AI Submission Policy

Version 1.0

Introduction

This AI Submission Policy ("Policy") explains Meridian's position on the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and generative AI technologies in relation to Submissions entered into the Awards.

Meridian exists to recognise human artistic expression, human creative authorship and human-led musical achievement. The Awards are founded on the belief that artistic recognition should be awarded to human creators for work shaped by human intention, craft, judgement, performance and originality.

For that reason, AI-generated music is not eligible for the Awards in any category.

Limited AI-assisted technical tools may be used where they support the creative process without replacing meaningful human authorship. However, any use of AI that generates, replaces or materially contributes to the core musical, lyrical, vocal, instrumental or arrangement content of a Submission is prohibited.

This Policy forms part of the Awards Entry Terms and Conditions. By submitting a Submission to the Awards, the Entrant agrees to comply with this Policy.

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy:

AI means artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI or similar technologies capable of generating, transforming, analysing, imitating, reconstructing or assisting with creative, technical or expressive content.

AI-Assisted Technical Tool means an AI-based tool used to support technical, administrative or corrective processes without generating or replacing core creative authorship.

AI-Generated Material means any material generated, composed, performed, written, arranged, sung, played, produced or materially created by AI rather than by a human creator.

Awards means The Meridian Awards programme, including all award categories, competitions, initiatives, ceremonies and associated activities organised by Meridian.

Entrant means any individual or organisation that submits, or intends to submit, a Submission to the Awards.

Meridian, we, our or us means The Meridian Awards Ltd, a company incorporated in England and Wales under company number 17298148.

Submission means any information, recording, musical work, audiovisual work, image, artwork, photograph, biography, lyric, document, metadata, declaration or other material submitted to Meridian in connection with the Awards.

Website means www.themeridianawards.com, together with any associated subdomains, web pages, online portals, judging platforms and digital services owned or operated by Meridian.

You or your means any individual or organisation acting as an Entrant or otherwise submitting a Submission to the Awards.

2. Core Principle: Human Authorship Required

Every Submission must be the product of substantial human creative authorship.

Meridian does not recognise AI-generated creative output as eligible artistic authorship for the purposes of the Awards.

A Submission may only be eligible where the core creative elements have been created by human artists, writers, performers, producers, composers, musicians or other human contributors.

The use of AI must not replace human authorship in any material part of the Submission.

3. AI-Generated Music Is Not Eligible

AI-generated music is not eligible for the Awards in any category.

This includes, without limitation:

  • songs generated by AI from text prompts; 
  • instrumental tracks generated by AI; 
  • AI-generated compositions; 
  • AI-generated performances; 
  • AI-generated productions; 
  • AI-generated genre pastiches; 
  • AI-generated backing tracks; 
  • AI-generated music beds; 
  • AI-generated soundalike works; 
  • any recording where the core musical content has been generated primarily by AI. 

A Submission will not be eligible merely because a human selected, edited, arranged, curated or prompted AI-generated musical output.

Human prompting, selection or curation of AI-generated music does not constitute sufficient human authorship for the purposes of the Awards.

4. Prohibited AI Uses

The following uses of AI are prohibited in Submissions:

  • AI-generated songs; 
  • AI-generated lyrics; 
  • AI-generated lead vocals; 
  • AI-generated backing vocals; 
  • AI voice cloning; 
  • AI voice conversion; 
  • synthetic AI vocal performances; 
  • AI-generated melodies; 
  • AI-generated instrumental parts; 
  • AI-generated arrangements; 
  • AI-generated performances of real or virtual instruments; 
  • AI-generated compositions; 
  • AI-generated musical sections forming a material part of the Submission. 

This prohibition applies whether the AI-generated material is created using text prompts, audio prompts, reference tracks, voice models, style models, music generation systems, voice conversion systems or any other comparable technology.

5. AI Vocals Are Not Permitted

AI vocals of any kind are not permitted in Submissions.

This includes:

  • synthetic AI lead vocals; 
  • synthetic AI backing vocals; 
  • AI-generated choir parts; 
  • AI-generated spoken voice performances; 
  • voice cloning; 
  • voice conversion; 
  • AI imitation of a real person; 
  • AI imitation of a fictional or synthetic vocalist; 
  • AI-generated demo vocals that remain in the final Submission. 

