Latest news with #VoiceofGod
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'Violated': Voiceover artist demands ScotRail removes her voice from new AI announcements
The voice, dubbed Iona, is being used for announcements on ScotRail services across the country. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A Scottish voiceover artist has called for ScotRail to remove her voice from its new AI train announcements system because she never agreed to its use. Gayanne Potter, whose work also includes the 'Voice of God' introductions to ITV News, said she felt 'violated' because her voice had been used for a different purpose to what she had agreed with the Swedish company that provided the system. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillors will discuss ScotRail's plans to reduce opening hours of ticket offices including four in Fife. (Pic: John Devlin) | John Devlin/The Scotsman A synthetic version of Ms Potter's voice, known as Iona, has been used on some ScotRail trains since July last year, replacing its pre-recorded human voice announcements. The Scottish Government-owned operator said the move was to 'make announcements more modern and reflective of the routes the train serves'. 'Nobody told me' Edinburgh-born Ms Potter, who is based in Midlothian, said she was in dispute with ReadSpeaker, which had supplied Iona, and called for ScotRail to revert to a human voice. ScotRail said the dispute was between her and ReadSpeaker and it had 'no plans' to remove the voice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Writing on her Facebook page, Ms Potter said: 'I discovered last week that ScotRail's new horrible AI train announcer Iona is in fact using my voice data - and nobody told me. 'I have been in dispute with a company in Sweden, ReadSpeaker, for over two years to get my voice data removed from their website.' Ms Potter said in 2021 she had understood that her voice would be used by the firm 'to provide text to speech recordings to be used for translation purposes from foreign language copy pasted into their site, and as an accessibility tool for people with visual impairment'. Two years later, she discovered it was also being used for Iona, along with an AI-generated image of a red-haired woman, which was marketed by ReadSpeaker 'for much wider purposes'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gayanne Potter called for ScotRail to use a human voice instead of AI | Gayanne Potter Ms Potter said the company refused to stop using her voice, despite offering to repay her fee, and she was now pursuing the case through lawyers. She said: 'I will not let this rest. So imagine my distress when I discover that ScotRail have installed the ReadSpeaker model Iona that contains my biometric voice data as their new announcer on their trains. 'I did not know. I was not asked. I did not consent. I was not given a choice. 'Four years ago, we didn't have the AI we use now. You cannot consent to something that doesn't exist. You should be able to withdraw your consent at any point. Readspeaker won't let me. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Why choose a dreadful AI version of me' 'It's not about money. It's about my identity. I feel violated. 'ScotRail should employ a real human irrespective of who it is. Why continue to choose a dreadful AI version of me when I'm right here - and I know how to pronounce Milngavie?' ScotRail said Iona had been used for supplementary announcements on its Class 156 diesel trains, which operate on routes including north of Inverness, and High Speed Trains - inter-city services - over the past ten months. The system has also been used on its class 380 trains, whose routes include in Ayrshire and Inverclyde, for the last two weeks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Its spokesperson said: 'It would be a matter for Ms Potter to take up with ReadSpeaker, who her contract is with. We have no plans to remove the voice from our trains.' ReadSpeaker chief marketing officer Roy Lindemann said: "We are aware of Ms Potter's concerns. ReadSpeaker and Ms Potter have a contract regarding the use of her voice. 'ReadSpeaker has comprehensively addressed Ms Potter's concerns with her legal representative several times in the past."
