Lorde, the Grammy-winning singer known for hits like Royals and Green Light, used her performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid on July 11, 2026, to voice strong opposition to AI-equipped smart glasses. During a pause between songs, she addressed the crowd with a pointed statement: 'Don't get the glasses. Not sexy.'
While she did not name a specific brand, the context strongly suggests she was referring to the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, a product developed through a collaboration between the iconic eyewear company and tech giant Meta Platforms Inc. These glasses feature integrated cameras, microphones, and Meta's AI assistant, allowing users to capture photos, record video, and interact with virtual agents hands-free.
The festival itself was sponsored by Ray-Ban, and video clips circulating on social media capture Lorde's full remarks. 'You don't know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they're wearing those fucked up fucking… Can I just say, for the record, fuck the glasses. Don't get the glasses. Not sexy,' she said, drawing cheers from the audience.
Lorde's outburst reflects a broader unease about wearable technology that can record unsuspecting bystanders. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses have been marketed as a stylish way to stay connected, but critics argue they normalize surveillance and erode privacy in public spaces. This tension is especially acute at live events, where attendees may not consent to being filmed or photographed.
The singer's comments also come at a sensitive time for Meta. The company is reportedly developing a new generation of 'super sensing' glasses that would record continuously, raising alarms among privacy advocates. According to internal documents leaked earlier this year, Meta envisions these glasses as a platform for augmented reality, but testers have expressed concerns about the ethical implications of always-on recording.
Interestingly, the festival lineup note that Lorde was followed on stage by Jennie Kim, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink and an official brand ambassador for Ray-Ban Meta. Jennie has appeared in Instagram ads and promotional videos for the glasses, making Lorde's remarks a direct contrast to the festival's sponsored messaging. This juxtaposition likely fueled Lorde's decision to speak out, as she wanted to distance herself from what she perceives as a harmful trend in tech.
Lorde's career has always been marked by a conscious rejection of materialism and superficial trends. In her early work, she critiqued consumer culture, and her public persona emphasizes authenticity and real human connection. Her stance on technology is consistent with that worldview. In previous interviews, she has spoken about limiting her screen time and questioned the impact of social media on youth.
The Mad Cool incident is not the first time a musician has targeted tech products during a live show. In 2023, Billie Eilish criticized smartphones and urged fans to be present in the moment. But Lorde's attack on smart glasses specifically taps into ongoing debates about the future of wearable technology. Proponents argue that these devices enhance convenience and productivity, while detractors see them as a step toward a dystopian, surveillance-heavy society.
Meta has defended its smart glasses, insisting that users are aware of recording indicators such as LED lights. However, these indicators are small and can be easily covered or missed in bright environments. Privacy regulations in Europe and California require explicit consent for recording, but enforcement remains weak. Lorde's comments may amplify calls for stricter rules governing wearable cameras.
From a business perspective, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have sold moderately well, but they have not yet become mainstream. Meta is betting big on the technology as a bridge between mobile phones and full augmented reality headsets. The company has invested billions in its Reality Labs division, which develops hardware and software for immersive experiences.
Lorde's influence should not be underestimated. Her fanbase, known for its loyalty and cultural acumen, may be swayed by her critique. After the festival, social media was flooded with supportive posts using the hashtag FuckTheGlasses, and discussions about the ethics of smart glasses trended on platforms like X and Threads.
In the days following the performance, Ray-Ban Meta issued a brief statement saying they respect all artists' opinions and that their products are designed to enhance, not detract from, real-world experiences. The statement did not directly address Lorde's remarks but emphasized the company's commitment to privacy and innovation.
Despite the controversy, the festival itself was a success, with thousands attending each day. Mad Cool, held in the Casa de Campo park, has become one of Europe's premier music events, known for hosting top-tier acts and showcasing cutting-edge technology. This year's edition also featured performances by Sabrina Carpenter, FKA twigs, and the band Tame Impala.
As the line between digital and physical life continues to blur, Lorde's passionate outburst serves as a reminder that not everyone is ready to embrace wearable AI. Her words resonate with those who worry about a future where every interaction is mediated by a screen or a lens. Whether or not the controversy will hurt sales of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses remains to be seen, but it has certainly ignited a conversation that the tech industry cannot ignore.
Lorde's next scheduled performance is at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago next month, where she will likely face questions about her stance. However, based on her history, she is unlikely to back down. For now, her message is clear: real connection cannot be replaced by a camera and a chatbot.
Source: The Verge News