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Xania Monet Becomes First AI Act on a Billboard Radio Airplay Chart

The radio breakthrough by creator Telisha Jones’ AI persona is accelerating a broader reckoning over credit, royalties, authenticity.

Overview

  • For the week of Nov. 1, “How Was I Supposed to Know?” entered Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay at No. 30 after debuting at No. 1 on R&B Digital Song Sales and No. 20 on Hot R&B Songs.
  • Songwriter Telisha “Nikki” Jones told CBS Mornings she writes the lyrics and uses Suno to generate vocals, describing the tool as an instrument rather than a shortcut.
  • Jones has a reported multimillion‑dollar deal with Hallwood Media, widely cited as reaching $3 million, as the project amasses tens of millions of U.S. streams.
  • SZA and Kehlani have criticized AI‑fronted releases, while industry figures question how touring, royalties and credits should work for nonhuman performers.
  • Suno—the platform used to synthesize Xania Monet’s vocals—was sued by major labels and the RIAA over training data, as other AI acts also begin appearing on Billboard charts.