1980s Pop King Causes a Stir With New AI Re-Recording of Cult Classic Hit
Boy George isn't afraid of A.I.
The '80s New Wave icon, best known as the trailblazing frontman of Culture Club, is embracing artificial intelligence with a new venture focused on "ethical re-recordings." Boy George is launching a new company called Artists Included to enhance original recordings, starting with a new version of Culture Club's 1983 hit "Karma Chameleon."
In an interview with CNN, Boy George, whose real name is George Alan O'Dowd, explained his interest in embracing A.I. rather than fearing it, stating, "I'm going with this."
Why Boy George Is Embracing Artificial Intelligence
@cnn Singer-songwriter Boy George talks to the "CNN News Central" anchors about working with the new company, Artists Included using AI "ethical re-recording" in a new release of Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon."
♬ original sound - CNN - CNN
While many recording artists fear A.I.'s ability to use their voices without permission, Boy George hopes to use the technology to benefit artists. Using original recordings combined with updated A.I.-enhanced vocals, George says the technology allows artists to take back ownership of their recordings, as many musicians do not own the masters of their original work after signing with a record label.
Paul McCartney famously saw much of the Beatles' catalog sold to pop star Michael Jackson. Taylor Swiftpublicly expressed heartbreak over her masters being sold to music manager Scooter Braun. Swift later re-recorded many of her original tracks, releasing them as "Taylor's Version," before finally purchasing the masters of her first six albums in 2025, giving her full control over those recordings.
Many artists, however, do not have the opportunity to purchase their own recordings and ultimately do not profit from their use over time. Boy George says his new venture gives artists more ownership of their music by allowing them to re-record it with the help of artificial intelligence.
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The Debate Over A.I. in the Music Industry
The use of A.I. in the music industry, even in artist-supported projects like Boy George's new effort, is not without controversy.
"Lol ethical and AI cannot go together," commented one CNN viewer.
Another added, "I'm a fan but there is zero reason to do this and it's disappointing he's so tone deaf considering the ecological impact and broader societal implications of AI."
Others were fully supportive of Boy George embracing the technology, with one person writing, "I hate companies can own and receive infinite money from your passion project for decades."
What Artists Included Means for Musicians
Boy George insists the technology used by Artists Included simply enhances what legacy artists have already created, combining their original voices with the experience gained over a lifetime.
"It has the sound of me at 22 years old with all the experience of everything that I've learned," he said.
While questions still linger over who ultimately owns the new A.I.-enhanced recordings, one thing is clear: artificial intelligence is here to stay, and Boy George is determined to make the most of it.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 1:01 PM.