When Virtual Divas Meet AI

SAM REYES

Remember the blue-haired virtual VOCALOID idol Hatsune Miku? Today, VOCALOID is now shaking up the game by making AI-enhanced vocals!

Yamaha Corporation (as in the musical instrument manufacturers) integrated VOCALOID:AI with the sixth version of VOCALOID, VOCALOID6, in October 2022.

Yamaha claims in their website that their new AI generates data based on human vocals “to analyze singing characteristics such as tone and expression of real vocalists.” VOCALOIDs can now produce smooth transitions between syllables while also giving them proper emotion while singing.

There aren’t plans to make a Miku AI voice. However, there is GUMI AI, who is voiced by Japanese-Filipino singer Megumi Nakajima.

AI singing synthesizers do not generate songs for you immediately. You still have to put in some work for it to sing your songs or covers. Additionally, the voicebanks were created with consent from the voice providers.

Vocal synthesizer AI will always remain as one of the safest uses of AI technology without infringing on the creativity of other people.