Kim Petras’ historic win at Sunday’s Grammy Awards is truly something sacred.
The German-born pop singer, who made a splash featured on Sam Smith’s electropop smash “Unholy,” made Grammys history when she won the award for best pop duo/group performance at the 65th annual Grammy Awards, becoming what’s bethe first transgender woman to win music’s top honor.
“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” Petras said during her acceptance speech. “Sam, you are a true angel and hero in my life. I love you.”
Aside from Smith, Petras also took a moment to give a shoutout to some of her musical heroes, including Madonna (“I don’t think I could be here without Madonna”) and the late Sophie, a trans electronic producer and DJ who died in 2021.
“Thank you so much for your inspiration, Sophie,” Petras said. “I adore you, and your inspiration will forever be in my music.”
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Petras also thanked her mother for the vital role she played in her personal journey.
“I grew up next to a highway in nowhere-Germany, and my mother believed that I was a girl,” Petras said. “And I wouldn’t be here without her and her support.”
Petras’ “Unholy” collaborator Smith, who identifies as nonbinary, recently caused a stir with their other song “I’m Not Here to Make Friends.” A music video for the song includes scantily clad dancers gyrating on beds and under streams of water. The video has sparked strong reactions on Twitter, where users have attacked and defended the singer.
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