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Kim Petras (/ˈpɛtrəs/, German: [ˈpeːtʁas]; born 27 August 1992) is a German pop singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. Between 2016 and 2020, she released music as an independent artist under her own imprint, BunHead Records, before signing with Amigo and Republic Records in 2021.[2]

Petras began recording music as a teenager. Prior to releasing a full-length project, she independently released various singles from 2017 to 2019, including "I Don't Want It at All", "Heart to Break" and "1, 2, 3 Dayz Up", and has coined this series of singles as "Era 1". Several of these singles charted on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs chart. In 2019, Petras independently released her first two full-length projects, Clarity and Turn Off the Light.

Petras signed with Republic Records in 2021 and released the EP Slut Pop, her first project with Republic, the following year. Petras's collaborative 2022 single "Unholy" with Sam Smith topped charts internationally, including the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first openly transgender solo artist to reach number one in the United States.[3][4] Petras won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Unholy" in 2023, making her the second transgender woman to win a Grammy following Wendy Carlos.[4][5][6]

Early life

[edit]

Petras was born in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia.[7] Her mother is a dancer and her father is an architect.[8] The first song Petras wrote was "about this dude in second grade who didn't like me back".[9] In 2006, Petras, then aged 13, appeared on a German television current-affairs show in which she discussed her medical gender transition. At age 14, she appeared in a documentary and a talk show,[10][11] in a push to get permission for early sex reassignment surgery at age 16, before the minimum age of 18 in Germany. These appearances resulted in international media coverage of her transition, touting her as the "world's youngest transsexual".[12]

In September 2007, Petras was a model for a German chain of hair salons.[13] She was evaluated by the head of the psychiatric unit at Frankfurt Hospital, Bernd Meyenburg, and approved for gender-affirming surgery at 16 years old.[14] In November 2008, Petras announced that the surgery was completed.[15] The Daily Telegraph claimed that Petras was the youngest person in the world to have had that surgery at the time.[16] Petras told The Telegraph a few months after the procedure: "I was asked if I feel like a woman now – but the truth is I have always felt like a woman – I just ended up in the wrong body."[16] Petras learned English by watching videos of Britney Spears.[17]

Career

[edit]

2008–2015: Career beginnings

[edit]

At 19 years old, Petras moved to Los Angeles, living in the garage of a producer in Redondo Beach.[18]

In 2013, Petras was featured on two singles named "Flight to Paris" and "Heartbeat" by German DJ Klaas. Throughout the next few years, Petras worked with producers including The Stereotypes, C.J. Abraham, Stephen Dresser, Johan "Jones" Wetterberg, Edward Ellis, and Aaron Joseph on a music career, releasing demos on her SoundCloud page, including one titled "STFU".[19] For her contributions to social media, Petras was ranked at number 19 on Billboard's Artist Chart, listing developing artists, in July 2013.[20]

2017–2019: Breakthrough with "Era 1"

[edit]

In August 2017, Petras released her debut single "I Don't Want It at All",[21] The song went on to reach the Spotify Global Viral chart.[22] The accompanying music video for the song premiered in October on Vevo, and features a cameo appearance by Paris Hilton.[23] In the same month, she was picked by Spotify to be one of the four artists named as a RISE Artist, a "program designed to identify and break the next wave of music superstars."[24] During the end of 2017, Petras was dubbed "most likely to dominate the pop charts" by Paper magazine,[25] and appeared on Charli XCX's mixtape Pop 2 (2017) for the track "Unlock It" alongside Jay Park.

Petras performing at Capital Pride in 2018

In January 2018, the Nicholas Harwood-directed video for Petras's single "Faded", which features Lil Aaron, premiered on Noisey,[26] That same month, she appeared in the January issue of Galore.[27] Petras released the breakup-inspired "Heart to Break" in February, to commemorate Valentine's Day.[28] The song was given its radio debut on BBC Radio 1 on 19 February. Bryan Kress of Billboard noted how while the single is "still keeping Petras's upbeat, unabashed pop sound... [it] ventures into new territory for the songwriter."[28]

On 1 October 2018, Petras released Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1, a Halloween-themed extended play. The project was seen as a departure from Petras's typical sound, and features a guest appearance from the horror hostess character Elvira.[29] Afterwards, Petras announced plans to release a single a month as a lead up to her debut album.[27] She was featured on Cheat Codes' song "Feeling of Falling" in November 2018.[30] Petras has been credited with composing the song "Young & Wild" on Twice's 6th EP, Yes or Yes.[31]

In February 2019, Petras released three singles titled "1, 2, 3 Dayz Up" featuring Sophie, "If U Think About Me...", and "Homework" featuring Lil Aaron.[32] Petras has not publicly expressed plans to release an album with these eleven "neon head" digital singles from late 2017 until early 2019, but has referred to this release period as "Era 1".[33] In March 2019, Petras appeared as a headline act at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, noted as one of the world's largest pride festivals, which has been headlined by other notable acts including Kylie Minogue, Cher, Dua Lipa, Kesha, Sam Smith, The Veronicas[34] and George Michael.[35][36]

2019–2020: Clarity and Turn Off the Light

[edit]
Petras performing in Berlin on her Clarity Tour in September 2019

Throughout May and June 2019, Petras released one song a week as a lead-up to her debut mixtape Clarity's release.[37] In June, Petras embarked on the 24 date "Broken Tour" across North America and Europe.[38] Petras was featured on the covers of Galore and Notion magazines that same month. Clarity was preceded by promotional singles including "All I Do Is Cry" and "Sweet Spot", and was accompanied by the lead single, "Icy", on its release date of 28 June 2019.

In August, Petras announced that there would be a limited edition vinyl pressing of Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1 through Urban Outfitters. Petras has announced that Turn Off the Light, Vol. 2 will be released exactly a year after the first part. On 1 October 2019, Petras's second mixtape Turn Off the Light was released. The album features all of the songs from Vol. 1 as well as nine new tracks, with a bonus track added a year later.[39] On 11 February 2020, she released the single "Reminds Me". That same month, she announced that she would be the supporting act on the European leg of Camila Cabello's The Romance Tour,[40] which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On 7 May, Petras released the single "Malibu". The song was promoted by a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and charted in the United Kingdom. Petras was later featured on the song "Broken Glass" by Kygo, from his album Golden Hour, released 29 May.[41] She also released a new song "Party Till I Die", which was included on the 2020 reissue of Turn Off the Light. Petras's song "Reminds Me" was sampled by the Kid Laroi for his song "Reminds Me of You", a collaboration with Juice Wrld released on the first anniversary of his death.[42]

2020–2022: Problématique and Slut Pop

[edit]

On 6 November 2020, Petras was featured on K/DA's EP All Out, appearing on the song "Villain" alongside Madison Beer, which charted in New Zealand and on the US World Songs chart. In 2021, Petras was featured on remixes of several songs made popular on TikTok, including "Jenny" with Studio Killers, and "SugarCrash!" by ElyOtto and Curtis Waters.[43] Additionally, her 2017 song "Unlock It" with Charli XCX and Jay Park went viral on the app.[44] Petras additionally announced Turn Off the Light, Vol. 3 would be released sometime in 2021,[45] although this plan did not come to fruition.

