· The AI created “actor” Tilly Norwood released a pop song and music video called “Take the Lead,” starring the computer generated character performing in a fully AI produced world.
· The lyrics try to present the digital character as relatable, with lines like “I’m just a tool, but I’ve got life” and “I’m not a puppet, I’m the star.”
· The video shows the AI character interacting with AI fans, performing with an AI choir in front of a packed AI stadium, and strutting through a futuristic server farm runway.
· The production begins with a message stating the project involved “18 real humans,” even though no real people appear on screen.
· Tilly’s persona was created by Dutch actress and producer Eline van der Velden, who says the character exists to test the creative limits of artificial intelligence, not replace human performers.
· Earlier this year, van der Velden published an essay arguing AI acting could help performers “future proof” their careers and suggested AI actors might be a more ethical option in some productions.
· The song leans heavily into the pro AI message with lyrics such as “Don’t be left out, don’t fall behind,” “AI’s not the enemy, it’s the key,” and “It’s the next evolution, can’t you see?”