Drake-Weeknd's AI-generated duet nominated for Grammy

Drake and The Weeknd's AI-generated duet, "Heart on My Sleeve", has been submitted for consideration for the 66th Grammy Awards. What's generating a stir is that none of the Canadian megastars was involved in the song's composition.

The unknown individual behind this digital success, Ghostwriter, is attempting to win the music industry's most coveted award for a tune that combines computer-generated vocal performances with human creativity. 

The contribution was defended by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr, who stated, "As far as the creative side, it's absolutely eligible because a human wrote it."

The song has been submitted for consideration in two categories: Song of the Year and Best Rap Song. While Ghostwriter did write the words, the vocal performances were fully manufactured by artificial intelligence.

One big stumbling barrier for "Heart on My Sleeve" is the Grammys' criteria for "generation distribution". Songs must be widely distributed and accessible via multiple distribution platforms. The single was taken down by Universal Music Group, the record label that represents Drake and The Weeknd, after it first appeared on YouTube and streaming services.

This circumstance has sparked a debate about whether AI-generated content is eligible for Grammy honour. The Recording Academy updated its position on AI earlier this summer, emphasising that awards are intended to recognise human invention. Songs that have "no human authorship" are not eligible. However, assistive AI, such as that utilised by Paul McCartney to improve an old John Lennon vocal track, remains eligible.

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The "Heart on My Sleeve" debate highlights the changing link between technology and the music industry, leaving us all wondering about the future of music creation and acknowledgment in an increasingly digitised world.