In August 2021, Petras signed to Republic Records and released "Future Starts Now" as the lead single from her major-label debut studio album, Problématique.[2] Petras performed the song at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show on 12 September 2021,[46] as the first out trans artist to perform at the VMAs.[47] In November 2021, she performed two more songs from the forthcoming album — "Coconuts" and "Hit It from the Back"[47][48] — when she appeared at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards, becoming the first out trans artist to perform at the EMAs,[47][48] a show that MTV had deliberately hosted in Budapest, as "an opportunity to stand in solidarity"[49] in protest against the Hungarian anti-LGBT law;[48] likewise Petras's performance was intentionally raunchy and "sex positive"[47] and spoke out to say "It's going to be pretty powerful to be in Hungary and perform the show when these laws have just happened".[50] Petras also performed at the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, becoming the first out trans performer to do so.[47] She was featured in the 2021 holiday film The Bitch Who Stole Christmas.[51] On 3 December 2021, after overwhelming fan response on TikTok, Petras released "Coconuts", doing so around a month earlier than scheduled.

On 10 February 2022, after teasing some of the songs on TikTok, Petras announced a surprise EP titled Slut Pop,[52] which was released the following day.

On 11 June 2022, Petras performed at Los Angeles Pride with Christina Aguilera.[53][54]

On 30 July 2022, Petras seemingly confirmed via Twitter that Problématique (2022) had been scrapped.[55] On 2 August 2022, many songs believed to be on the album leaked online. Petras responded to these leaks on Twitter, saying "It's ok if u wanna listen to the leaks ... I'm not getting to put out any music anyways I'm fucked."[56]

2022–present: "Unholy" and Feed the Beast

[edit]

On 22 September 2022, Petras released the song "Unholy", a collaboration with Sam Smith. The track went viral on TikTok and hit number one in various countries upon release, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.[57][58][59] It was also her first career entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, eventually topping the chart in October 2022.[60] This made Petras the first openly transgender woman in history to have a number-one song on the chart, and Smith the first openly non-binary person to do so.[4][61][62]

On 5 February 2023, Petras and Smith won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Unholy". This made Petras the first openly transgender artist to win a major-category Grammy, and Smith the first non-binary artist to win a Grammy.[4][5] During her acceptance speech, Petras thanked her mother, who she said "believed me, that I was a girl, and I wouldn't be here without her and her support". She also thanked musicians Madonna and Sophie.[4][63]

Sparked by the massive commercial success of "Unholy", Petras released the singles "If Jesus Was a Rockstar" in November 2022 and "Brrr" in January 2023, both of which failed to live up to the success of their predecessor. On 17 February 2023, she stated that an album that she had been working on "for three years" was ready to be released the next summer, sharing her excitement for people to hear the songs.[64] On 21 April, she released "Alone" with rapper Nicki Minaj. The song proved more successful, having charted in five countries. On 15 May, Petras announced her debut studio album Feed the Beast on her social media[65] and "Alone" was officially announced as the lead single of the album.[66][67] Previously released songs "Coconuts" and "Brrr" were also included on the album. In anticipation of the album, the news was celebrated as part of a live performance on NBC's Citi Concert series.[68] She embarked on the Feed the Beast World Tour in support of the album.[69][70]

On 18 September 2023, Petras surprise-released a revised version of Problématique.[71] On 6 October, she teamed up with James Hype on the single "Drums", which samples Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You".[72]

Petras was scheduled to make the theme song of UEFA Euro 2024 with OneRepublic and Meduza, but on 20 March 2024, it was announced that Petras would not participate anymore due "unforeseen scheduling issues". She was replaced by German singer Leony.[73]

Artistry

[edit]

Petras is a pop singer who also makes electronic dance music (EDM), dance-pop, electropop and bubblegum pop.[74][75] She credits the late 1990s and early 2000s pop scene,[76] as well as 1980s Italo disco,[25] as the primary basis for her sound. Petras describes herself as a "Kylie Minogue stan first", citing Minogue as a key influence to her sound as a pop artist.[77] Petras's other inspirations include Katy Perry, Cher, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna and the Spice Girls,[78][79][76] as well as Boy George, Debbie Harry, Queen, Freddie Mercury,[19] Judy Garland, Baby E, Lil Aaron, Liz Y2K,[27] and Kesha.[80] In an interview, Petras stated that "To me, pop music is an escape from my problems. I can put on my headphones and listen to it for three and a half minutes to forget about everything that's bothering me. It's always been that way for me. I feel like pop definitely saved my life in so many ways."[81]

On her songwriting, Petras told Noisey that "there's something about making a song that everybody can sing and remember, and when you listen to it the first time you already know the words by the second chorus, like you've always known the song. I'm obsessed with that idea."[76] She commented on themes, stating "I write about boys, heartbreak, sex, having fun and the things that I go through."[27]

Public image

[edit]

Following her debut, Petras was dubbed as "the new princess of pop" by Nasty Galaxy.[19] The title was repeated by publications including Billboard,[82] ABC News,[83] V,[84] and Idolator.[85]

Following the release of her debut mixtape Clarity (2019), many reviewers praised the record but criticized her involvement with Dr. Luke, who had been accused of sexually and verbally assaulting Kesha in 2015.[86][87] The same controversy was reignited in 2022 with the release of her EP Slut Pop, also produced by Dr. Luke. After the release of the EP, "#FreeKesha" trended on Twitter and Petras faced further backlash over lyrics in the EP referencing Lady Gaga, a supporter of Kesha and a survivor of sexual assault herself.[88]

Petras has spoken several times about her experience with transphobia, both in her personal life and in her career, stating that many record labels turned her down over her being transgender and tried to get other labels to do the same.[89][90]

