Liza Minnelli Shares Exciting News Despite Backlash
Liza Minnelli recently took to social media to announce her first new song in over a decade. It’s an EDM-infused track titled “Kids Wait Till You Hear This,” and it coincides with her upcoming memoir.
The 79-year-old Broadway icon expressed her joy, saying, “Hey kids, I’m as happy as a shellfish, laughing to death and losing my mind!” She shared this on Facebook, adding that “everything is going on then.”
In her post, she mentioned that this is their first EDM single since her days with the Pet Shop Boys, praising the work of ElevenLabs for their innovative technology. She even noted that Matthew McConaughey had invested early in the company, remarking on the smarts behind it.
However, the announcement sparked some criticism after it was revealed that artificial intelligence played a role in creating the song. Minnelli clarified, “What am I not going to allow this wonderful company to do? Create, duplicate, or copy my voice! This track, which pokes fun at my book, uses an AI arrangement. It’s not an AI vocal.”
She also pointed out that a few critics failed to check the facts. “That scream is all mine!” she asserted, emphasizing her involvement.
Continuing her message, she encouraged her nearly 400,000 Facebook followers to enjoy the music, dance, and spread the word about her book.
However, responses from her fans reflected disappointment over the use of AI. Comments ranged from one person calling the situation “incredibly awkward” to another expressing feelings of concern about exploitation in the process. One fan lamented, “It doesn’t matter what they use the AI for. AI is absolutely terrible, and it’s heartbreaking to see a legendary artist like you make a robot do that.”
Meanwhile, Minnelli’s representatives have been contacted for further comment. Eleven Labs, the AI company behind the project, recently shared that this collaboration with Minnelli aims to explore the possibilities when artists and AI work together. The initiative includes other AI-generated artists and aims to respect the artist’s voice and artistic ownership.
Minnelli expressed her enthusiasm for being part of a project that allows her to utilize “new tools for expression” rather than having them replace her voice. She emphasized that growing up with creative parents shaped her values on artistry.
In the past, her last song was “A Love Letter from the Times,” released in 2013, and she hasn’t put out a full album since “Confessions” in 2010. Interestingly, she made a rare appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 finale, treating fans to a live performance—her first in years.
