of the music industry and how artists are now often judged by metrics instead of creativity. Looking back on the beginning of her career, she said artists once created in spaces driven by passion rather than popularity.

"Once you were around painters and musicians and dancers and artists in one place and working from a very pure place for each other. I value that experience a lot," Madonna said.

She contrasted that environment with today's industry, where she believes commercial success and online influence have become major priorities. "Nowadays, you don't do that anymore. Now, to have a record deal, you think about how many followers you have."

The singer also revealed that she has never measured her success by chart positions or streaming numbers, instead valuing originality above commercial expectations. "For me, it started not thinking about the charts, the streaming numbers."

The legendary singer continues, "Algorithms and artificial intelligence are the opposite of taking risks and to me that is the opposite of making art." Her remarks add another prominent voice to Hollywood's ongoing debate over AI, with artists increasingly questioning whether the technology can coexist with human creativity.

“Lately, it’s been hard because of my record and so many things connected to it. But I do like to take breaks... and disappear. Because that’s how you fuel your imagination,” Madonna explained. “You have to have stillness, and you have to have days where you’re just connecting to nature, my children, my horses.”

Madonna has previously warned about AI's impact on artists

This is not the first time Madonna has spoken out about artificial intelligence. Over the past few years, she has repeatedly expressed concern about AI-generated content, particularly as deepfakes and synthetic media have become more common across the entertainment industry.

During a Q&A at the premiere of her movie, “Confessions II - The Film,” she said social media has instilled a “persistent need” in people to document everything.  She also encouraged the fans in attendance to “put your phones down and connect.” A growing number of musicians and actors have questioned AI's increasing role in creative work. 

One recent example is Emily Blunt, who revealed that she used her own voice to create an alien character in Steven Spielberg's film 'Disclosure Day', opting for a human performance instead of AI-generated vocals. Her decision reflects a broader push by artists to preserve authenticity and human creativity as AI becomes more prevalent in Hollywood.