An AI singer named Xania Monet has become the first AI artist to debut on a Billboard radio chart. She signed a multimillion-dollar record deal with Hallwood Media after what the industry called a bidding war. According to CNN, Monet appeared on multiple Billboard charts since releasing her first song in summer 2025.
Chart Success and Growing Audience
Monet’s songs appeared on the Hot Gospel Songs chart with „Let Go, Let God“ and the Hot R&B Songs chart with „How Was I Supposed to Know.“ She has more than 146,000 followers on Instagram. Her Apple Music profile describes her as an AI figure presented as a contemporary R&B vocalist in the style of Keyshia Cole and K. Michelle.
Telisha Nikki Jones, a poet from Mississippi, designed Monet and writes the lyrics. The songs use Suno, a generative AI music creation program. Monet released a 24-song album called „Unfolded“ in August. A seven-track EP titled „Pieces Left Behind“ followed in September.
Manager Defends AI Approach
Romel Murphy, Monet’s manager, told CNN there is no intent to replace human artists. He said AI doesn’t replace the artist or diminish creativity. Murphy compared the situation to Michael Jackson and Prince, whose music catalogs expanded after their deaths. He said music has to evolve and called for keeping integrity while pushing the music forward.
Industry Pushback Grows
At least six AI or AI-assisted artists have debuted on various Billboard rankings in recent months. Billboard reported it has become hard to tell who or what is powered by AI. Many of these projects arrive with anonymous or mysterious origins.
Human musicians have voiced strong concerns. Singer Kehlani said in a now-deleted TikTok video that an AI R&B artist signing a multimillion-dollar deal while doing none of the work is beyond control. She added that nothing on Earth will ever justify AI to her. Hollywood has also worried about AI performers taking work from humans, similar to recent controversy over AI actress Tilly Norwood.