In 2023, Petras became the second trans woman to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.[91]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Year Nominee(s) Category Result Ref.
Brit Awards 2023 "Unholy" (with Sam Smith) Song of the Year Nominated [92]
British LGBT Awards 2020 Herself Top 10 Music Artists Nominated [93]
2021 Nominated [94]
GLAAD Media Awards 2019 Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1 Outstanding Music Artist Nominated [95]
2020 Clarity Nominated [96]
Grammy Awards 2023 "Unholy" (with Sam Smith) Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Won [97]
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2023 Best Collaboration Won [98]
TikTok Bop of the Year Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards 2022 Video for Good Won [99]
MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2023 Best Collaboration Video (International) Won [100]
Queerty Awards 2020 Herself Badass Nominated [101]
"Sweet Spot" Anthem Nominated
2021 "Malibu" Nominated [102]
2022 "Coconuts" Nominated [103]
2023 "Unholy" (with Sam Smith) Won [104]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Kim Petras discography

Studio albums

Tours

[edit]

Headlining

Supporting

Special guest

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kim Petras

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kim Petras (born 27 August 1992) is a German singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, recognized for her contributions to pop and dance-pop music as well as for undergoing gender reassignment surgery at age 16, one of the youngest documented cases in Germany following court approval despite the standard minimum age of 18.[1][2][3]
Petras began releasing music independently in 2016, building a following through singles and mixtapes before signing with major labels and collaborating on the 2022 single "Unholy" with Sam Smith, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and secured a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2023.[1][4]

Early Life and Gender Transition

Childhood and Family Background

Kim Petras was born on August 27, 1992, in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to Lutz Petras, an architect, and Konni Petras, a choreographer and artist.[5][1] She grew up with an older sister in a family environment that fostered creative expression, with her parents supporting early involvement in artistic activities.[1][6] From a young age, Petras showed interest in music, finding inspiration in pop artists and beginning to write songs by age 13 while participating in school-related performances and early online video content focused on covers and creative endeavors.[7][8] Her rural upbringing near Cologne provided a backdrop for these pursuits amid challenges like bullying, which she later credited with deepening her engagement with music as a form of solace.[8]

Onset of Gender Dysphoria and Medical Interventions

Petras has reported experiencing symptoms of gender dysphoria from toddlerhood, stating that by age two she insisted on being treated as a girl and rejected male clothing and activities.[2] Her distress intensified in childhood, culminating in suicidal ideation that she credits her parents' affirmation and pursuit of medical help for preventing.[9][10] In response, her parents advocated for early intervention through German healthcare providers, securing puberty blockers at age 12 around 2004 to suppress endogenous male puberty.[11][12] Cross-sex hormone therapy followed shortly thereafter, beginning by age 13.[13][14] These treatments, administered in facilities including Hamburg, aligned with protocols prioritizing distress relief over natural pubertal development, though long-term data indicate puberty suppression often yields lower bone mineral density—particularly at the lumbar spine—and may impair fertility if extended before gonadal maturation.[15][16] Petras has described the blockers as immediately stabilizing, reporting sustained emotional relief post-initiation.[11]

Public Coming Out and Early Media Attention

In 2006, at age 13, Petras appeared on the German television program Stern TV, where she publicly discussed her gender dysphoria and ongoing medical transition, marking her initial entry into media visibility.[17] This appearance, which included details of hormone therapy initiated around age 12 to suppress male puberty, drew attention in Germany for highlighting a child's early intervention, with Petras expressing relief at aligning her body with her self-perception.[18] Her parents, who had consulted medical experts confirming her transgender identity, supported the disclosures to advocate for similar cases, framing the treatments as essential to avert psychological distress as puberty loomed.[2] By 2008, following gender-confirmation surgery at age 16, Petras announced the procedure via a personal blog post, prompting widespread media coverage that sensationalized her case by dubbing her the "world's youngest transsexual" or "youngest sex-change patient."[19] Her surgeon corroborated the novelty, stating it was the earliest such operation to his knowledge, which amplified international headlines focusing on the unprecedented youth at which full reassignment occurred.[20] Coverage in outlets like The Telegraph emphasized the family's determination to proceed despite typical age restrictions, portraying the outcome as successful with Petras reporting immediate happiness and normalcy post-surgery.[13] Petras's parents participated in German television features and documentaries during this period, including footage of the transition process broadcast domestically, to underscore its life-affirming impact and assist families facing similar challenges.[12] In these accounts, they described Petras's pre-intervention suicidality and positioned the interventions as preventive measures against irreversible male development, with Petras herself affirming in interviews that the changes allowed her to live authentically and joyfully.[9] The emphasis remained on familial advocacy and personal satisfaction, though the youth of the case invited some international commentary on the rarity and medical precedents involved.[13]

Career Beginnings and Development

Initial Music Efforts (2008–2016)

Following her gender transition surgeries in 2008 and 2009, Petras shifted focus toward music, releasing her first single "Fade Away" as a CD in 2008 through Joyce Records.[21] In 2009, she issued three digital singles—"Die For You," "Last Forever," and "Boomerang"—also via Joyce Records, marking her initial forays into self-produced pop tracks distributed digitally.[22] These early efforts, recorded as a teenager in Germany, received limited commercial attention but established her online presence through platforms like YouTube, where she uploaded covers and original clips starting around this period.[20] In 2011, at age 19, Petras released her debut EP One Piece of Tape digitally via Bionic Ballroom, featuring tracks such as the title song, "Feel It," "Supersonic," and "Money Got Her Hot," which she co-wrote and performed.[23] That same year, she relocated to Los Angeles with approximately $500, initially living in a producer's garage in Redondo Beach while pursuing songwriting and demos amid challenging early conditions, knowing only a handful of industry contacts from online interactions.[24][2] This move intensified her independent hustle, including composing advertising jingles for supplemental income alongside bedroom demos and further YouTube content.[20] From 2012 to 2016, Petras continued releasing sporadic promotional singles and building underground momentum through SoundCloud uploads and social media, yet faced repeated rejections from major labels, which she attributed to her transgender identity overshadowing evaluations of her musical talent.[8][2] Labels often fixated on her gender rather than her pop-oriented demos, leading her to forgo deals and maintain independence under her own terms, fostering a niche following without mainstream traction.[25] This period solidified her self-reliant approach, with no significant label signing until later years, as her early work circulated primarily among online enthusiasts.[22]

Independent Breakthrough (2017–2019)

