When an Australian radio station used an AI host for six months without anyone realizing it, it wasn’t merely a smart experiment; it was an eye-opener.
In late 2024, a youth-oriented radio station called CADA quietly rolled out an AI-hosted show called “Thy” onto its airwaves. The kicker? They did not model them on a career radio host. ElevenLabs cloned a finance employee’s voice. Thy had a four-hour daily show for six months. Not a single listener was suspicious.
The disclosure was only made after The Pedestrian revealed a general reference to AI in a press statement. The criticism was instant from voice actors, broadcasters, and transparency groups alike.
But as the ethics are still being discussed, one thing is certain: Voice AI agents are here, and they’re already transforming everything from customer service to therapy sessions.
What Are Voice AI Agents?
Voice AI agents are software programs imbued with intelligence, speech capability, and the ability to mimic human dialogue. They don’t simply respond to queries; they comprehend context, emotions, and intent, all made possible by breakthroughs in natural language processing (NLP), LLMs, and voice synthesis.
From Alexa, the virtual assistant, to sophisticated AI avatars capable of selling, coaching, or counseling, they’re transitioning from scripted, canned reactions to natural, independent dialogue.
For creators looking to streamline voiceovers or post-production, tools like Captions AI offer a powerful solution. From auto-captioning to lip-syncing and voice enhancements, it’s a go-to for video content creators who value speed without sacrificing quality.
The CADA Experiment: A Watershed in Media
AI Host: “Thy” was developed using ElevenLabs voice cloning technology.
Undisclosed Use: They presented a daily 4-hour program without listeners realizing it was artificial.
Backlash: When exposed, the prank raised ethical questions regarding transparency, disclosure, and job replacement.
CADA’s Defense: The station said the project was supposed to identify media potential for AI but didn’t specify whether they would return.
Hard truth: Voice AI is now indistinguishable from humans. And that is revolutionary and dangerous.
How Industries Are Leveraging Voice AI Agents in 2025
1. Customer Support
Tools like Bland AI and Vapi enable companies to implement AI agents that respond to calls, solve problems, and even upsell 24/7.
Bland AI has support for phone integrations and call flows, whereas Vapi targets customizable workflows and cross-platform support.
2. Mental Health & Crisis Support
More and more people are using AI agents in mental health situations. In a recent instance, a user attributed ChatGPT’s voice mode to assisting with a panic attack, praising its soothing tone and quick responses.
While these tools can offer comfort and immediate support, most are not medically certified and should not be viewed as a replacement for professional therapy.
3. Retail & Sales
Such businesses as Retell AI use conversational agents within sales pipelines to facilitate realistic conversations that drive lead conversions. Retell AI makes it possible for users to construct, test, and track voice agents at scale. Suitable for e-commerce and call-based interaction.
4. Content Generation & Radio
As with CADA and Thy, technologies such as ElevenLabs are assisting in generating hyper-realistic voiceovers for podcasts, videos, and live broadcasts.
ElevenLabs specializes in emotional voice synthesis and multilingual support, making it a favorite among media productions.
Best Voice AI Agent Tools in 2025
| Tool | Best For | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindy | All-in-one productivity agent | Voice scheduling, real-time meeting transcription, smart task execution | Free plan available; Pro starts at $20/month |
| Vapi | Automated customer service | API access, multi-platform support (WhatsApp, Web, etc.), custom workflows | A free tier with usage limits; paid plans from $39/month |
| ElevenLabs | Creative voice cloning | High-fidelity, emotional synthesis, multilingual support | Starter at $5/month; Creator at $22/month; Enterprise custom pricing |
| Retell AI | Sales, e-commerce, outreach | Deployable voice agents, CRM integrations, analytics | Starts at $50/month for solo users; scaling up with usage |
| Bland AI | Call center replacement | Phone system integration, call flow scripting, instant deployment | From $0.029/minute of call usage; volume discounts available |
AI Has Found Its Voice And It Sounds Just Like Us
If an AI host can convincingly hold the airwaves for six straight months without raising suspicion, imagine what voice AI agents will achieve over the next five years.
From brand scaling and personalized voice cloning to redefining how we interact across media, therapy, and workplaces, voice AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s here, evolving rapidly and quietly stepping into roles we once thought were uniquely human. Whether as your next co-host, crisis responder, or virtual teammate, one thing is clear: the voice of tomorrow may not be human, but it will sound just like one.
The Next Frontier: When AI Doesn’t Just Assist; It Decides
- Look for more brands to substitute or augment human roles with AI agents, particularly in retail, support, and media.
- Regulation is in the offing. Disclosure policies will be mandatory in most areas.
- In the meantime, tools will only improve. We can expect more emotional sophistication, personalization, and autonomy.
The Future of Voice Isn’t Human And That’s Just the Beginning
If a host of AI can deceive hundreds of listeners for half a year, just think what voice AI agents will accomplish in the next half-decade.
Whether you’re a brand seeking to scale, a creator who wishes to duplicate your voice, or simply someone curious about where communication is headed, the stuff of science fiction no longer contains Voice AI agents. They’re now your next co-host, therapist, or colleague.
