Liza Minnelli has come forward in defense of utilizing artificial intelligence in her latest song, “Kids Wait Till You Hear This.” The renowned star, who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, expressed her enthusiasm for the track, clarifying that all the vocals are purely her own and not digitally generated.
Released as part of a collaborative album orchestrated by ElevenLabs, an AI company specializing in audio research, “Kids Wait Till You Hear This” marks Minnelli’s first foray into music since 2013 when she contributed to the NBC series “Smash.” In a vibrant Facebook post, the 79-year-old icon shared her excitement about the new release, stating, “I’m happy as a clam, laughing like hell and losing my mind! It’s all goin’ on at the time.” She emphasized the authenticity of her voice in the song, countering assertions that AI was involved in duplicating her vocals and expressing her delight in the creative process.
Minnelli encouraged her fans to embrace the music and enjoy themselves, urging them to “dance their hearts out.” The title of the song coincides with her upcoming memoir, scheduled to be released on March 10, which aims to unveil her “fascinating, untold story.”
The compilation album, aptly named the “Eleven Album,” features contributions from a variety of artists, including Art Garfunkel, country singer Emily Falvey, and rapper IAMSU!, showcasing the collaborative potential of technology in the music industry without undermining the individuality of the artists.
In a statement, Minnelli articulated her rationale for participating in the project, emphasizing her intent to use new tools for artistic expression rather than replacing human creativity. “This project respects the artist’s voice, the artist’s choices, and the artist’s ownership,” she asserted, reflecting on her family’s legacy in the entertainment industry and her desire to empower others in their creative journeys.
The memoir will delve into her illustrious yet tumultuous career, alongside her personal struggles, including navigating relationships and facing substance abuse challenges. Minnelli hopes to inspire others in similar situations, conveying a strong message of resilience and responsibility in her journey toward recovery.