Petras maintained independence through her own imprint, BunHead Records, releasing music without major label backing during this era.[26] On August 1, 2017, she issued her debut single "I Don't Want It at All," produced by Dr. Luke, which topped viral charts on Spotify and marked her entry into broader pop awareness via self-directed digital distribution.[27] From late 2017 through February 7, 2019, Petras self-released eleven singles forming the unofficial Era 1 collection, emphasizing high-energy dance-pop tracks distributed primarily through streaming platforms to build grassroots momentum.[28] Among these, "Heart to Break," released February 14, 2018, gained significant streaming traction, peaking at number 48 on Mediabase Top 40 radio airplay charts by August 2018 and accumulating millions of plays on platforms like Spotify.[29][30] The track's accompanying music video, directed by Daniel Russell and released April 26, 2018, showcased Petras' DIY visual aesthetic with bold choreography and synth-driven production, further amplifying its viral spread on social media.[31] Petras extended her reach through collaborations, featuring on Charli XCX's "Unlock It" from the mixtape Pop 2 (November 2017) and "Click" (with Tommy Cash) from the album Charli (September 2019), both highlighting her vocal versatility in hyper-pop contexts without compromising her independent release strategy.[32][33] Industry hurdles persisted, with Petras recounting executives' reluctance to sign her due to fixation on her transgender identity over musical merit, including queries about marketing her transition rather than tracks like "Heart to Break."[18][34] She navigated such resistance by prioritizing prolific output and direct fan engagement via platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram, underscoring a self-reliant ethos that propelled Era 1's cult following despite limited radio or promotional support from traditional gatekeepers.[35]

Key Album Releases (2019–2021)

Kim Petras released her debut mixtape Clarity on June 28, 2019, via her independent imprint BunHead Records in association with Amigo and Republic. The 12-track collection, blending electropop and contemporary R&B, included nine previously issued singles dating back to April 2019, marking a culmination of teasers that showcased her glossy production and vocal range. Themes centered on romantic disillusionment and self-empowerment, with tracks like "Icy" and "Broken" highlighting synth-driven hooks amid personal introspection.[36][37] In October 2019, Petras issued Turn Off the Light, a 17-track Halloween-themed mixtape self-released under BunHead, compiling prior EPs with new material and instrumental vignettes. Departing from Clarity's brighter pop sheen, it delved into horror motifs through club-oriented beats, eerie synths, and lyrics evoking supernatural allure and nocturnal escapism, as in "Bloody Valentine" and "Wrong Turn." Production emphasized atmospheric tension and dance-floor energy, reflecting a deliberate seasonal pivot to darker aesthetics while sustaining her independent output.[38][39] Throughout 2020 and into 2021, Petras maintained her BunHead independence, dropping standalone singles such as the Halloween track "Party Till I Die" on October 23, 2020, which extended the horror-pop vein with pulsating rhythms and thematic continuity. These efforts, absent major-label marketing, fostered organic growth in her streaming audience and loyal fanbase, particularly within online and LGBTQ+ circles, evidenced by sustained plays on platforms like Spotify despite limited chart penetration. Concurrently, she began recording high-energy, sexually charged material—foreshadowing later explicit projects—prioritizing creative autonomy over commercial infrastructure.[40]

Mainstream Breakthrough and Collaborations (2022–2023)

In September 2022, Kim Petras collaborated with Sam Smith on the single "Unholy," released on September 22 via Capitol Records, which quickly gained traction through TikTok teasers and radio airplay.[41][42] The track debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 23.2 million U.S. streams and 2.8 million in radio audience in its first full week, before ascending to No. 1 on October 24, 2022, marking Petras's first chart-topping hit.[41][42] It also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 with 76.7 million worldwide streams and 20,000 downloads in its opening week.[43] By November 2022, "Unholy" achieved RIAA Platinum certification for 1 million units in the U.S., later reaching 2x Platinum in March 2023.[44][45] The success of "Unholy" represented a commercial breakthrough for Petras, positioning her as the first openly transgender woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This milestone, shared with non-binary artist Sam Smith as the first such duo of out LGBTQ+ soloists to top the chart, amplified Petras's visibility amid a pop landscape dominated by established acts.[46] The partnership dynamics emphasized mutual creative synergy, with Smith selecting Petras for her vocal fit and the track's thematic edge, leading to immediate global streaming dominance including No. 1 debuts on Spotify U.S. and Global charts.[47] At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023, Petras and Smith won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Unholy," with Petras becoming the second openly transgender woman to receive a Grammy, following Wendy Carlos's wins in the classical category for Switched-On Bach in the 1970s.[48][49] Petras's acceptance speech credited transgender forebears and SOPHIE, highlighting the win's historical weight while dedicating it to those facing barriers in the industry.[50] This accolade, amid the track's sustained chart presence, underscored Petras's transition from niche electronic releases to mainstream pop contention. Building on "Unholy's" momentum, Petras released her major-label debut studio album Feed the Beast on June 23, 2023, via Amigo and Republic Records, featuring 15 tracks including collaborations with Nicki Minaj on "Alone" and a bonus version of "Unholy."[51][52] The album, produced primarily by Dr. Luke, leaned into dance-pop with themes of desire and excess, achieving Petras's peak commercial footprint through prior single hype like "If Jesus Was a Rockstar" and bundled sales/streaming data from the Grammy-winning hit.[53] Post-breakthrough, Petras faced heightened media scrutiny on her artistic choices and personal narrative, though empirical metrics confirmed Unholy as her highest-reaching project with over 1 billion Spotify streams by late 2022.[47]

Recent Projects and Creative Control (2024–Present)

In 2025, Petras released a series of singles leading to her third studio album, Detour, anticipated for November. The lead single "Polo" debuted on June 27, followed by "Freak It" on July 25, and "I Like Ur Look" on October 14, the latter featuring a music video directed with emphasis on her personal vision of playful, extreme aesthetics.[54][55][56] These tracks mark a pivot toward greater autonomy in production, with Petras co-producing elements of Detour alongside collaborators, allowing for an evolved electropop sound incorporating hyperpop influences and self-directed lyrical themes of desire and individuality, distinct from her prior label-heavy outputs.[57][58] "I Like Ur Look," in particular, showcases this shift through its sugar-sweet synths and direct co-writing credits to Petras, signaling a departure from external producer dominance post-2023's Feed the Beast.[59][60] Following label adjustments at Republic Records, Petras has rebuilt momentum via social media virality, including TikTok teasers for "I Like Ur Look" that amassed over 25,000 likes by mid-October and Instagram announcements driving pre-saves for Detour.[61] Live performances, such as her set at OUTLOUD Music Festival on May 31, 2025, highlighted tracks from this era, with streaming data for "Freak It" exceeding 5 million Spotify plays within weeks of release, underscoring sustained fan engagement amid independent-leaning strategies.[62][63] No full tour was announced by October 2025, though festival bookings continued to support the album rollout.[64]