This applies even where the Entrant has permission from the original vocalist or voice owner.

Meridian's position is that vocal performance is a core element of human musical expression and must not be replaced by AI in any Submission.

6. AI-Generated Lyrics Are Not Permitted

AI-generated lyrics are not eligible.

Lyrics submitted to the Awards must be written by human lyricists or songwriters.

AI may not be used to generate final lyrical content, whether in whole or in part.

AI may be used only for limited brainstorming or administrative support, provided that the final lyrics are created by human writers and the use of AI has not replaced meaningful human lyrical authorship.

Where there is uncertainty, the Entrant must disclose the use of AI and explain the human contribution.

7. AI-Generated Composition and Arrangement Are Not Permitted

AI-generated melodies, instrumental parts, compositions and arrangements are not permitted.

This includes:

  • AI-generated toplines; 
  • AI-generated hooks; 
  • AI-generated riffs; 
  • AI-generated chord-melody parts; 
  • AI-generated basslines; 
  • AI-generated drum parts; 
  • AI-generated orchestration; 
  • AI-generated instrumental solos; 
  • AI-generated harmonic arrangements; 
  • AI-generated song sections. 

The use of AI to assist with chord progression exploration may be acceptable, provided that the final musical work is substantially authored, selected, developed and completed by human creators.

AI must not be used to generate the core musical identity of the Submission.

8. Permitted AI-Assisted Technical Uses

Meridian recognises that AI-based tools are increasingly integrated into modern music production and post-production workflows.

The following limited uses may be permitted, provided they do not replace human creative authorship and are disclosed where required:

  • AI stem separation; 
  • AI noise reduction; 
  • AI de-clicking, de-noising or restoration; 
  • AI mastering assistants; 
  • AI mix analysis tools; 
  • AI vocal cleanup tools, provided they do not generate or replace the vocal performance; 
  • AI pitch or timing correction tools, provided they correct a human performance rather than generate a new one; 
  • AI sample search or catalogue tools; 
  • AI transcription tools; 
  • AI metadata or administrative tools; 
  • AI-assisted brainstorming, provided final creative authorship remains human; 
  • AI-generated demo material that is not included in the final Submission. 

Permitted technical assistance must remain subordinate to human creative decision-making.

If AI use materially shapes the final creative content of the Submission, it must be disclosed and may render the Submission ineligible.

9. Artwork, Visuals and Promotional Materials

AI-generated artwork, visual assets or promotional materials may be accepted where they are not the primary judged work and where their use is disclosed.

However, Meridian strongly prefers human-made visual materials wherever possible.

Where a category involves visual work, video, artwork, design, branding or other visual creative elements as part of the judged Submission, AI-generated visual material may affect eligibility or assessment.

Entrants must disclose any AI-generated or AI-assisted visual materials submitted in connection with the Awards.

Meridian may request further information where visual AI use is relevant to eligibility, judging or public presentation.

10. Mandatory AI Declaration

Every Entrant must complete an AI declaration as part of the submission process.

The declaration may require the Entrant to confirm one or more of the following:

  • no AI tools were used in any meaningful creative capacity; 
  • AI tools were used only for limited technical assistance; 
  • AI tools were used for brainstorming or administrative support; 
  • AI-generated or AI-assisted visual materials were used; 
  • AI was used in another way, with details provided. 

The Entrant must provide accurate, complete and truthful information regarding AI use.

Failure to disclose AI use, or providing false, incomplete or misleading information, may result in action under this Policy and the Awards Entry Terms and Conditions.

11. Verification and Evidence

Meridian reserves the right to request evidence or clarification where reasonably necessary to assess compliance with this Policy.

Such evidence may include:

  • written explanation of the creative process; 
  • project files; 
  • session screenshots; 
  • lyric drafts; 
  • composition notes; 
  • contributor statements; 
  • production notes; 
  • release documentation; 
  • AI tool outputs; 
  • technical logs; 
  • evidence confirming that vocals, lyrics, melodies, arrangements or performances were human-created; 
  • any other information reasonably required to assess compliance. 

The Entrant must cooperate with reasonable verification requests.

Failure to provide requested information within the timeframe specified by Meridian may result in rejection, disqualification, removal from finalist consideration or revocation of an Award.

