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Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta fires back at graduates booing ‘AI speech’ during Middle Tennessee State University ceremony

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Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta fires back at graduates booing ‘AI speech’ during Middle Tennessee State University ceremony


Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta fired back at college graduates who booed him for discussing the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution during his commencement speech.

Borchetta, the 63-year-old music mogul who is credited for discovering Taylor Swift, shrugged off the graduates’ disapproval, saying they would regret not listening to him at Middle Tennessee State University’s ceremony on May 10.

“We are the agents of change and the agents of next, and this industry will change on you in a heartbeat. It has already changed more in the last 10 years than in the 50 years prior,” Borchetta told the crowd inside the Murphy Athletic Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn. “Streaming rewrote the economics. Social media rewrote the discovery model.

Scott Borchetta reacts as the crowd boos him during his commencement speech at Middle Tennessee State University on May 10, 2026. MTSU/Vimeo

“AI is rewriting production as we sit here,” Borchetta said as he was met with a chorus of boos inside the university’s 10,000-seat arena.

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“Hey, like I said, you can hear me now or pay me later,” he said. “Then do something about it. It’s a tool, make it work for you.”

The crowd consisted of graduating students from MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, named after the Nashville record label founder, along with the College of Education and the College of Business.

“Here’s a warning: invest in the skill and art of creation and not the platform or the system. Platforms and systems come and go. What is still the most valuable commodity is great content, great storytelling,” he said.

“AI is not going to change that. No matter the platform, content is king. Give it great ideas,” he added. As you step into your next season, know that people who thrive are the people who invested in and trusted their judgment and vision in their own taste, their own instinct. Your judgment cannot be disrupted.”

Borchetta laughed off the reaction to his “AI” quote as he fired back at the graduates. MTSU/Vimeo
Scott Borchetta and Taylor Swift at the ACM Honors in Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 19, 2011. Getty Images for ACM

Borchetta diverted his speech from AI to his own career, recalling his successes in the music industry and invoking his beliefs in unknown artists.

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The music exec had discovered Swift, who at the time was a rising teen sensation, and oversaw the release of her first six studio albums.

Swift called Borchetta a fraud after he sold Big Machine Records to Scooter Braun’s control for $330 million, with it the “masters” to the singer’s first albums.

The 36-year-old superstar wasn’t mentioned during introductions for Borchetta, whose label represented multiple country stars, including Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and Florida Georgia Line.

“Careers are built on someone at some critical moment, looking at something unproven and says, yes, I believe in you,” Borchetta told the graduates.

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“It’s the artist that no one has heard of yet. It’s the producer and songwriter fighting for a chance,” he said. “That is the job, that is my job, still. I always say we really work hard to make it look really easy.”

Borchetta invoked country star Riley Green as his latest success, stating the “Worst Way” singer was an eight-year project through the label, which is currently under the Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment umbrella.

“Many of you graduate today with my name on your degree and that is truly my honor. Be the next generation. We’re counting on you.” Borchetta said to a resounding applause.

University of Central Florida graduates booed Florida real estate executive Gloria Caulfield when she proclaimed that “artificial intelligence is the next Industrial Revolution” during her commencement speech on May 8.

“The rise of artificial intelligence is the next Industrial Revolution,” Caulfield said as a loud chorus of boos rained down on her.

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Tennessee Democrats drop lawsuit against new map

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Tennessee Democrats drop lawsuit against new map


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Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces boating compliance checkpoint on the Tennessee River

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Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces boating compliance checkpoint on the Tennessee River


JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – On Saturday, June 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be conducting a boating compliance checkpoint on the Decatur County section of the Tennessee River r in the vicinity of River Mile 145.5.

Game Wardens will monitor compliance with boating safety regulations and encourage all boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying Tennessee’s waterways. All vessels must adhere to safety requirements, including, but not limited to, having U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets (PFDs) for every passenger on board. Additionally, all occupants under the age of 13 are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway.

For more information about boating safety and requirements, please visit the boating in Tennessee website.

Copyright 2026 WBBJ. All rights reserved.

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Brody Trosclair commits to Tennessee baseball as Northwestern State transfer pitcher

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Brody Trosclair commits to Tennessee baseball as Northwestern State transfer pitcher


Brody Trosclair has committed to Tennessee baseball as a transfer from Northwestern State, he announced on Instagram on Monday.

Trosclair was on Tennessee’s campus for an official visit on Sunday. Trosclair took visits to Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida and LSU. Ole Miss was also in the picture before he committed to the Vols and coach Josh Elander.

Trosclair shined as a freshman at Northwestern State with a 5-1 record and a 1.89 ERA in 10 appearances with four starts. The southpaw logged 38 innings of work, struck out 55 and walked 11. Opponents tallied a .222 batting average against him. The freshman allowed just eight extra base hits in 2026.

Trosclair was named the 2026 Southland Conference Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Southland Conference Pitcher. The pitcher was unscored upon in his first five relief appearances and did not allow an earned run in 13.2 innings of relief work.

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He suffered a season-ending injury in April. He is not eligible for the MLB Draft until 2028.

Trosclair becomes the second transfer portal commit of the cycle for the Vols, joining Mercer two-way player Braydon Kersey.

Trosclair is one of the top-ranked players in the portal. The transfer portal officially opened on June 1 and Trosclair announced his intentions to enter on the first day.   

Keep up with the Tennessee baseball transfer portal movement over the next couple of weeks HERE.



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