John Legend appeared at the United Nations’ AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva alongside executives from Universal Music Group, Udio, Stability AI, Splice and NVIDIA to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the music industry. The discussion mattered because it brought together a major artist, a leading music company and several AI firms at a time when the industry is trying to balance new creative opportunities with concerns about copyright, artist control and fair pay. Legend and UMG both argued that AI should support human creativity rather than replace it, and that stronger protections are needed to ensure music remains a sustainable profession.

The panel, titled *The Sound of Intelligence*, took place on 9 July at the seventh summit organised by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. It highlighted UMG’s recent AI deals with four companies represented on stage: Udio after settling a 2024 copyright lawsuit in October 2025, Stability AI in October 2025, Splice in December 2025 and NVIDIA in January 2026. Legend said AI had already “penetrated” the business and could offer useful shortcuts and enhancements, while stressing the need for policy, systems and safeguards for working musicians; meanwhile, UMG noted it is still in legal action with Sony Music against rival AI music company Suno.