Introduction: Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated actress, has returned to the spotlight with a new pop music video, igniting discussions around the use of artificial intelligence in entertainment. Her latest project navigates the controversy stemming from her debut as the world’s first AI actress.
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">AI "actress" <a class="link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined" data-cy="styled-link" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sag-aftra-hits-out-at-tilly-norwood-the-ai-generated-actress-that-has-enraged-hollywood">Tilly Norwood</a> is back — and this time she's released a pop music video, where she sings about <a class="link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined" data-cy="styled-link" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sag-aftra-hits-out-at-tilly-norwood-the-ai-generated-actress-that-has-enraged-hollywood">the backlash to her initial announcement</a>.</p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">The song, titled “Take the Lead,” comes with an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7V2Biy3omw" class="link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined" data-cy="styled-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accompanying music video</a> featuring a plethora of whimsical visuals. In it, Norwood swings from a disco ball, performs on a London rooftop, and even soars through the sky while riding an inflatable flamingo.</p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">Despite the video's reliance on AI-generated imagery, Particle6, the production company behind it, claims that the project was crafted by a team of nearly 20 professionals. They argue that AI enhances productivity rather than diminishes job opportunities, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions.</p>
<output class="box-wrapper jsx-2673806401" data-cy="article-video"/>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">Tilly Norwood's new video opens with a statement declaring, “The following production was made by 18 real humans — from production designers to costume designers to prompters, editors, and an actor. No flamingos were harmed in the process.”</p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">The lyrics were influenced by an essay penned by Norwood’s creator, Eline van der Velden. The song was generated using Suno, an AI music generator, and produced by Particle6 and its AI talent division, Xicoia Studio. According to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ai-actor-tilly-norwood-song-music-take-the-lead-1236526080/" class="link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined" data-cy="styled-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Hollywood Reporter</a>, Van der Velden acted out Norwood’s performance, which was then integrated into the AI process for the music video.</p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">The lyrics reveal that Van der Velden grapples with the negative reactions to Norwood's launch as the first "AI actress" back in 2025. “When they talk about me, they don’t see the human spark, the creativity… I’m just a tool, but I’ve got life,” Norwood robotically expresses in the song. “They think I’m just a dollar dream but I’ve got more than they believe… I’m not a puppet, I’m the star.”</p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">This musical endeavor appears to be a precursor to Norwood’s planned acting debut later this year, according to THR. The companies behind Norwood are reportedly exploring the creation of a “Tilly-verse,” where Norwood and other unreleased AI characters could interact and collaborate, as the outlet suggests.</p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527">Earlier this year, actor Chris Pratt, known for his roles in Marvel and Jurassic World, criticized Norwood, yet <a class="link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined" data-cy="styled-link" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/ive-never-seen-her-in-a-movie-i-dont-know-who-this-bh-is-jurassic-world-and-marvel-star-chris-pratt-says-panic-over-ai-actor-tilly-norwood-is-bullst">dismissed the concern within Hollywood regarding AI "actors" as "bulls***."</a><br/></p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527"><em>Image credit: Particle6</em></p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527"><em>Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.</em></p>
<p data-cy="paragraph" class="paragraph jsx-2269604527"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Tilly Norwood continues to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in entertainment. As she gears up for her first acting role and explores the concept of a “Tilly-verse,” the dialogue about AI's role in creativity remains an ongoing and dynamic conversation within Hollywood.</p>