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'Violated': Voiceover artist demands ScotRail removes her voice from new AI announcements
The voice, dubbed Iona, is being used for announcements on ScotRail services across the country. Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A Scottish voiceover artist has called for ScotRail to remove her voice from its new AI train announcements system because she never agreed to its use. Gayanne Potter, whose work also includes the 'Voice of God' introductions to ITV News, said she felt 'violated' because her voice had been used for a different purpose to what she had agreed with the Swedish company that provided the system. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillors will discuss ScotRail's plans to reduce opening hours of ticket offices including four in Fife. (Pic: John Devlin) | John Devlin/The Scotsman A synthetic version of Ms Potter's voice, known as Iona, has been used on some ScotRail trains since July last year, replacing its pre-recorded human voice announcements. The Scottish Government-owned operator said the move was to 'make announcements more modern and reflective of the routes the train serves'. 'Nobody told me' Ms Potter, from Edinburgh, said she was in dispute with the firm that supplied Iona and called for ScotRail to revert to a human voice. Writing on her Facebook page, Ms Potter said: 'I discovered last week that ScotRail's new horrible AI train announcer Iona is in fact using my voice data - and nobody told me. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I have been in dispute with a company in Sweden, ReadSpeaker, for over two years to get my voice data removed from their website.' Ms Potter said in 2021 she had understood that her voice would be used by the firm 'to provide text to speech recordings to be used for translation purposes from foreign language copy pasted into their site, and as an accessibility tool for people with visual impairment'. Gayanne Potter called for ScotRail to use a human voice instead of AI | Mark Mainz Two years later, she discovered it was also being used as Iona, along with an AI-generated image of a red-haired woman, which was marketed by ReadSpeaker 'for much wider purposes'. Ms Potter said the company refused to stop using her voice, despite offering to repay her fee, and she was now pursuing the case through lawyers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said: 'I will not let this rest. So imagine my distress when I discover that ScotRail have installed the ReadSpeaker model Iona that contains my biometric voice data as their new announcer on their trains. 'I did not know. I was not asked. I did not consent. I was not given a choice. 'Four years ago, we didn't have the AI we use now. You cannot consent to something that doesn't exist. You should be able to withdraw your consent at any point. Readspeaker won't let me. 'Why choose a dreadful AI version of me' 'It's not about money. It's about my identity. I feel violated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'ScotRail should employ a real human irrespective of who it is. Why continue to choose a dreadful AI version of me when I'm right here - and I know how to pronounce Milngavie?' ScotRail said Iona had been used for supplementary announcements on its Class 156 trains, which operate on routes including north of Inverness, and High Speed Trains - inter-city services - over the past ten months. ReadSpeaker chief marketing officer Roy Lindemann said: "We are aware of Ms Potter's concerns. ReadSpeaker and Ms Potter have a contract regarding the use of her voice. 'ReadSpeaker has comprehensively addressed Ms Potter's concerns with her legal representative several times in the past."
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Voiceover artist demands ScotRail removes her voice from new AI announcements
XXX Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A Scottish voiceover artist has called for ScotRail to remove her voice from its new AI train announcements system because she never agreed to its use. Gayanne Potter, whose work also includes the 'Voice of God' introductions to ITV News, said she felt 'violated' because her voice had been used for a different purpose to what she had agreed with the Swedish company which provided the system. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillors will discuss ScotRail's plans to reduce opening hours of ticket offices including four in Fife. (Pic: John Devlin) | John Devlin/The Scotsman A synthetic version of Ms Potter's voice, known as Iona, has been used on some ScotRail trains since last July, replacing its pre-recorded human voice announcements. The Scottish Government-owned operator said the move was to 'make announcements more modern and reflective of the routes the train serves'. 'Nobody told me' Ms Potter, from Edinburgh, said she was in dispute with the firm which supplied Iona and called for ScotRail to revert to a human voice. Writing on her Facebook page, Ms Potter said: 'I discovered last week that ScotRail's new horrible AI train announcer Iona is in fact using my voice data - and nobody told me. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I have been in dispute with a company in Sweden, ReadSpeaker, for over two years to get my voice data removed from their website.' Ms Potter said in 2021 she had understood that her voice would be used by the firm 'to provide text to speech recordings to be used for translation purposes from foreign language copy pasted into their site, and as an accessibility tool for people with visual impairment'. Gayanne Potter called for ScotRail to use a human voice instead of AI | Mark Mainz Two years later, she discovered it was also being used as Iona, along with an AI-generated image of a red-haired woman, which was marketed by ReadSpeaker 'for much wider purposes'. Ms Potter said the company refused to stop using her voice, despite offering to repay her fee, and she was now pursuing the case through lawyers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said: 'I will not let this rest. So imagine my distress when I discover that ScotRail have installed the ReadSpeaker model Iona that contains my biometric voice data as their new announcer on their trains. 'I did not know. I was not asked. I did not consent. I was not given a choice. 'Four years ago, we didn't have the AI we use now. You cannot consent to something that doesn't exist. You should be able to withdraw your consent at any point. Readspeaker won't let me. 'Why choose a dreadful AI version of me' 'It's not about money. It's about my identity.I feel violated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'ScotRail should employ a real human irrespective of who it is. Why continue to choose a dreadful AI version of me when I'm right here - and I know how to pronounce Milngavie.' ScotRail said Iona had been used for supplementary announcements on its Class 156 trains [which operate on routes including north of Inverness] and High Speed Trains [inter-city services] over the past last ten months. ReadSpeaker chief marketing officer Roy Lindemann said:"We are aware of Ms Potter's concerns. ReadSpeaker and Ms Potter have a contract regarding the use of her voice. 'ReadSpeaker has comprehensively addressed Ms Potter's concerns with her legal representative several times in the past."
