Kim Petras was born in Cologne, Germany, as Tim Petras. From a young age, she identified as female and began expressing her gender identity. Her early life was marked by a strong conviction about her true self and a desire to express it openly, although this also involved dealing with prejudice.

Petras's journey was thrust into the public eye as she sought medical treatment to align her physical body with her gender identity. She became one of the youngest individuals to receive hormonal therapy and gender-affirming surgery, attracting significant media attention in Germany and internationally. This period established her as an advocate and a visible face for transgender youth.

While navigating her transition, Kim also began pursuing her passion for music. She started uploading songs to the internet and performing at local venues. This was a period of experimentation and honing her craft, laying the groundwork for her future pop ambitions.

2017 marked a turning point in Petras's career with the release of 'I Don't Want It At All.' The single, featuring Paris Hilton in the music video, gained significant traction and established Petras as a rising force in pop music. This hit marked the beginning of consistent charting success.

Following her breakthrough, Kim embarked on a prolific period, releasing numerous singles and projects, including the Halloween-themed EP 'Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1' (2018) and the full project 'Turn off the Light' (2019). Her consistent output solidified her growing fanbase and showcased her artistic versatility. This period was characterized by heavy promotion through her social media.

Kim worked with producer Dr. Luke for multiple releases. This association caused considerable controversy due to past allegations of abuse against Dr. Luke, leading to public criticism and divided opinions within the music industry and among her fanbase. This period highlighted the complexities of navigating ethical considerations within the music business.

Kim signed with Republic Records. This transition to a major label marked a significant step forward in her career, providing her with greater resources and reach to expand her audience and pursue larger-scale projects. This also heralded a new creative and commercial chapter.

Kim achieved international superstardom with the release of 'Unholy,' a collaboration with Sam Smith. The song topped charts worldwide, becoming a global phenomenon and catapulting her into mainstream success. This collaboration solidified her status as a major pop star and a household name.

Kim Petras and Sam Smith won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Unholy'. This historic win made Kim the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy in that category, marking a momentous achievement for both her career and LGBTQ+ representation in music. This was a significant turning point in her career and the recognition of her contributions to music.

Kim released her debut studio album, 'Feed the Beast,' in June 2023. The album was a culmination of her years of work and showcased her growth as an artist. It received mixed to positive reviews and further cemented her position as a relevant force in modern pop music. The release also sparked significant touring.