2026 Grammy Nominees Share Why True Artistry Still Matters Over AI
In a lively conversation that veered from TikTok trends to the intricacies of pop stardom, The Times convened six acclaimed musicians to reflect on the work that earned them nominations for the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards. The discussion, held at the Sun Rose in West Hollywood, included insights from artists with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The panel featured prominent names in the music industry: Cirkut, 39, who has seven nominations, including Producer of the Year for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, Rosé, and the Weeknd; Coco Jones, 27, nominated for her R&B album “Why Not More?”; Carter Lang, 35, recognized for his role in producing Justin Bieber’s album “Swag”; Laufey, 26, whose traditional pop vocal album “A Matter of Time” has garnered attention; Raphael Saadiq, 59, nominated for a song written for visual media from the film “Sinners”; and Alex Warren, 25, a nominee for Best New Artist.
As they gathered, connections emerged among the artists. Cirkut produced a track on Jones’ album, and Saadiq’s nephew, Dylan Wiggins, collaborated with Lang on “Swag” and its sequel. Cirkut noted, “It’s like a degree of separation,” reflecting on how intertwined their networks are within the industry.
The conversation soon turned to the less glamorous aspects of music fame. Laufey humorously criticized the discomfort of high heels, prompting Jones to chime in with, “What would y’all say is the worst part of this job?” Saadiq candidly responded, “Awards season,” to which Laufey added, “It’s like a humiliation ritual.” This sentiment resonated with the group, revealing a common struggle with impostor syndrome. Jones remarked, “I worked my a— off. It’s not a lottery I won,” highlighting the hard work behind their success.
The artists expressed uncertainty about the turning points in their careers, with Saadiq reflecting on the long journey he has had since his first album in 1988. “You never know,” he said, emphasizing the subjective nature of success. Warren shared a story of perseverance with his song “Ordinary,” which initially flopped on TikTok until it gained traction just before the platform faced a potential ban. His willingness to bypass traditional label channels exemplified the evolving relationship between artists and their music.
The discussion also touched upon the influence of AI in music creation. Laufey expressed confidence in the enduring appeal of unique artist narratives, stating, “Audiences want more than just the music. They want an album with a story.” Cirkut admitted to experimenting with AI tools but felt a moral conflict about their use. Lang critiqued the tendency to oversimplify music as just a task, while Warren highlighted that imperfections are often what listeners cherish most.
As the conversation continued, the panelists explored their creative processes and the significance of collaboration. Saadiq criticized modern A&R practices, suggesting that genuine musical insight often takes a back seat to superficial trends. They all agreed that a strong sense of discovery and playfulness fuels their creativity, regardless of an artist’s experience level.
Reflecting on their individual journeys, the panelists revealed personal challenges and milestones. Jones explained how her experience as a child star shaped her resilience, while Laufey shared her classical music background, which instilled a strong work ethic. The dialogue concluded with the artists expressing pride in their unique contributions, from intricate production details to thoughtful songwriting.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the evolving landscape of the music industry and the myriad challenges that come with it, all while celebrating the artistry and perseverance that drive these talented musicians. Their stories resonate with the realities of the music world, encapsulating both the struggles and triumphs that define their craft.
