Big Machine Records CEO draws boos for AI comments at MTSU graduation. 'Deal with it,' he says

• Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta was booed during a commencement speech at Middle Tennessee State University.
• Borchetta advised graduates to view AI as a tool and adapt to the changes within the media and entertainment industry.

Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta pushed back at Middle Tennessee State University graduates after being booed while discussing the impacts of artificial intelligence during his commencement speech.

On May 9, the founder and president of the record label addressed the university's graduating class from the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, warning they would regret not listening to him about AI.

During his speech, Borchetta highlighted the rapid shifts in the media and entertainment industry, noting that the pace of change over the past decade has far exceeded the previous half-century.

"Streaming rewrote the economics, social media rewrote the discovery model, AI is rewriting production as we sit here," he said.

His remarks were met with immediate boos from the crowd.

"I know it. Deal with it," he added. "Like I said, it's a tool."

The response from MTSU graduates mirrors that of students at the University of Central Florida, who also booed a commencement speaker for praising AI to graduates in the College of Arts and Humanities.

Here's what else to know.

Why was Borchetta booed during MTSU commencement speech? What he said

Borchetta continued by telling graduates they could either listen now or "pay me later," challenging graduates to take action and use AI to their advantage.

He emphasized that artificial intelligence should be seen as a tool.

"Make it work for you," he said.

He also warned that some of what they learned early in their college careers may already be obsolete.

Borchetta closed on a more encouraging note, stressing the value of authentic creation and urging graduates to trust themselves over changing technologies.

He reminded them that platforms and systems may come and go, but strong content and storytelling remain invaluable. He added that AI will not change that reality, reinforcing the idea that "content is king."

He closed his speech by encouraging graduates to trust their own judgment, vision, taste, and instincts.

"Your judgment cannot be disrupted, your taste cannot be automated," he said. "The mechanisms change. If they do, you adapt, and when the moment calls for it, walk away and build the next one."

Who is Scott Borchetta?

Borchetta is the founder of Big Machine Records, a Music Row-based label home to artists including Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, The Band Perry, and Lady A.

He is widely known for signing Taylor Swift to her first record deal.

Borchetta launched the label in 2005 and has since built a roster that includes acts such as Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Jackson Dean, and Mae Estes.

In 2025, MTSU renamed its College of Media and Entertainment in Borchetta's honor, The Tennessean previously reported. 

The school's name change was accompanied by what MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said was Borchetta's $15 million "transformational investment" in support of the College of Media and Entertainment. Stephen Smith, chairman of MTSU's Board of Trustees, said it was one of the largest investments ever made to an academic unit at the university.

Borchetta said at the time that having his name on an MTSU building was a "legacy-defining" moment for him.

"The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment represents the next generation of innovators and creators, whose bold ideas will transform the media landscape," he said.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected].