If AI systems were good enough to match elite artistic achievements and you didn’t know the backstory, the market would be flooded with Charlie Parker–level music, and we wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

I don't see any problem with that. I’d take the original for the same reason I would still buy a $300 handmade bowl that comes from a culture of hundreds of years, even though I can buy something that looks pretty much the same for 5 bucks. We still go to listen to my favorite jazz musicians live, even though they can be emulated. An AI system is not the same experience.

You recently received an honor from President Macron that I can't pronounce …

Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. It was created by Napoleon. It’s kind of like knighthood in the UK, except we had a revolution. So we don't call people “Sir.”

Does that come with weaponry?

No, they don't have swords and stuff like that. But people who have it can wear a little red stripe on their lapel.

Could an AI model ever win that award?

Not anytime soon. I don't think it would be a good idea, anyway.