Irish pop group Westlife uses AI to release new single entirely in Mandarin
The quartet – made up of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan – didn’t actually sing on the track, which was created using the world’s first multilingual AI singing technology to sound like them.
However, Westlife was still heavily involved in the creative process, which resulted in the song being streamed more than a million times in its first week.
Tencent Music Entertainment added: “Since the release of their album Wild Dreams in 2021, Westlife have continued to deepen their connection with China and Tencent Music Entertainment.
“In 2022, Westlife took their love for their Chinese fans to new heights by deeply participating in Tencent Music Entertainment Group’s annual non-profit programme If Music Has A Shape, demonstrating their love for their Chinese fans through the campaign.
“This ongoing mutual dedication is why we have chosen Westlife as the first international artiste to collaborate with to release AI music.
“We hope to use AI technology to bring Westlife ‘a bit closer’ to their fans in China.
“This aligns perfectly with Tencent Music Entertainment’s corporate mission of creating endless possibilities with music and technology.'”