Moroccan Influencer Kenza Layli Wins First-Ever Miss AI Pageant

The world has witnessed a groundbreaking event: the first-ever Miss AI pageant. Kenza Layli, a Moroccan AI-generated influencer, has been crowned the winner, sparking a conversation about the potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in the creative and beauty spheres. 

Entirely AI-generated, from her images to her social media presence, Layli is a creation of Myriam Bessa, founder of the Phoenix AI agency. With nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram and an additional 45,000 on TikTok, Layli has captivated audiences with her charm and vision. 

"Winning Miss AI motivates me even more to continue my work in advancing AI technology," Layli said in her acceptance speech. "AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a transformative force that can disrupt industries, challenge norms, and create opportunities where none existed before." 

The Miss AI contest, organized by influencer platform Fanvue, attracted over 1,500 AI programmers worldwide. This unique pageant aimed to showcase the creative potential of AI-generated influencers. 

Unlike traditional virtual influencers, such as Lil Miquela and Imma, who required significant human intervention, the contestants in Miss AI were fully autonomous. Their images and content were created using advanced AI programs like OpenAI’s DALL·E 3, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. 

Layli emphasized her commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the AI field. "As we move forward, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table of technological progress." 

The competition was fierce, with entrants judged on their appearance, use of AI tools, and social media influence. The panel of judges included AI influencer Aitana Lopez and human pageantry historian Sally-Ann Fawcett. Fawcett highlighted the importance of contestants having a powerful, positive message. 

The runners-up in the competition were AI contestants Lalina Valina from France and Olivia C from Portugal. Layli, a hijab-wearing North African avatar, stood out among the finalists for her unique representation and strong message of empowerment. 

"AI is a tool designed to complement human capabilities, not replace them," Layli stated. "By showcasing AI’s potential for innovation and positive impact, I aim to dispel fears and promote acceptance and collaboration between humans and AI. Through education and positive examples, we can foster a more informed and optimistic view of AI’s role in our society." 

While the event celebrated technological advancements, it also raised important questions about the potential perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards. Critics argue that AI tools, trained on existing data sets, often reinforce biases towards Eurocentric features and slender body types. 

Dr. Kerry McInerney from the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence expressed concerns about the homogenization of beauty standards due to AI. 

"I think we’re starting to increasingly lose touch with what an unedited face looks like. These tools are made to replicate and scale up existing patterns in the world. They’re not necessarily made to challenge them, even if they’re sold as tools that enhance creativity."