Martina McBride Calls Out AI Deepfakes as ‘Terrifying’

Sounding the Alarm on AI

Country music icon Martina McBride has issued an impassioned plea to Congress to introduce stronger safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence in entertainment. Speaking in Washington, D.C., McBride said emerging AI tools pose a “terrifying” threat to artists, warning lawmakers about the growing prevalence of deepfake technology that allows realistic impersonations of famous voices and appearances. The singer emphasized that such unauthorized use not only violates intellectual property but distorts personal identity, thus damaging reputations and careers. “It’s a betrayal,” she said, underscoring how easily music and likenesses can now be replicated—often without the artist’s consent and sometimes for profit.

Musicians Demand Legal Protections

McBride’s testimony comes amid rising concern in the creative industry over AI’s rapid encroachment on human artistry. Alongside other musicians and advocates, she is urging lawmakers to enact legislation that explicitly outlaws deepfake content and protects the rights of creators in the AI era. Efforts are underway to establish legal frameworks that ensure artists have control over how their voices, images, and artistic outputs are used. While AI holds promise for productivity and experimentation, critics like McBride warn that without stringent regulation, it could be weaponized to exploit artists’ brands and erode trust in authentic talent.