As artificial intelligence continues to reshape modern music production, the Recording Academy has reaffirmed and refined its approach to AI's role in eligibility for the GRAMMY® Awards, stressing that human creativity remains the necessary foundation for award recognition while recognising that AI assistance alone does not automatically render a work ineligible.
Human Contribution Remains Paramount, But AI Usage Is Not an Immediate Barrier
In recent remarks, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. made clear that using AI in the music-making process does not in itself disqualify a submission for GRAMMY consideration. Rather, eligibility depends on whether there is meaningful human creative contribution in the work and whether the submission is entered in the appropriate category.
"Using AI does not make your entry ineligible," Mason stated, explaining that AI-assisted music can potentially be nominated, including in performance categories, so long as a human is fundamentally responsible for the artistic elements recognised by the category. He underscored that the issue is not black-and-white but involves careful evaluation of how AI tools are used within the creative process.
Mason also emphasised that certain uses of AI can still lead to disqualification, such as unauthorised use of another artist's voice or likeness, citing the well-publicised example of the AI-generated track "Heart on My Sleeve" and clarifying that improper use of AI-produced vocals that are neither legally cleared nor commercially available is not eligible for consideration.
Policy Balances Innovation with Creative Integrity
These clarifications refine, but do not overturn, the Academy's core eligibility principle established in prior rule revisions - that works containing no human authorship are not eligible for nomination or award in any category. Fully AI-generated works, without substantive human creative input, remain outside the scope of GRAMMY eligibility.
The Academy's evolving stance reflects the complexity of modern music creation, where AI tools can range from generative systems that assist with composition, arrangement, or vocal synthesis, to production software that supports editing and mix decisions. Mason acknowledged that the broad spectrum of AI usage in studios has created challenging questions about where to draw lines for award consideration, and that the Academy continues to engage in ongoing discussion and refinement.
In Context: Protecting Artists and Authenticity
The Recording Academy's clarification comes amid broader industry and legal debates about AI's impact on artistic authenticity, rights clearance, and creator compensation. The Academy has also championed legislative efforts such as the NO FAKES Act, advocating protections against unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas of artists' voices and likenesses as part of a larger initiative to ensure responsible use of AI technology across the music community.
As AI technology evolves, the Academy's position remains clear: AI may be part of the creative toolkit, but the artistic expression recognised by the GRAMMY Awards must be anchored in human creativity, intention, and execution.
