Ari Emanuel says Elon Musk’s AI prediction to him helped inspire his live events business

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-10-10 • Permanent link

According to a recent podcast interview, Ari Emanuel, the Hollywood powerbroker, revealed that Elon Musk once shared with him a prediction about the future of live events. The prediction, which Emanuel described as a "glimpse into the future," centered on the idea that live events would become increasingly automated, making them essentially "AI-proof." This assertion was made in 2016, when Musk was still building his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.

As a result of this prediction, Emanuel has stated that he took a different approach to his business, focusing on creating immersive experiences that would be resistant to the rise of automation. By doing so, he has been able to maintain a competitive edge in the industry, and his live events company, Endeavor Group Holdings, has seen significant growth as a result. The success of Emanuel's approach has also caught the attention of investors, who are now looking to other companies in the entertainment industry to see if they can replicate his strategy.

The concept of live events becoming AI-proof is not entirely new, however. Since the early 2000s, there has been a growing trend towards automation in the entertainment industry, with the use of AI-powered tools to enhance the audience experience. Companies like Ticketmaster and Live Nation have already begun to incorporate AI-powered features into their platforms, such as personalized recommendations and real-time analytics. However, Emanuel's assertion that live events will become entirely automated is a more ambitious prediction, and one that will be closely watched by industry experts.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Emanuel's prediction will likely be tested in the coming years. One potential catalyst for change is the growing use of virtual and augmented reality technology, which could potentially disrupt the traditional live event model. However, Emanuel remains confident that his approach will pay off, and that his company will continue to thrive in an industry that is rapidly changing.