Kesha Changed Her “Delusional” AI Cover Art to Protect Artistic Integrity

Kesha is officially a free woman creating art on her own terms, and she heard her fans’ call when they criticized her for using AI to generate the original cover art for her single “Delusional.”

Since releasing the song last November, the hitmaker has updated its cover art with a new photo, which aligns with the bubblegum pink dot aesthetic for her upcoming album, PERIOD.

“When making the single art for my song ‘Delusional,’ I wanted to make the point that it’s DELUSIONAL that the world expects artists to continue making art when we are so undervalued,” she wrote on Instagram alongside the new cover art lensed by Brendan Walter.

She continued, “I tried to echo my ideas in the form of a political single cover. I’ve realized that living in alignment with my integrity is more important than proving a point. So I’ve decided to change the cover art for this song. She’s one of my favorites💕.”

In the new single artwork, the “BOY CRAZY.” singer is seen screaming as she’s tied to a chair with black zip-ties.

The original cover art featured a pile of fake Hermés Birkin bags piled on top of each other, and ost of them included the word “Delusional” spray-painted with black paint. At the time, fans called Kesha out for utilizing AI to create her initial vision.

“The AI-generated nature of the artwork itself can be seen as a commentary on artificiality and the loss of authenticity. This aligns with the theme of delusion, where perceptions are often skewed and detached from reality. . . .also ai lol,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “I honestly adore you so much - your bravery, your artistry; I think you’re incredible. But I’m pleeeeeeading with you to redo this cover. You know as well as anyone that artists need to be paid for their work. Please do not use AI 💖💖💖.”

As she posted her new cover, Kesha highlighted the “incredible team of humans” who came together to create it. She added, “Thanks to my crew for helping me live out here in my highest and cuntiest potential.”

She then encouraged fans to use AI as a tool rather than a replacement for certain human-made tasks. “AI is a pandoras box that we as a society have collectively opened, and I think it’s important that we keep human ramifications in mind as we learn how to use it as a tool and not as a replacement,” she said as she revealed she was “healing in real time.”