After facing backlash over the use of AI in the original cover art for her single "DELUSIONAL," released back in November, Kesha is now addressing the controversy by unveiling new artwork for the track. Ditching the AI-generated spray-painted designer bags, the new single art features a photo of Kesha against a white backdrop, in which she sits zip-tied to a chair.
The singer shared in a post on X, "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. 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." She continued, "AI is a [Pandora's] 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."
If critiquing contemporary restraints on artists was the intention of the original artwork, it's safe to say that the change stays true to that message, and in a much better manner — one which doesn't accidentally perpetuate the exact thing it sets out to critique.
The change comes in the lead-up to Kesha's first independently-released album, . (PERIOD), which will be dropping on July 4.