Kesha Swaps ‘Delusional’ Single Cover After Backlash over Initial AI Artwork

Kesha is responding to fans’ concerns over her use of AI.

In November, the 38-year-old pop star released her single “Delusional” with an AI-generated artwork depicting a pile of handbags, each with the title painted on them and some incorrectly spelled, on a street crosswalk. Following backlash from fans, she swapped the single cover with a new image created without AI on May 20 and explained the decision in a note shared to social media.

The new “Delusional” artwork features Kesha sitting on a chair with her arms and legs bound by zip-ties and a smile on her face. “When making the single art for my song Delusional, I wanted to make the point that it’s DELUSIONAL that the world expects artists to continue making art when we are so undervalued,” she began.

“I tried to echo my ideas in the form of a political single cover.  I’ve realized that living in alignment with my integrity is more important than proving a point,” continued Kesha. “So I’ve decided to change the cover art for this song. She’s one of my favorites.”

After thanking the crew of creatives who helped produce the new image, she added, “AI is a pandoras box that we as a society have collectively opened, and I think it’s important that we keep human ramifications in mind as we learn how to use it as a tool and not as a replacement.”

Kesha concluded the post, “Just me healing, in real time.”

“Delusional” followed “Joyride” as the second single from the Grammy-nominated artist’s upcoming album, . (PERIOD), set for a July 4 release via Kesha Records — marking her first independent body of work. She’s since released the singles “Yippee-Ki-Yay” and “Boy Crazy.”

Earlier this week, Kesha also announced she’s changing the title of her last album, formerly known as Gag Order, to Eat the Acid (the same name as one of its songs) and spoke about the choice on social media.

“Making this album with the greatest living producer, Rick Rubin was the highlight of my artistic career and also of my personal life. He listened to me, he cared about me, he believed in me and he respected me,” she wrote. “It just took one good man.”

“He was the second executive producer I had worked with. He made me feel safe enough to be honest with the emotions I was going through at the time. He held the space, so I could break,” continued Kesha, detailing the vulnerable creative experience of making the album.

According to the “Praying” singer, Rubin “always saw this album being called Eat the acid, but I just couldn’t see the light yet. Still in the midst of my pain, I could not see the forest through the trees.”

Gag Order marked Kesha’s lowest performing album on the Billboard charts and the last in her contract with RCA Records. She said the experience now feels like a blessing “that led me to my freedom.”

“I couldn’t see it when I was in it, and now I see it clearly. It all does happen for a reason,” she continued. “Trust the process. Relinquish control. Let go. Find God where you can. Believe in magic. Eat the acid.”