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Galaxy Macau™ Presents: ANDREA BOCELLI Live in Concert – A Soul-Stirring Spectacle
Where Classical Majesty Met Modern Magic The 'Voice of God' Ignites Galaxy Arena MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 April 2025 - Galaxy Arena, Macau's new cultural landmark, hosted an unforgettable evening on March 29 as the world's most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, staged his debut solo concert in the city. Presented by Galaxy Macau™, the highly anticipated event drew a sold-out crowd of adoring fans from Greater China and across Asia-Pacific — all embracing the evening as a once-in-a-lifetime musical pilgrimage. A transcendent musical voyage spanning operatic masterpieces, cinematic scores, and beloved pop anthems, the performance unfolded as a soul-stirring odyssey, leaving the audience spellbound by its emotional depth and artistic brilliance. As the first tenor to grace Galaxy Arena, Andrea Bocelli has made his long-awaited return to Asian stages after a nine-year hiatus — a concert brimming with historic significance. He has mesmerized audiences with his celestial "Voice of God" and a masterfully curated song list that bridged classical grandeur and contemporary resonance. The concert was elevated by a world-class ensemble under the baton of renowned conductor Carlo Bernini, alongside virtuoso flutist Andrea Griminelli and soprano Mariam Battistelli. The stage also welcomed special guests Amy Manford and Matteo Bocelli, Andrea Bocelli's son, whose heartfelt duet with his father became the evening's most poignant moment. Classical Mastery: From Opera's Golden Age to Pop Anthems The concert unfolded in two breathtaking acts, each a testament to Andrea Bocelli's artistic range. The first act paid homage to opera's titans—Verdi and Puccini—with Andrea Bocelli's voice cascading through the arena in spellbinding renditions of La Donna È Mobile from Rigoletto, Addio Fiorito Asil from Madama Butterfly, and the effervescent Brindisi from La Traviata. Each aria, delivered with surgical vocal precision and volcanic emotional intensity, transported the audience to the golden age of Italian opera. The second act celebrated Andrea Bocelli's versatility, weaving through iconic film scores and beloved pop classics. Ennio Morricone's American Theme Medley evoked cinematic nostalgia, while duets like The Prayer and My Heart Will Go On resonated with universal emotion. The finale, Canto della Terra — a signature collaboration with Sarah Brightman — sealed the evening with a crescendo of hope and unity. The evening's pinnacle arrived as Matteo Bocelli joined his father onstage, their embrace met with thunderous applause. Their duet of Fall On Me epitomized the magic of artistic lineage. Matteo Bocelli's voice, mirroring his father's celestial timbre, revealed a mastery of phrasing and emotional nuance that transcended generations. As their harmonies intertwined, the audience witnessed not just a musical performance, but a profound celebration of legacy, love and the enduring power of musical art. At last, Andrea Bocelli performed 3 encore songs Con te partirò , Perfect Symphony and Nessun dorma, ending the brilliant night with audiences' thunderous applause. A New Chapter for Macau's Cultural Landscape In his closing remarks, Andrea Bocelli extended heartfelt gratitude to Macau's enthusiastic audience, lauding the city's vibrant spirit and warm embrace. "This evening will remain etched in my heart," he declared, "and I do look forward to coming back again to share my music." Galaxy Arena has reaffirmed again its status as a world-class venue with this historic event. Its state-of-the-art acoustics and opulent ambiance provided the perfect canvas for Andrea Bocelli's vocals, allowing his "Voice of God" to resonate with breathtaking clarity. As Galaxy Macau continues to host international spectacles, it promises an ever-evolving tapestry of cultural experiences to Macau locals and global tourists alike, solidifying Macau's reputation as the City of Performing Arts. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the "Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World". Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate. As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies. Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests' service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game. Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai's golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau. For more details, please visit and Galaxy Entertainment Group
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Galaxy Macau™ Presents: ANDREA BOCELLI Live in Concert – A Soul-Stirring Spectacle