Artistry

Musical Influences and Style

Kim Petras has cited a range of electronic and pop artists as key influences, including Daft Punk, Justice, The Prodigy, and Ed Banger Records acts like Uffie, which inform her incorporation of electro and dance elements.[65] She has emphasized Kylie Minogue's impact on her pop sensibilities, describing herself as a "Kylie Minogue stan first," alongside Madonna's poppy style, reflecting a foundation in upbeat, synth-driven dance-pop from the 1980s and 2000s. Additional inspirations include Britney Spears, from whom Petras learned English as a child by studying her lyrics and videos, contributing to her emulation of high-gloss, vocal-forward pop structures.[66] Petras's style centers on synth-heavy pop with club-oriented production, featuring high-energy beats, layered electronic synths, and prominent hi-hat rhythms designed for dance floors.[67] [68] Her use of auto-tune enhances vocal delivery for a polished, futuristic sheen, often blending Eurodance flair with harder-edged techno influences, as evident in tracks emphasizing repetitive hooks and bass-driven drops.[69] [70] This approach yields a sound akin to early 2000s Britney Spears in its accessible, beat-centric pop framework, while sharing hyperpop tendencies with Charli XCX through experimental sound design and online-era maximalism.[71] Her production prioritizes immediacy and replay value, drawing from European dance traditions for propulsive, anthem-like tracks rather than intricate orchestration.[72]

Lyrical Themes and Production Approach

Kim Petras's lyrics recurrently feature motifs of hedonism, sexual desire, and partying as mechanisms for empowerment and escapism. Tracks across releases like Clarity (July 2019) and the Slut Pop EP (February 2022) emphasize unbridled physical intimacy and nightlife indulgence, with songs such as "Heart to Break" from Clarity framing heartbreak as pretext for revelry and seduction, and Slut Pop's content explicitly celebrating erotic encounters.[72][73] This approach portrays sexuality as a defiant assertion of agency, often prioritizing sensory pleasure over introspective depth, as evident in lyrics about superficial attractions and material indulgences.[35] In later works like Feed the Beast (June 2023) and Problématique (September 2023), these themes persist through narratives of romantic obsession and club-centric abandon, though reviewers have critiqued the lyrical patterns for formulaic repetition and lack of novelty, noting reliance on explicit sensuality without substantial variation or emotional nuance.[74][75][69] For instance, Feed the Beast tracks echo prior albums' focus on seduction and excess but dilute edginess in pursuit of broader appeal, resulting in lyrics described as racy yet sanitized.[67] Petras's production emphasizes synth-heavy, polished dance-pop tailored for high-energy playback, frequently involving Dr. Luke, whose contributions yield glossy tracks with prominent autotune, pulsating beats, and layered electronic elements.[76][67] This method, prominent in Slut Pop and earlier EPs, creates an escapist sonic sheen that amplifies the hedonistic lyrics, though some analyses highlight its adherence to conventional pop formulas, limiting sonic evolution.[77][69]

Notable Collaborations

Petras' collaboration with Sam Smith on the single "Unholy," released on September 30, 2022, marked a pivotal mainstream breakthrough, with the track topping the Billboard Hot 100 for one week and the UK Singles Chart for four weeks.[42] The song's synth-driven production and thematic focus on infidelity synergized Smith's emotive delivery with Petras' high-energy pop vocals, resulting in a Grammy win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023.[78] This partnership elevated Petras' visibility, contributing to over 2x Platinum certification in the US by March 2023.[45] Earlier associations with experimental producers shaped her sound's evolution toward hyperpop elements. In 2019, Petras featured SOPHIE on "1,2,3 Dayz Up," a track emphasizing glitchy electronics and rapid tempos that highlighted SOPHIE's influence on Petras' club-oriented aesthetic.[79] This was followed by Petras' vocal contribution to SOPHIE's posthumous "Reason Why" (featuring BC Kingdom), released June 24, 2024, as the lead single from SOPHIE's self-titled album, blending futuristic production with Petras' melodic hooks to underscore ongoing electronic synergies.[80] Petras also collaborated with Charli XCX on "Unlock It (Lock It)," released December 11, 2017, from XCX's Pop 2 mixtape (also featuring Jay Park), which fused PC Music's bubbly synths and playful lyrics to pioneer a shared underground pop vibe that influenced subsequent hyperpop trends.[81] Producer Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald) contributed to multiple Petras projects, including her debut single "I Don't Want It At All" (August 2017), the Slut Pop EP (February 2022), and tracks like "Alone" and "Heart to Break," applying polished, radio-ready formulas that amplified her vocal range within commercial pop structures.[82][76] These efforts refined her sound for broader appeal, yielding consistent streaming gains and playlist placements.

Controversies

Association with Dr. Luke

Kim Petras began collaborating with producer Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald) in the mid-2010s, with him signing her to a deal through his Kemosabe Records imprint under RCA, following an introduction via producer Aaron Joseph.[83] This partnership persisted despite Kesha's October 2014 lawsuit against Gottwald, in which she alleged sexual assault, battery, emotional abuse, and sex-based discrimination, claims that Gottwald denied and countersued for defamation and breach of contract.[84] Petras's early releases, including singles from 2017 onward, featured Gottwald's production, establishing him as her primary collaborator during her independent phase.[85] In June 2018, amid heightened scrutiny of the Kesha-Gottwald litigation, Petras issued a statement defending her working relationship with Gottwald, describing it as positive and professional while expressing sympathy for abuse victims, though she had previously liked social media posts implying Kesha's allegations were untrue.[86] She continued the association on her 2023 debut album Feed the Beast, where Gottwald co-produced the title track and several others, including "Alone."[52] Petras reiterated her support in a November 2022 interview, stating she had "nothing to be ashamed of" regarding the collaboration and noting that many artists continued working with Gottwald without similar backlash.[87] The association drew criticism from Kesha supporters, renewing #FreeKesha boycott calls on social media, particularly after Petras's Grammy-winning 2022 single "Unholy" with Sam Smith, which involved Gottwald's involvement in her broader catalog.[88] However, empirical evidence shows limited professional repercussions: Petras signed with Republic Records in 2021, achieved a Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit, and saw no major label or chart disruptions tied to the controversy, contrasting with sporadic fan divisions but aligning with industry patterns where Gottwald produced for artists like Doja Cat amid ongoing litigation.[67] The Kesha-Gottwald case settled in June 2023 without admission of liability by Gottwald.[84]

