The AI-generated gospel EP “Faithful Soul,” signed under the virtual name “Solomon Ray,” reached No. 1 on Billboard gospel digital sales and the top of the Christian iTunes charts in November 2025, sparking intense debate in the Christian community over the use of AI in worship and the music industry.
Key Facts: AI, “Solomon Ray” and Rankings
A virtual artist billed as “Solomon Ray”, created by Christian artist Topher (Christopher Jermaine Townsend), is described as a soul/gospel singer from Mississippi, but his entire voice and public identity relies on artificial intelligence tools.
His gospel EP “Faithful Soul,” released on November 7, 2025, has five tracks, including “Find Your Rest” and “Goodbye Temptation,” and falls explicitly into the Christian/gospel music category on digital platforms.
Performances on Billboard and iTunes
As of mid-November 2025, “Faithful Soul” reached No. 1 on the iTunes Top 100 Christian & Gospel Albums chart in the United States, a first for a project entirely attributed to an AI.
At the same time, the titles “Find Your Rest” and “Goodbye Temptation” occupy the first two places on the Billboard Gospel Digital Song Sales chart, while “Find Your Rest” remains at No. 1 for several weeks in the week of November 29, 2025.
Context: rise of Christian music in 2025
In 2025, streaming consumption of Christian and gospel music will increase significantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with Christian iTunes charts regularly dominated by contemporary worship artists.
The arrival of a “virtual Christian singer” capable of reaching 1st place in less than three weeks for both a single and an album on the iTunes Christian charts illustrates the acceleration of the digital transformation of the sector.
Reactions from artists and the Christian public
Christian singer Forrest Frank posted a video and messages pointing out that an AI “doesn’t have the Holy Spirit”, saying it is problematic to expose listeners to a voice that is not carried by real faith.
Other artists and fans on social media express fear that this type of project dilutes the notion of personal testimony in gospel, by transforming songs of faith into algorithmic products without lived spiritual experience.
Concerns about employment and fairness of rankings
Christian commentators and industry professionals point out that AI-generated “turnkey” projects can reduce opportunities for human Christian composers, worship singers, session musicians and producers.
Several analyzes also question the fairness of rankings when a project is designed, optimized and multiplied on a large scale by AI, while independent artists must finance recording, promotion and touring with limited resources.
Ethical debate: faith, authenticity and Christian AI
Articles specializing in technology and faith note that “Solomon Ray” represents a life-size test for the ethics of artificial intelligence in a field where the message and spiritual intention are central.
The main questions raised concern the possibility of an AI “praising God” or delivering a credible message of faith without conscience or a personal relationship with God, and the risk of confusion for the public who might think they are listening to the testimony of an actual believer.
Regulatory avenues and open questions
Voices in Christian and media circles are calling for greater transparency on musical projects generated by AI, in particular through clear labeling on platforms, so that the listener knows whether a “singer” is virtual or human.
Some also suggest that Christian labels, radio stations and charting organizations consider specific rules or separate categories for AI-produced music, to protect both the authenticity of the message and fair competition between human artists.
sources:
- The Christian Post – “Forrest Frank speaks out as AI artist nabs top Christian album” (reaction from a Christian artist and mention of Solomon Ray / Faithful Soul at the top of the Christian charts).
Link : https://www.christianpost.com/news/forrest-frank-speaks-out-as-ai-artist-nabs-top-christian-album.html - Billboard – “Gospel Digital Song Sales” (official Billboard Gospel Digital Song Sales chart, positions of “Find Your Rest” and “Goodbye Temptation”).
Link : https://www.billboard.com/charts/gospel-digital-song-sales/ - The Hill / Yahoo Entertainment – “AI Christian ‘singer’ Solomon Ray tops the charts, stirs ethical debate.”
Link : https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5620871-ai-christian-singer-tops-charts-stirs-debate/
Link : https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/ai-christian-singer-solomon-ray-110352984.html
