Photo Credit: Kesha “Delusional” AI Artwork
Kesha unveiled the cover art for her single “Delusional” in November 2024—with fans causing a firestorm of backlash over the use of generative AI.
The generated image features a pile of handbags with the word ‘delusional’ spray-painted on them, but many instances of the word are misspelled. Fans quickly identified the work as an AI generated piece, with many criticizing the artists’ use of a genAI image with no modifications.
Fans pointed out the awkward, error-laden visuals and accused the singer of disrespecting designers and visual artists. The cover featured at least three misspellings of the word and another mash-up that looks like DELUSHIAL—a huge tell that the image is AI generated. Kesha said her intent was meant to be a statement on how ‘delusional’ it is for society to expect artists to continually produce work while being undervalued.
“When making the single art for my song ‘Delusional,’ I wanted to make the point that it’s delusional that the world expects artists to continue making art when we are so undervalued,” the post reads. “I tried to echo my ideas in the form of a political single cover. I’ve realized that living in alignment with my integrity is more important than proving a point. So I’ve decided to change the cover art for this song.”
Now Kesha has replaced the artwork just weeks ahead of the full album release. The updated artwork features a photograph of herself zip-tied to a chair, set against a stark white background—a clear departure from the use of generative AI. Kesha thanked her creative team in a social media post featuring the new artwork, stating that she considers AI a “Pandora’s Box” that society must learn to use responsibly.
The upcoming album Period is her first release as an independent artist. She fulfilled her contract with RCA and Kemosabe Records in December 2023, then launched her own label, Kesha Records. Period will release on July 4, 2025 and follows an intense legal battle, with Kesha stating this is the first time she’s been “fully in charge” of her career.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Music Industry News, Music Streaming, Pop Culture
This post was originally authored and published by Ashley King Digital Music News via RSS Feed. Join today to get your news feed on Nationwide Report®.
