Culture

Kim Petras Dedicates Her Historic Win To Her Late Friend And Mentor, SOPHIE

“I grew up next to a highway in nowhere Germany, and my mother believed me that I was a girl."

by Merryana Salem  6 February 2023
Kim Petras and Sam Smith accept their Garammy for best pop duo.

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Kim Petras made trans history at the Grammys and her speech will make you cry.

Pop music princess, Kim Petras won the Award for pop duo/group performance at tonight’s 2023 Grammys ceremony for her ‘Unholy’ collaboration with non-binary artist Sam Smith. The duo took to the stage with Petras accepting the award on behalf of them both.

Not only is Petras the first trans woman to win the category — and Smith the first non-binary artist to win the category too — but she and Smith are the first openly trans and non-binary duo to ever take out the category.

Acknowledging the historic win through joyful tears, Petras’ speech was delivered to a standing ovation; from Taylor Swift to Cardi B, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. 

“I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who’ve kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight — SOPHIE, especially,” Petras said, dedicating the award to her late friend and mentor.

SOPHIE is, of course, none other than the late trailblazing pop producer, Sophie Xeon — who tragically died in Athens in January 2021. 

“My friend who passed away two years ago told me this would happen and always believed in me. Thank you so much for your inspiration, SOPHIE. I adore you, and your inspiration will forever be in my music,” Petras told the crowd. 

Petras also thanked Madonna for “fighting for LGBTQ” rights within the industry, “I don’t think I could be here without Madonna,” she said. And, like any icon worth their salt, Petras thanked her mum. 

“I grew up next to a highway in nowhere Germany, and my mother believed me that I was a girl, and I wouldn’t be here without her and her support,” she said.

You can watch Kim Petras’ full speech below. 

Photo credit: Johnny Nunez / Getty Images