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Kim Petras has made LGBTQ+ history with her first-ever Grammy win for Unholy.

On 5 February, The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah hosted the 65th annual Grammy Awards – which featured appearances from Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, Lizzo and more. 

While the evening was full of showstopping performances and a star-studded roster, it also featured history-making moments from artists like Sam Smith and Petras – who took home the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award for their hit track Unholy.

Due to their incredible feat, Petras has become the first trans woman to win the category and the second trans woman to ever take home a Grammy after Wendy Carlos’ win in 1969.

“This song has been such an incredible journey for me, and Sam has been a supporter of mine for so long,” Petras said during the pair’s speech. 

“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award.” 

The groundbreaking talent went on to thank the “incredible” trans pioneers who came before her, like the late SOPHIE.

“I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends performing who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight,” she exclaimed. 

 

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“SOPHIE especially, my friend who passed away two years ago, who 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 also thanked pop icon Madonna for her extensive history of LGBTQ+ activism, stating: “I don’t think I could be here without Madonna.”

Lastly, the Heart to Break star gave a heartwarming shoutout to her mother for supporting her career and gender identity. 

“My mother. 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 added in between tears. 

Shortly after Petras’ emotional speech, fans of the singer flocked to social media to shower her with praise. 

One person wrote: “Kim Petras thanking Sophie in her speech and getting a standing ovation was so necessary & well deserved.”

Another fan tweeted: “I hope every young trans person in America sees how the entire Grammys audience just gave Kim Petras a standing ovation.”

Watch Petras’ full Grammy speech here or below.