How Xania Monet Was Created
Xania Monet is not a traditional performer. She was built by Mississippi poet and designer Telisha “Nikki” Jones using generative software to turn her poems into music. Jones explained her motivation in an interview, “I wanted to reveal myself because I wanted people to know there was a real person behind Xania. That there’s real emotion and soul put into those lyrics”.
Jones describes Monet as “an extension of myself,” a way to merge her writing with technology. She uses Suno, an AI music generator, to produce tracks that sound like contemporary R&B. The avatar’s look and voice were designed to resemble the soulful style of artists such as Keyshia Cole and Muni Long.
Her approach highlights how AI can be used as a creative tool rather than a replacement. As she told Gayle King, “AI is the new era that we’re in. I look at it as a tool, as an extension of myself”.
Chart Success and Record Deal
Monet’s breakout single How Was I Supposed to Know? debuted at No. 30 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart and climbed to No. 1 on R&B Digital Song Sales. Billboard confirmed that “she became the first known AI artist to earn enough radio airplay to debut on a radio chart” (NME).
Her success sparked a bidding war among labels. One offer reportedly reached $3 million, and she ultimately signed a multimillion‑dollar deal with Hallwood Media. Billboard reported, “Last week, a team of record‑label executives took a Zoom meeting with a little‑known R&B artist releasing music under the name Xania Monet… but it quickly became clear that this was no ordinary rising star”
This deal marks a turning point for AI in music, showing that labels are willing to invest heavily in virtual performers.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
Not everyone is celebrating. Grammy winner Victoria Monét raised concerns about likeness rights, telling Vanity Fair, “It’s hard to comprehend that, within a prompt, my name was not used for this artist to capitalize on. I don’t support that”.
Other artists, including Kehlani and SZA, have voiced worries about AI’s role in music. Ebony reported that Monet’s deal “fueled heated debates from Kehlani, SZA and other artists”.
Jones acknowledges the criticism but insists her work is authentic. She told NME, “Any time something new comes about and it challenges the norm and challenges what we’re used to, you’re going to get strong reactions behind it” (NME).
Why Xania Monet Matters
Xania Monet’s success forces the industry to confront questions about authorship, authenticity, and economics. Her chart performance proves audiences will listen to AI‑generated music. Her record deal shows labels see commercial potential. The backlash from artists highlights the need for clearer rules around likeness and intellectual property.
For fans, Monet represents both excitement and uncertainty. She demonstrates how technology can expand creative possibilities, but also raises concerns about what happens to human artistry. As Jones put it, “There’s real emotion and soul put into those lyrics”.
