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The Beatles have once again made history, not through a time machine but with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Their song “Now and Then,” released last year, has garnered nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards. 

The Beatles earned 23 Grammy nominations and seven wins over the years. However, they’ve never taken home Record of the Year. With “Now and Then,” the Fab Four achieve this milestone, cementing their legacy in an industry they helped revolutionize.

Decades after their split, and after the death of years the iconic band proves their influence remains timeless, as they compete with modern artists such as Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan. 

This nomination marks the first time a song produced using AI has been recognized at the Grammys.

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AI and the Beatles: A Collaborative Tool

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Despite initial skepticism, Paul McCartney clarified that AI was not used to mimic or “resurrect” John Lennon or George Harrison. Instead, the technology was a restorative tool, allowing Lennon’s 1978 demo and Harrison’s guitar track, recorded six years before his death in 2001, to shine.

McCartney credited Peter Jackson’s documentary The Beatles: Get Back for inspiring this process. In the film, AI technology separated individual voices and sounds from noisy archival recordings.

This same method was applied to Lennon’s demo for “Now and Then.” AI isolated Lennon’s vocals and piano, transforming a previously unusable cassette recording into a pristine track suitable for modern production.

“AI was really like an editing tool,” explained Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “It enhanced the work of humans, rather than replacing them.”

Navigating the AI Controversy

The announcement of AI’s involvement in creating “Now and Then” initially sparked outrage among fans.

Many feared that Lennon’s voice had been artificially generated. McCartney addressed these concerns, emphasizing on social media that the track was authentic and featured all original Beatles members.

“Nothing has been artificially or synthetically created. It’s all real,” McCartney stated. “We cleaned up some existing recordings—a process which has gone on for years.”

Ringo Starr echoed this sentiment, assuring Rolling Stone, “We would never fake John’s voice.”

Now and Then: Grammy Debate 

The nominations for “Now and Then” have reignited conversations about AI’s role in music production.

While AI’s capabilities are advancing, the Recording Academy maintains strict guidelines. According to Mason, AI must enhance human creativity without overshadowing or replacing it.

The debate surrounding AI in music isn’t new. In 2023, a track titled “Heart on My Sleeve,” which deepfaked the voices of Drake and The Weekend, was submitted for Grammy consideration.

 Although praised for its innovation, the song was ultimately deemed ineligible for categories requiring vocal performances.

Eric Burgess, CEO of Credtent, compared AI in music to Photoshop in photography. “When we think of AI as a tool for artists and not a replacement, people are more open to its use,” he said.

A Groundbreaking Song

For McCartney, “Now and Then” represents both a farewell and a celebration. “It was quite emotional. To still be working on Beatles music and releasing a new song the public hasn’t heard is exciting,” McCartney shared.

Starr described the experience as deeply moving. “It was the closest we’ll ever come to having [Lennon] back in the room. It was like John was there,” he said.

According to Paul the track is the Beatles' last song. But also pushes the boundaries of music production in the AI era.

The Future of AI in Music

Experts believe AI will continue to transform music, offering new possibilities for restoration, sampling, and personalization.

Andreas Welsch, founder of Intelligence Briefing, noted, “AI opens up new possibilities to restore other tracks. It’s the purpose for which AI is used—like enhancing and restoring Lennon’s voice—that resonates with audiences.”

The integration of AI also raises critical questions about copyright and ownership. As AI-generated songs become more sophisticated, the music industry will need to adapt its legal frameworks.

“Now and Then” is more than just a song, it’s a testament to the enduring power of the iconic group and a glimpse into the future of music production. 

By embracing AI as a creative tool, the band has managed to bridge the past and present, creating a track that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.

Whether the song wins at the Grammys or not, its impact is undeniable. It represents a blend of nostalgia and innovation, proving that even after five decades, the Beatles remain pioneers in the world of music.