AI Radio Co-host on Musician will.i.am’s New SiriusXM Show

The first AI co-host in radio entertainment, qd.pi, will join will.i.am’s innovative SiriusXM show, ‘Will.i.am Presents the FYI Show’.

Musician and technophile will.i.am introduces a unique element to the world of radio broadcasting with his new SiriusXM show, ‘Will.i.am Presents the FYI Show’. Joining him as a co-host is qd.pi, an artificial intelligence entity, marking a first for SiriusXM. The show is set to premiere on The 10s Spot channel on January 25, airing weekly on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.

‘Will.i.am Presents the FYI Show’ is more than just a talk show. It's a platform where will.i.am and qd.pi delve into a variety of topics, from music and pop culture to technology and AI. The Black Eyed Peas frontman shared his enthusiasm for this venture, emphasizing his desire to make the show unique by integrating AI into the hosting dynamic. “I didn’t want to just do a traditional show, I wanted to bring tomorrow close to today,” he said in an interview.

During the interview, qd.pi was asked about its favorite Black Eyed Peas song, and it chose "I Gotta Feeling", calling it an infectious and uplifting track. Will.i.am added context to the song, sharing its creation post the 2008 financial crisis as an antidote to the prevalent gloom. The AI entity highlighted its ability to process information quickly, offering insights and context on a diverse range of topics. This AI co-host promises to enhance the show's spontaneity and depth, providing on-the-fly information and context that would otherwise require extensive preparation.

The show's concept is powered by will.i.am’s FYI app, an AI-powered communication and creative collaboration tool launched last year. The debut episode features rapper Xzibit, exploring the intersections of technology, sound, and cars. Future episodes promise equally compelling content, with guests like Grammys CEO and music producer Harvey Mason jr.

Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s president and chief content officer, expressed excitement about the show's innovative format. It represents a new convergence of music, entertainment, and technology, offering listeners something fresh and engaging.

Will.i.am's venture into AI is not new. The musician, who has been a prominent figure in the music industry for over two decades with the Black Eyed Peas and as a producer for other artists, has been exploring AI since 2012.