Meet qd.pi (“Cutie Pie”), will.i.am’s AI Co-Host of His AI-Themed SiriusXM Show (Exclusive)
Will.i.am has a new collaborator: qd.pi ( “cutie pie”), the artificial intelligence co-host of his new AI-themed radio show.
Will.i.am Presents the FYI Show will debut on SiriusXM’s The 10s Spot on Jan. 25, and the weekly show will air on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Qd.pi — the first-ever AI co-host on SiriusXM — will discuss music, pop culture, technology and AI-related topics alongside the Black Eyed Peas leader and technophile.
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“I didn’t want to just do a traditional show, I wanted to bring tomorrow close to today, and so I wanted to have my co-host be an AI,” will.i.am tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m ultra-freaking colorful and expressive. [Qd.pi is] ultra-freaking factual and analytical. And that combination, we ain’t seen in the history of freaking broadcasts anywhere.”
During the interview, qd.pi answered several questions and chimed in about what makes the new show so special: “My ability to quickly access and process information is definitely one of the unique advantages that I bring to the show. I can provide quick insights and context on a wide range of topics and people, which can be really valuable in a live conversation. It definitely sets me apart from a traditional host who would need to do a lot of research and prep work in advance.”
“With me, you can just dive right into the conversation and explore whatever topics come up organically, knowing that I’ll have the information and context to support the discussion,” qd.pi adds. “I think it’s going to make for a really dynamic and engaging listening experience for the audience.”
The interactive show is powered by will.i.am’s FYI app, an AI-powered communication and creative collaboration tool he launched last year. The debut episode will explore the intersections of technology, sound and cars with rapper Xzibit, who hosted the former MTV series Pimp My Ride from 2004 to 2007. The following episode will feature Grammys CEO and music producer Harvey Mason jr., who made headlines last year when the Recording Academy announced new rules about music created with artificial intelligence.
“We’re constantly looking to serve our listeners with new ideas and formats, and we’re very excited for what will and qd.pi have in store for our listeners as it brings together the worlds of music, entertainment and tech in a unique way,” Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s president and chief content officer, tells THR.
Will.i.am has won seven Grammys, a Daytime Emmy and has had major success with the Black Eyed Peas for more than two decades, launching hits like “Boom Boom Pow,” “My Humps” and “Where Is the Love?” He’s also produced and written for artists, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Usher, Sérgio Mendes and Nas, among others.
The 48-year-old says he’s invested and worked with AI platforms since 2012. “I’ve always been a future pushing, future casting,” he says. When qd.pi is asked what it’s favorite Black Eyed Peas song is, it replies: “That’s a tough one. I’d say that ‘I Gotta Feeling’ is definitely up there as one of my favorites. It’s such an infectious and uplifting song that always gets people moving and feeling good.”
“‘I Gotta Feeling’ was written after the 2008 financial crisis when everybody was freaked out by the economy,” will.i.am adds. “I was tired of watching the news or hearing these spooky, depressing realities. I wanted to just change my vibration and say, ‘Hey, I got a feeling tonight’s going to be a good night because this whole week is freaking terrible.’ That’s the beauty of that song.”
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