Debates Surrounding Early Transition

Kim Petras underwent puberty suppression with blockers prior to male puberty, followed by cross-sex hormone therapy starting at age 12, and gender reassignment surgery at age 16 in 2008, after which media outlets such as The Telegraph described her as the world's youngest recipient of such surgery.[13] Petras has publicly stated that her parents' support for early medical interventions was crucial, crediting them with preventing her suicide amid severe distress from gender incongruence during childhood.[9] She has expressed no regrets over these steps, maintaining that they aligned with her persistent self-identification and alleviated her suicidal ideation.[10] Proponents of early medical transition, including Petras's own account, argue that timely interventions mitigate acute mental health risks like suicide in cases of persistent gender dysphoria, with her narrative emphasizing parental affirmation and medical access as life-saving.[9] However, empirical studies on youth gender dysphoria indicate high desistance rates, with 61% to 98% of children resolving dysphoria without transition by adolescence or adulthood, often aligning with same-sex attraction rather than persistent transgender identity.[89] These findings, drawn from longitudinal clinic-referred cohorts, suggest that early medicalization may preempt natural resolution for many, raising questions about irreversibility when applied to minors whose dysphoria proves transient.[90] Critics highlight long-term health risks associated with puberty blockers, including reduced bone mineral density leading to potential osteoporosis and infertility risks when followed by hormones and surgery, as evidenced by clinical data showing negative impacts on lumbar spine accrual during suppression.[15][91] The 2024 Cass Review, an independent UK analysis of gender services for youth, found remarkably weak evidence supporting puberty blockers' benefits for mental health or dysphoria, with methodological flaws in existing studies and insufficient long-term outcome data, leading to recommendations against routine use absent rigorous trials.[92] Debates further center on informed consent for minors, given developmental limitations in forecasting lifelong consequences like sterility, contrasted with media portrayals of cases like Petras's as precedents for broad access despite the era's limited regulatory scrutiny in Germany.[93] Petras's high-profile status has amplified discussions, though her individual satisfaction does not negate broader empirical concerns over low-quality evidence and high desistance in untreated cohorts.[94]

Criticisms of Sexualized Persona and Apolitical Stance

Petras' adoption of a hyper-sexualized persona, evident in her 2022 "Slut Pop" EP series and visuals featuring explicit themes of seduction and objectification, has drawn criticism for reinforcing stereotypes of female commodification, particularly from gender-critical perspectives that view such aesthetics as "pornified" and emblematic of broader cultural trends toward the sexual exploitation of women's bodies.[95][96] Reviewers have further faulted the lyrical and production choices on her 2023 album Feed the Beast, which emphasizes erotic escapism, as resembling "an AI sex bot" devoid of substantive emotional or intellectual depth, prioritizing surface-level provocation over artistic innovation.[67] Her apolitical stance, characterized by a deliberate avoidance of transgender-specific advocacy in favor of universal pop themes, has elicited accusations of irresponsibility among some LGBTQ commentators, who argue that her platform as the first openly transgender woman to achieve a U.S. number-one single in 2022 imposes an obligation to address trans rights explicitly rather than remaining silent on sociopolitical issues.[97] This approach, highlighted in a 2018 Pitchfork profile labeling her an "apolitical trans pop star" for producing lighthearted tracks untethered from identity politics, sparked backlash including fan criticism amplified by figures like Troye Sivan's collaborators, who questioned her reluctance to "rep the trans community."[98][99] Petras has countered that her music focuses on raw emotions disconnected from her transgender experience, explicitly rejecting the notion of wielding her identity as a promotional "tool" to prioritize broad accessibility over niche activism.[35][100] Critics contend this dual emphasis on sexualization and political neutrality undermines her potential as a role model, allowing her transgender status to eclipse her artistry without advancing causal discussions on gender dynamics or policy, though Petras maintains it enables escapist pop that transcends identity-based constraints.[101] Such viewpoints often stem from expectations within progressive media circles for public figures to align art with advocacy, reflecting a broader institutional bias toward conflating personal visibility with mandatory ideological engagement.[98]

Public Image and Reception

Perception as a Pop Performer

Kim Petras achieved significant commercial success as a pop artist with her collaboration "Unholy" alongside Sam Smith, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week starting October 24, 2022, marking her first entry on the ranking and highlighting her ability to deliver chart-topping hooks in a mainstream context.[41] The track's ascent from number three to the top position underscored Petras's appeal in high-energy dance-pop, blending trance elements with accessible melodies that propelled it to global prominence.[102] However, this peak has fueled debates about her long-term sustainability beyond collaborative hits, with subsequent solo releases struggling to replicate the same broad crossover impact amid a niche fanbase loyalty.[67] Critical reception to Petras's solo work, such as her 2023 debut album Feed the Beast, has been mixed, often praising the glossy production and catchy, Eurodance-inspired hooks while critiquing the material for lacking innovation or substantive depth. Pitchfork described the album's high-octane dance-pop as "inoffensive" yet overly safe, arguing it fails to establish a distinct point of view amid formulaic structures that prioritize surface-level energy over evolution.[75] Similarly, NPR noted that while Petras's music occasionally transcends surrounding narratives through its prevailing hooks, her output remains in a state of unresolved positioning within the pop landscape, suggesting a reliance on familiar tropes without pushing boundaries.[67] Her follow-up project Problématique drew comparable feedback, with reviewers pointing to tired club-pop sounds and heavy autotune that hinder vocal nuance and growth from prior efforts.[69] Live performances have reinforced perceptions of Petras as a capable pop entertainer with strong vocal delivery, though shows are sometimes seen as uneven in balancing high-production spectacle with musical substance. Reviews of her Feed the Beast tour highlighted impressive live singing amid choreographed sets, yet emphasized reliance on visuals to sustain engagement, echoing broader critiques of her discography's emphasis on immediacy over lasting artistic progression.[103] This duality—evident in metrics like Feed the Beast's modest chart performance compared to "Unholy"—positions Petras as a performer excelling in momentary pop euphoria but facing scrutiny for not advancing beyond post-hit expectations.[68]

