Tilly Norwood, the AI performer who sparked debate, is back with a new pop song and music video called “Take the Lead.” Created by Particle6 studio in London, the video shows the digital Tilly singing and dancing in a series of unusual, computer-created environments.
The song’s lyrics respond to the strong criticism Tilly received after first appearing in 2025, and aim to present the AI as a partner to human artists, rather than a replacement for them.
The song features lyrics like, “When they talk about me, they don’t see the human spark, the creativity, behind the code, behind the light, I’m just a tool, but I’ve got life.” The music video is just as dramatic, showing the artist floating on an inflatable flamingo and performing on a large stage. To highlight the real people involved in making the video, a message at the beginning credits the work of 18 designers, editors, and other crew members.
Despite attempts to make Tilly Norwood more appealing, her release has sparked renewed discussion about the use of AI actors in Hollywood. When Particle6 founder Eline Van der Velden first presented Norwood, the industry largely reacted negatively, with groups like SAG-AFTRA arguing that such creations undermine the value of human performers.
Many critics remain unconvinced by the studio’s explanations, seeing the project as insensitive to concerns that this technology could jeopardize actors’ careers. Tilly Norwood was created by Eline Van der Velden, a Dutch comedian, actress, and producer who established Particle6 in 2016.
Van der Velden, who has appeared in shows like the BBC comedy Miss Holland, has framed Norwood as a tech experiment, not a replacement for human talent.
Although the “Tilly-verse”—a planned universe of interconnected AI characters—is still being developed, Norwood hasn’t yet been cast in a significant role in a major film or television show.
Beyond this innovative project, Van der Velden continues to pursue acting while also working on different productions. She’s currently developing a new documentary series for the History Channel called Streets of the Past, which will use AI to recreate scenes from history.
At the same time, the entertainment industry is gearing up for the 98th Academy Awards this weekend, and discussions about the ethical implications of using AI in filmmaking are expected to be prominent among attendees, including artists and union leaders.
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2026-03-12 16:14