Kim Petras is a German singer and songwriter who has taken the pop world by storm with her catchy tunes, glamorous style, and groundbreaking achievements. She is the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy Award, the first transgender artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, and one of the most influential LGBTQ+ icons of her generation. Here are some facts you need to know about Kim Petras and her music.
Kim Petras was born in Cologne, Germany
Kim Petras was born on August 27, 1992, in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. She grew up in a supportive family, with a mother who is a choreographer and artist, a father who is an architect, and an older sister who is also a singer12
Kim Petras knew she was a girl from a very young age and began her medical transition at 12. She became famous in Germany as the “world’s youngest transsexual” after she publicly advocated for early gender confirmation surgery, which she underwent at 1634
Kim Petras started writing songs when she was 13 and moved to Los Angeles at 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a pop star. She had no connections in the music industry and had to work hard to get noticed. She eventually landed a publishing deal and a visa to stay and work in the US2
Kim Petras released music independently before signing with a major label
Kim Petras began releasing music independently in 2016, under her own imprint, BunHead Records. She gained attention with her debut single, “I Don’t Want It at All”, which topped the Spotify Global Viral 50 chart. She followed it up with more singles, such as “Heart to Break”, “1, 2, 3 Dayz Up”, and “Faded”, which showcased her pop sensibilities and versatility. She called this series of singles “Era 1”56
In 2019, Kim Petras released her first two full-length projects, Clarity and Turn Off the Light. Clarity featured 12 tracks that explored themes of love, fame, and self-empowerment, while Turn Off the Light was a Halloween-themed album that showcased her darker and edgier side. Both albums received critical acclaim and charted on the Billboard 2007
In 2021, Kim Petras signed with Amigo and Republic Records, becoming the first transgender artist to join a major label. She released her first EP with them, Slut Pop, which featured four songs that celebrated her sexuality and confidence. She also collaborated with Sam Smith on the smash hit “Unholy”, which became her first number one single in the US and the UK.
Kim Petras made history at the Grammy Awards
Kim Petras and Sam Smith won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Unholy” at the 65th Grammy Awards in 2023. This made Kim Petras the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy and the second transgender woman to do so after Wendy Carlos.
Kim Petras dedicated her award to the transgender community and thanked the pioneers who paved the way for her. She said in her acceptance speech, “I just want to thank the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open so I could be here.”
Kim Petras also performed “Unholy” with Sam Smith at the Grammy Awards, delivering a stunning and powerful performance that earned them a standing ovation.
Kim Petras is an inspiration to many
Kim Petras is not only a talented and successful pop star, but also a role model and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as the Trevor Project, GLAAD, and the New York Restoration Project. She has also spoken out against discrimination and violence against transgender people, especially in her home country of Germany.
Kim Petras has inspired many fans with her courage, resilience, and authenticity. She has shown that being transgender is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams and that one can be proud of who they are. She has also proven that pop music can be a powerful tool for social change and cultural representation.
Kim Petras is a pop star who made history and continues to make waves with her music and her message. She is a force to be reckoned with and a voice to be heard. She is Kim Petras, and she is unstoppable.