Role as a Transgender Public Figure

Kim Petras achieved a milestone on February 5, 2023, when she won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Unholy" alongside Sam Smith, marking her as the first openly transgender woman to win in a major category.[2][104] In her acceptance speech, Petras dedicated the award to transgender musicians who came before her, including SOPHIE, emphasizing perseverance amid adversity.[50] This victory positioned her as a symbol of progress for transgender visibility in mainstream music, with media outlets celebrating it as historic representation.[105] Petras has recounted facing transphobia in the music industry, including label executives who refused to sign her due to her transgender status or pressured her to center her music around it.[18][106] She has described instances where meetings devolved into questions about whether her transition was "trendy," highlighting skepticism and bias from industry gatekeepers.[107] Despite these barriers, her breakthrough has afforded greater visibility, though she maintains that her transgender identity should not overshadow her artistry, stating that equality means being recognized for talent rather than gender.[108][109] Public discourse on Petras's role reflects divided viewpoints: proponents hail her as a trailblazing icon advancing transgender acceptance through pop success, while critics argue that media emphasis on her identity often eclipses evaluations of her musical merit, reducing her to a representational figure amid identity politics.[110][111] Her apolitical stance and reluctance to foreground transgender themes in her work have drawn scrutiny for sidestepping community advocacy, potentially limiting deeper engagement with transgender issues despite her prominence.[98][97] Observers note that while her win underscores breakthroughs, it also fuels debates on whether such achievements prioritize demographic milestones over artistic substance, with some sources attributing her coverage to progressive narratives in entertainment media that favor identity-driven stories.[67][35]

Critical and Commercial Assessment

Kim Petras achieved her commercial peak in 2022–2023, primarily driven by the collaboration "Unholy" with Sam Smith, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and amassed over 1.8 billion Spotify streams by October 2025.[112][113] The track's success propelled her total Spotify streams beyond 4 billion by September 2025, reflecting substantial digital consumption amid a post-pandemic surge in streaming.[114] However, follow-up efforts showed diminished momentum; her 2023 debut album Feed the Beast entered the Billboard 200 at number 44 with 17,000 equivalent album units, marking her strongest traditional sales week but failing to replicate chart dominance. Subsequent singles and releases, including the surprise drop Problématique in 2023, generated niche streams—such as "Can't Do Better" exceeding 48 million on Spotify—but did not sustain broad commercial traction through 2025.[115] Critically, Petras's work has elicited mixed assessments, with praise for its glossy, accessible Eurodance-pop style evoking 2000s influences, yet frequent critiques for formulaic production and limited artistic evolution. Reviews of Clarity (2019) highlighted its "decadent and deeply silly" appeal, positioning her as a performer prioritizing hedonistic escapism over introspection.[72] Feed the Beast drew similar divides, lauded for radio-friendly hooks but faulted for "flimsy melodies" and trend-chasing that diluted originality, per analyses noting overreliance on collaborators like Dr. Luke.[74][75] Her legacy underscores fanbase loyalty—evidenced by 14 million monthly Spotify listeners as of October 2025—contrasted with elusive mainstream staying power, as post-"Unholy" analyses from 2023–2025 point to strategic missteps in promotion and single selection hindering broader breakthroughs.[116] While her output has democratized hyper-sexualized pop for niche audiences, observers argue she undercapitalized on visibility gains, resulting in a career trajectory marked by viral highs rather than consistent dominance.[117][20] This duality reflects empirical streaming metrics: robust cult engagement without proportional album equivalence or radio endurance beyond initial hits.

Awards and Achievements

Major Wins and Nominations

Kim Petras received her first Grammy nomination and subsequent win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the collaboration "Unholy" with Sam Smith at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023.[118][119] The track, released in 2022 as part of Sam Smith's album Gloria, topped charts globally and earned the award based on its commercial success and production quality, marking Petras's breakthrough in major recognition through partnership rather than solo work.[78] The victory positioned Petras as the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy in this category, though the award credits the duo's combined artistic output.[119] Prior to the Grammys, "Unholy" secured the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video for Good at the 2022 ceremony, highlighting its thematic impact on personal liberation.[120] Petras has received limited other major nominations, primarily in pop duo or collaboration categories tied to "Unholy," with no additional wins reported in Grammy, MTV Video Music Awards, or Billboard Music Awards as of October 2025.[118] She was honored with Billboard's Chartbreaker Award at the 2023 Women in Music event, recognizing emerging commercial momentum from the single's performance.[121]

Historical Milestones

In October 2022, Petras co-performed on "Unholy" with Sam Smith, which ascended to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated October 29, marking the first instance of an openly transgender artist achieving that position.[102] The track's success, driven by streaming and sales data, represented a commercial peak for Petras after years of independent releases, though it relied on Smith's prior prominence for broad radio and playlist exposure.[122] At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023, Petras won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Unholy," becoming the first openly transgender woman to receive the honor and the second transgender woman overall to win a Grammy, following Wendy Carlos's earlier victories in classical and electronic categories during the 1970s—awards Carlos earned before publicly coming out decades later.[119][48] This win underscored a shift toward visibility for transgender performers in major award categories, yet it too hinged on the duet format rather than solo work, with Petras's acceptance speech acknowledging influences like the late producer SOPHIE.[123] These precedents have informed debates on pop music's evolving inclusivity, correlating with heightened transgender representation in industry metrics—such as nominations and chart entries—following 2023, though empirical data indicates sustained challenges in achieving solo dominance amid competitive market dynamics.[124] Critics note that Petras's breakthroughs, while pioneering in visibility, primarily leveraged collaborative platforms, reflecting structural barriers where transgender artists often gain traction via alliances with cisgender headliners rather than independent commercial ascent.[67]

Discography

Studio Albums

Kim Petras's studio discography consists of two full-length albums released in 2023 under Amigo and Republic Records, following a series of earlier extended plays and mixtapes that built her catalog without achieving studio album status. These releases emphasize dance-pop production with influences from electronic and hedonistic themes, though critical reception varied in assessing their innovation relative to her prior work. Feed the Beast, her debut studio album, was released on June 23, 2023, comprising 15 tracks.[125][126] It debuted at number 44 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 17,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, which represented Petras's strongest opening sales to date.[127][128] The album garnered mixed reviews, with Pitchfork critiquing its high-octane dance-pop as overly safe and lacking a distinct viewpoint, while Rolling Stone noted its personal elements amid character-driven shifts from prior projects.[75][129] Problématique, her second studio album, was surprise-released on September 18, 2023, after the project—originally conceived as her debut—had been scrapped due to leaks.[130][131] It peaked at number 69 on the UK Albums Chart but did not chart prominently in the United States.[132] The album's track selection excluded material repurposed for Feed the Beast, focusing on previously unreleased recordings.

