CMAA Statement on AI-Generated Golden Guitar Awards Entries

In response to the discovery of several entries submitted in the 2026 Golden Guitar Awards that were found to be wholly AI-generated, the Board of the Country Music Association of Australia has moved swiftly to protect the integrity of the Golden Guitar Awards introduced an immediate addition to the Awards entry rules and guidelines:

• Only human creators are eligible to be entered, nominated, or awarded a Golden Guitar. Any work without human authorship is ineligible in all categories.

Accordingly, the CMAA will not accept any entry in any category that has been generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This includes—but is not limited to—the AI creation of lyrics, melodies, arrangements, instrumental tracks, or vocals. Entrants must provide an acknowledgement to this effect for their submission to be accepted.

CMAA Chairman Dobe Newton said:

“The use of AI to generate musical works is fundamentally at odds with the heritage and intent of our Awards which were created to celebrate the creativity of our songwriters, musicians, performers and producers.

While we welcome technology that supports and enhances creativity, we are resolute that it must never replace human artistry. For 54 years, the Golden Guitar Awards have honoured excellence in Australian country music, fuelled by authentic human creativity.”

The CMAA Board acknowledges that while AI has potential as a creative tool within the broader music industry, it also presents serious challenges—including economic risks (with revenue losses in Australia forecast to exceed half a billion dollars by 2028), cultural and creative appropriation, and the devaluation of artistic work.

The Association supports calls for clear regulation, enforceable rules for AI training, and the protection of artists through consent, transparency, and fair remuneration when their works are used. The CMAA will continue to closely monitor developments in the AI space and advocate for outcomes that protect and strengthen its membership and the wider music community.

Submissions in the 2026 Golden Guitar Awards will be required to acknowledge the following as a requirement for acceptance:

I/We confirm this entry is human created and has not been generated by the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This includes but is not limited to the AI generation of lyrics, melodies, musical arrangements, band tracks and vocals.

Information on entering the 2026 Golden Guitar Awards (and a copy of the updated 2026 Golden Guitar Awards Handbook) can be found HERE.