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AI Persona Tilly Norwood Releases 'Take the Lead' Video, Drawing Fresh Backlash

Particle6 frames the release as a human-led showcase, with Suno-generated vocals and 18 credited contributors.

Overview

  • The four-minute video positions the character as a global star and directly addresses past criticism, with lyrics urging performers to “build your own” AI versions and declaring “AI’s not the enemy, it’s the key.”
  • The track was generated using the AI music tool Suno, while Particle6 combined performance capture by creator Eline van der Velden with a suite of AI video tools in production.
  • A disclaimer opening the video credits 18 human roles across production, reflecting the company’s emphasis on a hybrid, human-in-the-loop process.
  • Online reaction has been largely negative, with critics calling out “tinny” vocals and obvious AI artifacts as YouTube views passed roughly 100,000 by Thursday.
  • SAG-AFTRA’s earlier condemnation of the project resurfaced in coverage, and Particle6 is promoting the release as a prelude to a broader “Tillyverse” and a planned AI acting debut later in 2026, with a tongue-in-cheek Oscars tease.