Xania Monet: The AI Artist Making Billboard History Sparks Industry Debate

Artificial intelligence has officially hit the Billboard charts — and not just behind the scenes. Xania Monet, a fully AI-generated R&B “artist,” has become the first of her kind to break into major U.S. music rankings. Her debut single “How Was I Supposed to Know?” landed on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay and R&B Digital Song Sales charts, marking a major turning point for the music industry.
The creator behind the project, Telisha “Nikki” Jones, a Mississippi-based poet and entrepreneur, uses AI tools to bring her musical ideas to life — even though she admits she can’t sing herself.
How an AI Singer Hit the Charts
Official X account of @XaniaMonet .
Follow us for tweets on all the latest info and updates! pic.twitter.com/PPOomkth1D— Xania Monet (@XaniaMonet) September 18, 2025
In her interview with People Magazine, Jones explained her process:
“I write all the lyrics to the songs. It’s all stuff I went through… I wrote about it.”
Using the AI-music platform Suno, Jones feeds in her lyrics and sound prompts like “female voice, soulful vocals, R&B style.” The software then generates hundreds of variations until the right sound emerges.
“Xania is an extension of me,” she said. “So I look at her as a real person.”
Jones recently signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Hallwood Media, the company behind big names in R&B and pop songwriting. Industry insiders call it a “bidding war for the future of AI music.”
“But You Can’t Sing!” – The Viral Interview Moment
When the interviewer challenged Jones — “You can’t sing, so isn’t that cheating?” — she stood firm:
“I wouldn’t call it a shortcut. I still put in the work.”
The moment went viral, sparking intense discussion online. Critics accused her of undermining human artistry, while others praised her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Jermaine Dupri, Kehlani & Industry Reactions
Veteran producer Jermaine Dupri spoke out about AI’s growing role in music, warning artists to be careful:
“They’re preparing you for a day when music is made by nobody but one person,” he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“You’ve got to be smart and not be controlled.”
Singer Kehlani didn’t hold back either, calling Xania Monet’s rise a dangerous precedent:
“Nothing and no one on earth will ever be able to justify AI to me, especially not in the creative arts where people have worked hard for years,” she said on social media.
SZA also voiced concern, saying AI devalues the human element that makes R&B powerful and emotional.
Meanwhile, Hallwood Media defended Jones, stating that Xania Monet represents “the future of music” — a fusion of creativity and technology.
I mean they’ve been pushing rappers who don’t write their raps for the longest… pic.twitter.com/VseXEZrV5K
— Mj (@MJxMinaj) November 6, 2025
Mind you… 🙂↕️😂 pic.twitter.com/mypvnKwCmj
— Mj (@MJxMinaj) November 6, 2025
The creator behind AI artist Xania Monet, Telisha “Nikki” Jones, spoke with @GayleKing amid growing controversy over AI-generated music.
Jones says while she hears the criticism from artists like Kehlani, she believes technology is evolving and everyone has different paths to… pic.twitter.com/vhqYtcsIvo
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) November 6, 2025
A New Era for R&B — or a Threat to It?
Supporters argue that AI allows talented songwriters like Jones, who lack vocal ability, to express themselves in new ways. Critics see it as a slippery slope — a move toward soulless, computer-driven pop.
Regardless, Xania Monet’s chart success proves that AI artists are no longer a novelty — they’re competitors.
What It Means for Artists and Fans
For platforms like WorldWide Entertainment TV, this story sits at the crossroads of technology, culture, and artistry. It raises vital questions:
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Can an AI “artist” connect emotionally with fans?
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What happens to traditional singers if tech keeps improving?
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And should AI projects be labeled differently from human performances?
As AI tools evolve, the lines between innovation and imitation keep blurring — and Xania Monet’s journey is just the beginning.
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