Imagine being able to listen to your favorite research paper, classic texts, or better yet my latest op-ed on AI literacy, narrated by the legendary voices of Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier. This is now possible courtesy of the latest feature from ElevenLabs
The AI voice startup has partnered with the estates of these iconic stars to feature their voices in its new Reader app, letting users hear their favorite books and articles narrated by Hollywood legends.
"We're giving fans a new way to connect with these timeless talents," says Dustin Blank, Head of Partnerships at ElevenLabs. "Now you can have Judy Garland guide you through Oz or Sir Laurence Olivier unravel Sherlock Holmes' mysteries."
Richard Banfield
This 'Iconic Voices' feature follows the recent launch of ElevenLabs' Reader App, which turns text into AI-generated audio. While some other apps offer text-to-voice options, these celebrity voices will be exclusive to the Reader App.
Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland's daughter, backs the project: "ElevenLabs' technology will bring new fans to Mama and excite those who already love her."
By working directly with the stars' estates, ElevenLabs has tackled the tricky issues of rights and posthumous representation. Tina Xavie from CMG Worldwide, which manages the estates, praised their approach: "ElevenLabs is creating new opportunities for our clients in a thoughtful way."
As AI reshapes entertainment, 'Iconic Voices' tests how we can preserve and reimagine cultural icons. Are you open to having James Dean read your favorite book, or will it feel too strange?
This experiment challenges our ideas about performance, authenticity, and the lasting impact of a unique voice. Personally, I'm very excited about this. As AI technology advances, I'm looking forward to seeing more projects blending the past and present in unexpected ways.