Australia’s music charts ban AI-made songs amid backlash over Madonna cover

What the report says

Australia’s official music charts will stop including tracks that are mostly created by artificial intelligence, after a backlash over a Madonna cover that drew attention for its heavy use of AI. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) said the change will apply to “wholly AI-generated” music, while songs that use AI only in a supporting role can still qualify for chart placement. The new rules are due to take effect on Friday and will also keep fully AI-made tracks out of consideration for the annual ARIA Music Awards.

ARIA said it will use an industry labelling system introduced last month to distinguish between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted” songs, depending on how much human involvement there is in writing and recording. The organization said it wants the charts to adapt to legitimate uses of AI without rewarding music created entirely by software. ARIA’s members include major labels such as Sony Music Entertainment Australia and Universal Music Australia.

The policy shift follows criticism of a Brisbane DJ’s cover of Madonna’s 1989 song “Like a Prayer,” which was widely discussed on social media after suspicions it used AI-generated vocals and drums. The track later became a chart success in Australia and has drawn millions of streams online. The debate reflects a wider industry concern about how AI tools affect artists, copyright and trust in music production.