Where Classical Majesty Met Modern Magic The 'Voice of God' Ignites Galaxy Arena MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 April 2025 - Galaxy Arena, Macau's new cultural landmark, hosted an unforgettable evening on March 29 as the world's most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, staged his debut solo concert in the city. Presented by Galaxy Macau™, the highly anticipated event drew a sold-out crowd of adoring fans from Greater China and across Asia-Pacific — all embracing the evening as a once-in-a-lifetime musical pilgrimage. A transcendent musical voyage spanning operatic masterpieces, cinematic scores, and beloved pop anthems, the performance unfolded as a soul-stirring odyssey, leaving the audience spellbound by its emotional depth and artistic brilliance. As the first tenor to grace Galaxy Arena, Andrea Bocelli has made his long-awaited return to Asian stages after a nine-year hiatus — a concert brimming with historic significance. He has mesmerized audiences with his celestial 'Voice of God' and a masterfully curated song list that bridged classical grandeur and contemporary resonance. The concert was elevated by a world-class ensemble under the baton of renowned conductor Carlo Bernini, alongside virtuoso flutist Andrea Griminelli and soprano Mariam Battistelli. The stage also welcomed special guests Amy Manford and Matteo Bocelli, Andrea Bocelli's son, whose heartfelt duet with his father became the evening's most poignant moment. Classical Mastery: From Opera's Golden Age to Pop Anthems The concert unfolded in two breathtaking acts, each a testament to Andrea Bocelli's artistic range. The first act paid homage to opera's titans—Verdi and Puccini—with Andrea Bocelli's voice cascading through the arena in spellbinding renditions of La Donna È Mobile from Rigoletto, Addio Fiorito Asil from Madama Butterfly, and the effervescent Brindisi from La Traviata. Each aria, delivered with surgical vocal precision and volcanic emotional intensity, transported the audience to the golden age of Italian opera. The second act celebrated Andrea Bocelli's versatility, weaving through iconic film scores and beloved pop classics. Ennio Morricone's American Theme Medley evoked cinematic nostalgia, while duets like The Prayer and My Heart Will Go On resonated with universal emotion. The finale, Canto della Terra — a signature collaboration with Sarah Brightman — sealed the evening with a crescendo of hope and unity. (Photo credit: Luca Rossetti) Andrea Bocelli shares the stage with his son Matteo Bocelli for a poignant duet, a heartwarming moment that touched the entire audience. The evening's pinnacle arrived as Matteo Bocelli joined his father onstage, their embrace met with thunderous applause. Their duet of Fall On Me epitomized the magic of artistic lineage. Matteo Bocelli's voice, mirroring his father's celestial timbre, revealed a mastery of phrasing and emotional nuance that transcended generations. As their harmonies intertwined, the audience witnessed not just a musical performance, but a profound celebration of legacy, love and the enduring power of musical art. At last, Andrea Bocelli performed 3 encore songs Con te partirò , Perfect Symphony and Nessun dorma, ending the brilliant night with audiences' thunderous applause. A New Chapter for Macau's Cultural Landscape In his closing remarks, Andrea Bocelli extended heartfelt gratitude to Macau's enthusiastic audience, lauding the city's vibrant spirit and warm embrace. 'This evening will remain etched in my heart,' he declared, 'and I do look forward to coming back again to share my music.' (Photo credit: Luca Rossetti) Galaxy Macau™ Presents: ANDREA BOCELLI Live in Concert drew a sold-out crowd of adoring fans from Greater China and across Asia-Pacific — all embracing the evening as a once-in-a-lifetime musical pilgrimage. Galaxy Arena has reaffirmed again its status as a world-class venue with this historic event. Its state-of-the-art acoustics and opulent ambiance provided the perfect canvas for Andrea Bocelli's vocals, allowing his 'Voice of God' to resonate with breathtaking clarity. As Galaxy Macau continues to host international spectacles, it promises an ever-evolving tapestry of cultural experiences to Macau locals and global tourists alike, solidifying Macau's reputation as the City of Performing Arts. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the 'Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World'. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate. As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies. Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests' service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game. Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai's golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