12. Consequences of Breach

A breach of this Policy may result in one or more of the following actions:

  • rejection of a Submission; 
  • disqualification from the Awards; 
  • removal from finalist consideration; 
  • removal from public announcements; 
  • revocation of finalist status; 
  • revocation of an Award or recognition; 
  • restriction from entering future Awards cycles; 
  • correction or removal of published materials; 
  • any other reasonable action permitted under the Awards Entry Terms and Conditions. 

Meridian may take action before or after finalists or winners have been announced where new information comes to light.

Failure to disclose prohibited AI use will be treated as a serious breach of the integrity of the Awards.

13. No AI Categories

Meridian will not create categories for AI-generated music.

The Awards exist to recognise human creative authorship and human artistic achievement.

AI-generated music, AI-generated vocals, AI-generated lyrics, AI-generated compositions and AI-generated performances are inconsistent with the purpose and ethos of the Awards.

Meridian may continue to review this Policy as technology evolves, but the core requirement of human authorship will remain central to the Awards.

14. No AI Training

Meridian will not use Submissions, and will not knowingly permit Submissions to be used, for the training, development, testing or improvement of artificial intelligence, machine learning systems or generative AI models.

This restriction applies to all submitted materials, including:

  • audio recordings; 
  • vocals;  
  • lyrics;  
  • artwork;  
  • images;  
  • video;  
  • metadata;  
  • biographies;  
  • supporting documentation; 
  • any other material included in a Submission. 

Meridian will not partner with any platform, sponsor, provider or third party that requires access to Submissions for AI training, model development, dataset creation or comparable AI-related exploitation.

15. Sponsors, Partners and Third-Party Platforms

Meridian will not permit sponsors, commercial partners or third-party platforms to use Submissions for AI training, AI generation, model development, dataset creation or commercial AI exploitation.

No sponsor, partner or third party may use a Submission to generate derivative AI content, synthetic performances, cloned voices, imitation works or AI-generated musical output without the Entrant's separate express written consent.

Meridian will not enter into partnerships that compromise the human authorship principles set out in this Policy.

16. Public Disclosure of AI Use

AI disclosures are primarily used by Meridian for eligibility, administration and judging purposes.

Meridian will not automatically publish every AI disclosure made by an Entrant.

However, Meridian may publicly refer to AI use where:

  • it is relevant to the category, eligibility or published description of the Submission; 
  • the Entrant has publicly disclosed the AI use; 
  • disclosure is necessary to correct a misleading public impression; 
  • disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect the integrity of the Awards; 
  • disclosure is required by law. 

Where possible, Meridian will handle AI disclosures in a proportionate and context-sensitive manner.

17. Relationship with Other Meridian Documents

This Policy should be read together with Meridian's:

  • Awards Entry Terms and Conditions; 
  • Submission Licence Agreement; 
  • Privacy Policy; 
  • Judging and Confidentiality Policy; 
  • Website Terms and Conditions; 
  • Cookie Policy. 

The Awards Entry Terms and Conditions govern participation in the Awards generally.

This Policy governs the use and disclosure of AI in Submissions.

The Submission Licence Agreement governs the rights granted to Meridian in relation to Submissions.

The Privacy Policy governs the processing of Personal Data.

18. Changes to This Policy

Meridian may update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, industry practice, operational requirements or the continued development of the Awards.

The most recent version will always be published on the Website, together with its version number and effective date.

Where reasonably practicable, material changes affecting current Entrants will be published on the Website or otherwise communicated by Meridian.

Meridian will not normally apply material changes retrospectively to completed Submissions unless required by law or where necessary to protect the integrity, fairness or security of the Awards.

19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

20. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this AI Submission Policy, please contact:

The Meridian Awards Ltd
71 to 75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom

Email: support@themeridianawards.com 

Closing Statement

Meridian exists to recognise human artistic expression.

This Policy reflects Meridian's belief that music awards should honour human creativity, human performance, human craft and human artistic intention.

AI may assist with limited technical tasks, but it must not replace the human creative authorship that gives music its meaning.

Document Information

Document: AI Submission Policy

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 1 July 2026

Last Updated: 1 July 2026

Document Owner: The Meridian Awards Ltd