Josh Fawaz has recently attributed artificial intelligence credits to his hit single, “Like a Prayer,” available on Spotify.

The track, which has achieved the top position on Australia’s national airplay charts, has ignited discussions regarding the potential use of AI in its production.

This cover of Madonna’s classic has not only dominated various ARIA charts but has also outperformed the original artist on one of them.

Following an investigation by ABC, Australian DJ and music producer Josh Fawaz decided to include AI credits for his chart-topping rendition of “Like a Prayer.”

Having maintained its number one ranking on the Australian national airplay charts for four consecutive weeks, the song has prompted extensive dialogue within the music community and among listeners regarding Fawaz’s incorporation of generative AI tools in its creation.

This week, Sam Duboff, Spotify’s global head of artists, marketing, and policy, shared with ABC that the platform is encouraging legitimate artists who utilize AI to disclose this on their profiles through a new beta feature.

This initiative follows Spotify’s recent removal of 75 million “spammy tracks” from its library over the past year.

In response to the scrutiny, Fawaz has added credits for Generative AI vocals and AI drums to “Like a Prayer,” which is featured on his album, “Dance Like Everyone’s Watching.”

According to Duboff, Spotify does not intend to hinder artists’ use of AI but seeks to ensure that listeners are aware when they are experiencing AI-generated music.

Fawaz’s album, “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching,” released in 2026, is currently ranked 14th on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Albums chart.

“Like a Prayer” has achieved over 38 million streams on Spotify alone.

The song is not only leading the ARIA Top 20 Australian Dance Singles chart but is also positioned fourth on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Singles chart after reaching a peak of second place.

In the meantime, Madonna has made a strong debut at number one on the ARIA Top 50 Albums chart with her latest album, “Confessions II,” which has also topped several Billboard charts.

However, her single “Danceteria” is currently trailing behind “Like a Prayer” on the ARIA charts, debuting at ninth on the ARIA Top Dance Singles chart while “Like a Prayer” holds the fourth spot on the same list.

New ARIA charts are typically released on Friday afternoons.

“Like a Prayer” is also enjoying international success, previously peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and currently sitting at number 13. Additionally, the song ranks second on the Official Independent Singles Breakers chart in the UK, after having reached the top position.

The original release of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” in 1989 sparked considerable controversy, drawing protests even from the Vatican. The accompanying music video combined religious symbolism with themes of sexuality and representations of racism.

The lyrics have been the subject of extensive analysis, with NME labeling the song among the greatest pop tracks of all time, highlighting its narrative of a woman confronting her sexuality amid a religious upbringing.

While some television networks opted to ban the video, MTV in the United States featured it prominently in their rotation.

It also received the Viewer’s Choice award at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

Now, nearly four decades later, a new rendition of the song is stirring debate once again in the context of artificial intelligence.