Marsha Blackburn’s AI Video Draws Criticism During Governor’s Race
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn faced criticism after posting an AI-generated clip depicting her performing Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at Super Bowl LIX. The…
As Marsha Blackburn campaigns to become Tennessee governor, her latest social media post has drawn attention for a reason her campaign may not have intended. The U.S. senator posted an AI-generated clip depicting her performing Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at Super Bowl LIX, prompting a wave of criticism on X.
The video showed Blackburn with Tennessee politicians in the background, including Rep. Tim Burchett, Sen. Bill Hagerty and state Sen. Brent Taylor. The post’s caption read: “Tomorrow. Ready to roll.”
Users quickly filled the replies with criticism. Some called the clip “painfully cringe” and “AI slop,” according to Billboard, which reported that the post was intended to rally social media support for Blackburn’s gubernatorial bid.
One commenter wrote: “You found a way to make artificial intelligence look stupid.” Another asked: “What in the absolute f–king AI slop is this?”
Marsha Blackburn’s AI video draws rival’s response
Jerri Green, Blackburn’s Democratic opponent, also responded publicly. Green criticized the campaign’s use of artificial intelligence, writing on X: “When I say please stop using AI to support our campaign, this is what I mean.”
The dispute puts the video’s reception alongside the political campaign it was meant to support. Billboard reported that Blackburn’s attempt to rally social media users backfired as commenters focused on the AI depiction and its use of Lamar’s performance.
The clip also featured Kane, the WWE star turned politician, whom the report identified as Glenn Jacobs. He appeared with Burchett, Hagerty and Taylor behind Blackburn.
Billboard said it had reached out to Kendrick Lamar’s representatives for comment. The source reports no response from Lamar.
The performance behind the clip
Lamar performed “Not Like Us” during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. The song was part of his dispute with Drake and later received major recognition at the 2025 Grammy Awards, according to Billboard. The outlet reported that the track won song of the year, record of the year, best rap song, best music video and best rap performance.
Billboard also reported that Lamar won a second Primetime Emmy in the outstanding music direction category for the halftime performance. The show took place in New Orleans in February 2025.
Those details help explain why the video’s choice of song and performance drew a specific response online: Blackburn’s campaign clip recreated a high-profile musical moment, rather than using a generic soundtrack. The immediate political fallout in the source material centers on the replies and Green’s criticism, not on any public statement from Lamar.
Blackburn is running against Green for governor of Tennessee. Billboard cited RealClearPolitics in reporting that Blackburn held a strong advantage over Green in polling, while the video itself generated a separate burst of attention on X.
For voters encountering the campaign online, the episode shows how a post intended to attract attention can redirect discussion toward its execution and the campaign’s use of AI. Green’s public response made that criticism part of the race’s social media conversation.
Billboard said Lamar’s representatives had been contacted for comment, and reported no response from the singer.
Source: billboard.com
