Kim Petras Makes History at 2023 Grammys With Sam Smith Collaboration Win

Kim Petras’ historic victory at Sunday’s Grammy Awards is truly something sacred.

The German-born pop singer, who made a splash in Sam Smith’s electropop hit ‘Unholy,’ made Grammys history when she won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, becoming what is believed to be the first transgender woman to win music’s highest honor.

“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I am the first transgender woman to win,” Petras said during her acceptance speech. “Sam, you are a true angel and a hero in my life. I love you.”

Petras gushed more about his friendship with Smith backstage at the awards show.

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“Sam has been a special friend and supporter to me,” Petras said. “It’s special to share this with someone who has given me such important advice in my life, dealing with people’s opinions. I feel like I’ve learned so much. Sam will never get rid of me , and we will sing the song for eternity.”

Besides Smith, Petras also took a moment on stage to salute some of his 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 his mother for the vital role she played in his personal journey.

“I grew up near a highway in nowhere in Germany, and my mother thought I was a girl,” Petras said. “And I wouldn’t be here without her and her support.”

The “brrr” singer reflected on the significance of her win backstage.

“All those years go by in my head of people saying I’ll be a niche artist and my music will only be played in gay clubs,” Petras said. “I hope the kids who have seen this, who feel like they don’t belong and don’t belong in society, feel inspired that you can be yourself and be rewarded for your talent rather than your gender or sexuality.”

Petras’ “Unholy” collaborator Smith, who identifies as non-binary, recently caused a stir with their other song “I’m Not Here to Make Friends.” A music video for the song features scantily clad dancers spinning on beds and under sprays of water. The video sparked strong reactions on Twitter, where netizens attacked and defended the singer.

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