On June 6, popular British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran unveiled the music video for his latest single, 'Sapphire', a project he had been teasing for some time. The visually captivating three-minute video was filmed using a guerrilla style during Sheeran's recent visit to India. It showcases various scenes of the artist navigating the bustling streets on auto rickshaws and interacting with enthusiastic fans, effectively capturing the vibrant energy of the Indian landscape.

One of the most exciting aspects for Indian fans is the collaboration with renowned Bollywood singer Arijit Singh, who has made a significant mark in the Indian music industry. In the video, Singh is featured riding a scooter with Sheeran around his hometown, Jiaganj, nestled in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as Sheeran referred to Arijit as “the final jigsaw piece” in the creation of the song.

In addition to the original 'Sapphire' release, Sheeran has hinted at an upcoming full Punjabi version of the track, featuring Arijit Singh, which has raised anticipation among fans. The excitement around this project is palpable, especially with fans eagerly awaiting more music that merges Sheeran’s pop sensibilities with Singh’s soulful voice.

Moreover, an intriguing twist emerged shortly after the release. A recreated version of 'Sapphire' surfaced on YouTube, reportedly generated through artificial intelligence. This AI rendition features Arijit Singh's voice exclusively, although it is not accompanied by a traditional music video; instead, an AI-generated image of both artists is displayed while the audio plays. Uploaded by a user named Sing Rajveera on June 7, this version has amassed over 1 million views, showcasing the power of digital technology in music distribution.

Despite its success, social media reactions to the AI version have been mixed. Some users expressed admiration, noting how closely the AI-generated voice resembles Singh's authentic sound. One user remarked, “I just realized how good Ed Sheeran is, they almost sound identical,” while another stated, “Both versions are best but I like this one most... I'm eagerly waiting for this version.” Enthusiastic fans were quick to praise Arijit, with comments such as “Arijit the voice of India…” and “No one can beat Arijit Singh…” highlighting his significant impact on listeners.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some users voiced their concerns about the implications of using AI in music. A user commented, “AI can't create the magic Arijit does,” while another lamented, “AI just stole our feelings slowly.” A critical perspective emerged as some argued that the original version of the song remains unparalleled, emphasizing that “AI doesn't create art with feeling and emotions. This is why AI will never beat human art.”

Adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding AI in music, it is crucial to note that in 2024, Arijit Singh took legal action against the use of AI to mimic his voice, a case he successfully won. The Bombay High Court deemed the misuse of his voice and image as “technological exploitation,” granting Singh interim relief in his copyright case against AI platforms. The court's ruling underscores the importance of obtaining permission when utilizing someone’s voice or likeness, thus protecting artists' personality rights in an evolving digital landscape.