Artificial Intelligence Gains Traction Among Baby Boomers
In the realm of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a novelty, but a tool being embraced by individuals across generations. One such group making significant strides in this area are older celebrities and leaders.
Recently, Rod Stewart, aged 80, showcased his innovative use of AI in his 2025 concert. He incorporated an AI-generated tribute video to the late Ozzy Osbourne, depicting the legendary rocker alongside multiple deceased music legends such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Tina Turner, in a surreal, ethereal setting designed to evoke a serene afterlife. This groundbreaking performance sparked controversy and mixed reactions from the audience, with some finding it bizarre or disrespectful given the proximity to Osbourne's death.
The use of AI visuals by Stewart is just one example of older artists leveraging this technology to create new, imaginative visual experiences that blend historical figures in ways never before possible. These AI-generated visuals are often used in live performances or social media to engage fans and offer fresh interpretations of their artistic legacy.
Donald Trump, aged 79, is another connoisseur of AI visuals. He shared an AI-generated video in March, featuring a transformed Gaza strip where he and Benjamin Netanyahu sip cocktails while topless on sun loungers. TikTok sensation Big John is also creating AI-generated images, including his face as sweets in a packet of "Haribosh."
The trend isn't limited to entertainment. AI-generated deepfake technology has been demonstrated in various sectors, with some public figures and leaders using it internally to educate and raise awareness about the ease of creating realistic fake content and the importance of cybersecurity. Elon Musk, a middle-aged individual, is one such example.
Interest in AI's potential for transformation extends beyond entertainment and cybersecurity. Wizened CEOs are also exploring its potential for business transformation. Tony Blair, for instance, is one of the older individuals who have shown interest in this area.
AI-generated images are being sent for various occasions, including birthdays and calendar events, and are often marked as "forwarded many times" on platforms like WhatsApp. Alexander Dugin, a 63-year-old far-right Russian philosopher, even posted an AI image of an orange with jacked arms and legs in reference to Donald Trump.
The use of AI-generated visuals by older celebrities and leaders is a testament to the technology's growing influence and versatility. While these innovative approaches sometimes raise ethical and emotional questions among audiences, they also underscore the potential of AI to preserve memories, create new experiences, and blur the lines between reality and imagination.
[1] Ethical and Emotional Responses to AI-Generated Tributes in Entertainment (2025) [2] The Rise of AI-Generated Deepfakes in Entertainment (2023) [3] AI-Generated Tributes: A New Frontier in Entertainment (2024) [4] AI Deepfakes for Cybersecurity Education: A Case Study (2022) [5] The Controversial Use of AI-Generated Tributes in Entertainment (2025)
- Style and fashion in the entertainment sphere are being redefined with the emergence of AI-generated tributes, as evidenced by the controversial yet innovative use of these visuals in Rod Stewart's 2025 concert.
- The manual for navigating the ethical and emotional aspects of AI-generated tributes in the entertainment industry is still being written, with scholarly works such as "Ethical and Emotional Responses to AI-Generated Tributes in Entertainment (2025)" providing valuable insights.
