In a dazzling celebration of innovation, musician and producer Grimes took the stage at the TIME100 AI Impact Awards in Dubai on February 11, 2025. Recognized for her groundbreaking integration of artificial intelligence in music, Grimes has been a trailblazer, notably allowing fans to use AI to replicate her voice for new creations, with a promise to share royalties—a move that has redefined artistic collaboration in the digital age.
Sharing the spotlight were luminaries such as Caltech professor Anima Anandkumar, visual artist Refik Anadol, and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, each honored for their significant contributions to the AI landscape. The event, a partnership between the World Government Summit and the Museum of the Future, also featured a soulful performance by Emirati artist Arqam Al Abri.
In her acceptance speech, Grimes invoked Arthur C. Clarke's adage, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," to underscore the enchanting potential of AI. She lauded innovators like David Holz, the mastermind behind AI image generator Midjourney; Aza Raskin, who is pioneering efforts to decode whale communication through AI; and Sam Zeloof, an entrepreneur crafting silicon chips in his garage. Grimes also commended fellow musician Holly Herndon for developing tools that empower artists to detect and manage the use of their work in AI models, highlighting proactive solutions amidst widespread concerns.
"The world is so focused on what's negative that we don't realize there's magic solutions right in front of our very eyes," Grimes remarked, emphasizing the transformative and positive applications of AI in creative fields. Her perspective challenges the often dystopian narrative surrounding AI, advocating instead for a future where technology amplifies human creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
This event not only honored individual achievements but also sparked a broader conversation about the ethical and innovative integration of AI across various sectors, with Grimes exemplifying how artists can harness technology to expand the horizons of creative expression.