Kim Petras’ historic win at Sunday’s Grammy Awards is actually one thing sacred.
The German-born pop singer, who made a splash featured on Sam Smith’s electropop smash “Unholy,” made Grammys historical past when she gained the award for greatest pop duo/group efficiency on the sixty fifth annual Grammy Awards, changing into what’s believed to be the primary transgender lady to win music’s prime honor.
“Sam graciously wished me to simply accept this award as a result of I am the primary transgender lady to win,” Petras stated throughout her acceptance speech. “Sam, you’re a true angel and hero in my life. I really like you.”
Petras gushed additional about her friendship with Smith backstage on the awards ceremony.
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“Sam has been a particular good friend and supporter of mine,” Petras stated. “It’s particular to share this with somebody who has given me such vital recommendation in my life, coping with the opinions of individuals. I really feel like I’ve discovered a lot. Sam won’t ever do away with me, and we’ll sing the track for eternity.”
Except for Smith, Petras additionally took a second onstage to provide a shoutout to a few of her musical heroes, together with Madonna (“I do not suppose I may very well be right here with out Madonna”) and the late Sophie, a trans digital producer and DJ who died in 2021.
“Thanks a lot on your inspiration, Sophie,” Petras stated. “I am keen on you, and your inspiration will endlessly be in my music.”
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Petras additionally thanked her mom for the important position she performed in her private journey.
“I grew up subsequent to a freeway in nowhere-Germany, and my mom believed that I used to be a woman,” Petras stated. “And I would not be right here with out her and her help.”
The “brrr” singer mirrored on the importance of her win backstage.
“All these years are going by means of my head of individuals saying I might be a distinct segment artist and my music would solely be performed in homosexual golf equipment,” Petras stated. “I hope youngsters who noticed this, who really feel they don’t belong and don’t have a spot in society, really feel impressed that you may be your self and get rewarded on your expertise relatively than your gender or sexuality.”
Petras’ “Unholy” collaborator Smith, who identifies as nonbinary, not too long ago precipitated a stir with their different track “I’m Not Right here to Make Pals.” A music video for the track contains scantily clad dancers gyrating on beds and underneath streams of water. The video has sparked sturdy reactions on Twitter, the place customers have attacked and defended the singer.
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This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Kim Petras makes historical past at 2023 Grammys with Sam Smith collab win