HisAir Special Report: Christian AI Music: Play or Not?

Recently Grace Community Church, (late pastor John MacArthur) released a statement on AI, that said, “Artificial intelligence is a misnomer. While this new technology is adept at rapidly finding and reorganizing information, it cannot independently think or create — the best it can do is mimic.”

AI music has found it’s way to the Christian charts. Recently AI artist Solomon Ray rose to #1 on the iTunes Christian chart. Solomon Ray was created by Mississippi-based artist Christopher Jermaine Townsend, known by the stage name Topher.

AI music creators emphasize the extensive human involvement in developing a virtual artist—from conceptualizing their style, the voice and lyrics—ensuring every element feels authentically alive and relatable.

Christian artist Forrest Frank criticized AI saying, “I’m sure not going to be listening to A.I. Christian music.” “At minimum, AI does not have the Holy Spirit inside of it, so I think that’s really weird to be opening up your spirit to something that has no spirit.”

In response to Forrest Frank’s Instagram critique of AI-generated Christian artist Solomon Ray, worship leader Phil Wickham voiced similar reservations, stating, “It’s difficult to envision a future where we look back and think creating A.I. was a net positive for our world. At most it should be a tool for humans, not a replacement for them.”

But the question is – Will Christian Radio stations play AI artists and music?

Mike Prendergast – Media Consulting
I would not knowingly play any AI generated Christian artists were I still at KLTY and I would not advise any of my current clients to play any right now.  First and foremost, I don’t like the idea of “hoodwinking” the audience by playing an artificially produced song.  Likewise, I would not want to be fooled into playing something I thought was authentic. You see plenty of obviously AI generated artwork, videos, photos etc on social media now and it gives me a bad taste in my mouth, particularly when people (A) knowingly pass it off as real and (B) believe that something like that is real. If we, as an industry, should ever get to the point we are airing artificially generated content, there would need to be rules in place to acknowledge every time it airs it is not created by real artists.  But I hope that never happens. Christian radio’s continued success is dependent on trust from the listener.  If we break that, we’re no different than the rest of the world.

William Lee Moore – Solid Rock Radio
We have a zero tolerance for AI Artist. Number 1 its not authentic. Also there have been instances of AI stealing work whether its music or art. Bottom line the “artist” did not create it. It’s not their work.

Kevin Davis – KXOJ/Tulsa
We are not playing any AI music and I highly doubt that we will. This format is based on authentic connections. I just don’t see it happening.

Glenn Goodwin – WBCL/Ft Wayne
We are Not playing AI music. We do Not plan on playing AI music.

Dave Cruse – The JOY FM/Tampa
As useful a tool as AI can be when brainstorming copy or framing a promotion, we are not in favor of AI generated music for a few reasons. I think that as advanced as it has become it still cannot match human artistic expression and creativity. I think it’s unfair to the artists we partner with to spread the gospel. And, since I believe there is a spiritual element in creativity, especially in regards to what we do, I don’t believe a soulless program, no matter how advanced, can understand the depth of emotion and spiritual truth that comes from and connects with another human soul.

Todd Amlin – Amlin Media Group
AI music isn’t art, it’s just not. It’s not inspired, it has no intrinsic value. An AI artist can never hug a fan in a M&G. An AI artist has never felt loss, betrayal, joy, or hope. An AI artist has never encountered Jesus, and said “not my will but yours”. Music has always been more than entertainment to me. I process life through lyrics and melodies. We are four dimensional beings, made of energy, who emit a frequency with every thought and emotion. When I hear a song that causes an emotional response or a “frisson effect”, I believe my world (my pain, trauma, joy, hope) is colliding with someone else’s lived experience. In that moment I’m reminded that we need each other, and I’m thankful that God created us in His image, for community, and to share each other’s burdens. As a Music Director my job is to select songs that will give hope, joy, and encouragement to listeners. Since AI “Artists” have no consciousness, they can’t have a relationship with Jesus or be inspired by the Holy Spirit. So why would I think something that doesn’t have those things would bring hope and encouragement?

Joseph Reed – Singing News Radio
As the General Manager and Program Director of Singing News Radio, I’d like to address the growing use of artificial intelligence in creating songs and whether we would consider playing AI generated or AI assisted music on our network. From a creative standpoint, I believe AI can be a helpful tool when used correctly. It’s excellent for a demo, helping an writer/artist hear how an authentically original song could sound in a finished production. That’s where I’m comfortable with the technology. However, I draw a firm line when AI is used to assist in writing lyrics or composing melodies for original songs. At that point, it ceases to be a tool and starts replacing the human heart, soul, and inspiration that have always defined great music, especially the Gospel music our listeners love and expect.

More importantly, we receive an overwhelming number of outstanding, original submissions every month from gifted artists and writers who pour their lives into their music. With only limited space in our rotation, it would be unfair (and frankly unnecessary) to give airtime to tracks that were full AI or co-written by AI when so many authentic voices are still waiting for their moment.  Singing News Radio will continue to proudly champion 100% human created lyrics and melodies that reflects genuine faith, emotion, and craftsmanship. That’s our commitment to our listeners and to the artists who trust us with their ministry.

Brian Wright – Wright Media Group
Wright Media Group does dozens of focus groups every year. Over the last year the response to AI, within the Christian life-group, has been nearly unanimously negative, at the highest level. *The area of AI that was most disliked was anything relating to audio on a radio station. They see it as “empty” or “soules” and many also feel it is a betrayal by way of deception. When asked if they would feel differently if AI products were out in the open 95% were still very uncomfortable with it! Using AI audio on a faith based radio station could be the most dangerous step you take at this time.

Brian McIntyre – Olivet Media Group
Shine.FM’s vision is to create personal connections with our listeners through music and experiences. We’ll NEVER play AI-generated music—because real ministry requires real people. Our ministry has always been rooted in authenticity. We share real stories and real testimonies using real voices of listeners shaped by God working in their lives. Sure, AI can mimic music, but it will never understand what is means to have a redeemed heart or the hope that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. When you listen to Shine.FM, you’re hearing songs from our industry artists that are birthed from prayer, struggle, joy, and grace, things an AI bot can never experience. That’s why we’ll always choose real artists that connect to our listeners on a personal level; that come to our communities and minister face to face with our listeners.