ARIA chart shake-up bans AI-generated tracks with hit Like a Prayer cover facing axeControversy about a current radio hit has forced Australia’s entire music industry to rewrite the rules on what counts as a song on the charts.Kathy McCabe@McCabeRadar2 min readAugust 25, 2026 - 8:41AMThe controversial hit cover of Madonna’s Like A Prayer by an Aussie DJ is likely to be the first casualty of an ARIA charts shake-up banning “wholly AI-generated tracks.”Josh Fawaz ignited a debate about the use of AI in recorded music with his version of the iconic 1989 Madonna hit which has generated more than 48 million streams on Spotify alone since its release earlier this year.Fawaz later added generative AI credits for the drum and vocal parts of the song after a storm erupted questioning the make-up of the two-minute club track, which features a robotic-sounding voice.Originally, the credits for his version listed the original songwriters Patrick Leonard, Pierre Bordacarre and Madonna, with Fawaz named as the producer and performer.Aussie DJ and producer Josh Fawaz can appeal the ban. Picture: SuppliedThe Like a Prayer cover has had more than 48 million streams. Picture: Rafael Pavarotti/Supplied by Warner MusicARIA, in line with global recording industry body IFPI, are now tightening up eligibility criteria to ban songs that are completely made with AI.The new rules draw a distinction between AI-generated and “AI-assisted” songs.Others you may likenewsnewsNow a track using generative AI qualifies for top 50 glory only if it is “substantially human made” and raises no red flags that it is an attempt to manipulate either streaming algorithms or the charts.ARIA clarified that songwriters, producers and artists can use generative AI “in a supporting role” that doesn’t breach any copyright laws.ARIA chart for Like a Prayer by Josh Fawaz before new eligibility rules boot AI tracks out. Picture: ARIAARIA CEO Annabelle Herd took aim at commercial radio stations who absolutely flogged the Like A Prayer cover, even as the controversy about how much AI was used to create it flared.It became the most played track on Australian radio last month and as of this week, remains in the top 10 of the National Airplay Chart, with 11659 spins over 18 weeks.It has been played more on Australian radio stations than than Olivia Rodrigo’s Drop Dead and Teddy Swims’ Mr Know It All which landed on the airwaves around the same time as the Like A Prayer reboot.ARIA head Annabelle Herd isn’t happy radio has been flogging the AI-generated track instead of homegrown singles. Picture: SuppliedAustralian artists producing original songs have always struggled to land on commercial radio playlists and the local recording industry would prefer that music was given a shot rather than AI cover versions.“This gives everyone who releases music in Australia a clear rule to work to,” Herd said.“We call on all parties who have a role in deciding the music played and promoted to Australian audiences, particularly radio, to support human artistry and implement similar changes across their own codes.”More CoverageConspiracy surrounds most-played Aus songHeath Parkes-HuptonDJ adds AI credit to No.1 hitHeath Parkes-HuptonBut Fawaz can appeal should his track, which is currently at No.4 on the Australian Singles Top 20 should ARIA rule his track is no longer eligible when the new rules kick in this week.“Where ARIA determines a recording is ineligible, it may decline to accept it for survey, exclude or remove it from the charts prospectively or retrospectively, adjust chart positions, withdraw accreditations, and revoke or request the return of any ARIA #1 Award. An ineligible recording will also not be eligible for an ARIA Award,” the organisation stated.“ARIA has updated the disputes process in the Code so artists and their representatives can contest an exclusion and provide evidence supporting a recording’s eligibility.” Join the conversationAdd your comment to this storyTo join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? RegisterJoin the conversation, you are commenting as LogoutMore related storiesMusic‘No longer’: Eurovision rocked by bombshellA nation’s bold decision has sent shockwaves around Europe, with an official declaring the event can “no longer be considered neutral”.Read moreMusic Festivals‘Nightmare’: Aussie festivals’ fight to surviveFrom outback plains to city streets, Aussie promoters are throwing the dice on live music’s future as costs soar and the old festival model crumbles.Read moreCelebrity LifeDelta opens up about terrifying secret ordealSinger Delta Goodrem reflects on the darker side of fame and the reality of protecting her privacy after police were forced to step in over a frightening harassment ordeal.Read more