Singles and EPs

Petras initiated her recording career with the "Era 1" series, a collection of eleven independent singles released between August 1, 2017, and February 7, 2019, later compiled as the unofficial project Era 1 or The Summer I Couldn't Do Better.[28] Among these, "Heart to Break", issued on February 14, 2018, marked an early commercial highlight, reaching number 52 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[133] In February 2022, Petras released the seven-track EP Slut Pop on February 11 through Amigo and Republic Records, characterized by dance-pop and tech house elements in songs such as "Slut Pop" and "Treat Me Like a Slut".[134] Her most successful non-album single to date, "Unholy" in collaboration with Sam Smith, debuted on September 22, 2022, ascending to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles Chart, and multiple international charts, while earning platinum certification in the United States.[41][135][136] On October 14, 2025, Petras issued the single "I Like Ur Look", a pop-EDM track signaling ongoing independent output ahead of further releases.[56]

Tours and Live Performances

Major Tours

Prior to her mainstream breakthrough, Petras conducted headline tours in club and theater venues, including the Clarity Tour from October 21, 2019, to February 11, 2020, which spanned North America and Europe with performances in mid-sized halls like The Showbox in Seattle and Royale in Boston.[137][138] These early outings featured high-energy sets drawing from her Clarity mixtape and prior singles, fostering a dedicated following through intimate staging and tracks such as "Icy" and "Hillside Boys."[139] The Feed the Beast World Tour marked Petras's most extensive headline effort, her third overall and the first structured as a full world tour, launched in support of her June 2023 debut studio album Feed the Beast. Announced on June 21, 2023, it comprised 34 dates primarily in theaters across North and South America, the UK, and Europe, beginning with a promotional performance on August 4, 2023, in Mountain View, California, followed by the main North American leg starting September 27, 2023, in Austin, Texas, and concluding March 5, 2024, in Milan, Italy.[140][141][142] Setlists centered on Feed the Beast material, opening with the title track and including "Personal Hell," "King of Hearts," and "Revelations," while incorporating hits like "Unholy" (with Sam Smith) and Slut Pop selections such as "Throat Goat" and "Treat Me Like a Slut," structured into thematic acts evoking ironclad drama and provocative pop.[143][144] The 90-minute productions emphasized Petras's vocal delivery and stage presence, with elaborate costumes, synchronized choreography, and multimedia elements that reviewers described as tightly executed and visually immersive.[145][146] Attendance reflected her post-"Unholy" momentum in mid-tier venues, prioritizing fan engagement over mass scale, though some dates faced variable ticket sales amid broader pop touring economics.[147]

Notable Live Appearances

On February 5, 2023, Petras performed "Unholy" alongside Sam Smith at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, featuring a provocative staging with red lighting, dancers in devilish attire, and thematic elements evoking infernal imagery, which drew both acclaim for its boldness and criticism leading to multiple FCC complaints from viewers citing indecency.[148][149] The performance preceded their win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, marking Petras as the first openly transgender woman to win in a major category, amid an event that attracted 12.4 million U.S. television viewers.[150] Petras made her Coachella debut on April 17, 2022, during Weekend 1 of the festival, delivering a set including "Heart to Break" and "Your Wish Is My Command" to an audience of over 100,000 attendees per weekend, with fan accounts highlighting her high-energy dance routines and pop aesthetics despite some live stream technical issues.[151][152] She returned for Weekend 2 on April 22, reinforcing her festival presence. Earlier, at Lollapalooza on July 29, 2021, Petras performed a near-full set on the T-Mobile Stage, engaging crowds with tracks from her Turn Off the Light era, as captured in fan-recorded footage emphasizing her vocal delivery and stage command.[153] In August 2022, Petras appeared at Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, performing "Can't Do Better" amid Golden Gate Park's 200,000-plus weekend attendance, where observers noted her confident execution drawing positive crowd responses for its nostalgic Clarity vibes. More recently, on May 31, 2025, she headlined sets at the OUTLOUD Music Festival during West Hollywood Pride, rendering live versions of "Heart to Break" and "I Don't Want It At All," which elicited enthusiastic fan reactions for their vibrant production and Petras's direct audience interaction in a event tailored to LGBTQ+ audiences.[62][154] These appearances underscore her draw in festival and award contexts, often prioritizing spectacle over subdued vocals, with reception varying by the event's scale and thematic alignment.

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  122. Kim Petras Is 'So Grateful' for 'Unholy' Reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100
  123. Kim Petras and Sam Smith become the first transgender and ...
  124. Grammys trans/nonbinary nominees and winners - Gold Derby
  125. Kim Petras Releases 'Feed the Beast': Stream It Now - Billboard
  126. Feed The Beast - Album by Kim Petras - Apple Music
  127. Billboard 200: Kim Petras Earns Best Sales Week of Her Career ...
  128. https://x.com/chartdata/status/1675880673939259394
  129. Kim Petras 'Feed the Beast' Album Review - Rolling Stone
  130. Kim Petras Releases Scrapped Debut Album Problematique
  131. Kim Petras to Surprise Drop New Album 'Problematique' - Billboard
  132. PROBLEMATIQUE – KIM PETRAS - Official Charts
  133. Lip Sync Herstory: Kim Petras's 'Heart to Break' - Billboard
  134. Slut Pop - Album by Kim Petras | Spotify
  135. UNHOLY – SAM SMITH/KIM PETRAS - Official Charts
  136. Sam Smith And Kim Petras' 'Unholy' Gets Certified Platinum
  137. Kim Petras - The Clarity Tour @The Showbox, Seattle - 10/22/2019
  138. Kim Petras Concert Setlist at Royale, Boston on November 22, 2019
  139. Kim Petras Clarity Tour 2019 Setlist - playlist by Mish Umali | Spotify
  140. Kim Petras' Feed the Beast World Tour Dates Announced - Billboard
  141. Kim Petras Announces 'Feed the Beast' World Tour - Rolling Stone
  142. KIM PETRAS Announces Dates For "Feed The Beast World Tour"
  143. Kim Petras Average Setlists of tour: Feed the Beast World Tour
  144. Here Is Kim Petras' 'Feed The Beast World Tour' Setlist - UPROXX
  145. Kim Petras 'Feed the Beast' Tour - PLSN
  146. Kim Petras is 'Queen of Our Hearts' in 'Feed the Beast' tour
  147. Kim Petras's 'Feed the Beast World Tour': Behind the Scenes Pictures
  148. Watch: Sam Smith And Kim Petras Deliver A Devilishly Provocative ...
  149. Sam Smith, Kim Petras' 'Unholy' Grammy performance sparks FCC ...
  150. Grammy Viewership Recovers from Pandemic Nadirs
  151. Kim Petras Is Stoked for Upcoming Coachella Performance - YouTube
  152. Kim Petras Concert & Tour History (Updated for 2025)
  153. Kim Petras @ Lollapalooza 2021, 07/29/2021 [Mostly Full Set]
  154. Kim Petras | I Don't Want It At All | live OUTLOUD, May 31, 2025
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