Madonna’s Encouragement Inspires Kim Petras

Kim Petras, the first transgender woman to win a Grammy, has revealed that Madonna provided her with words of encouragement on the night of her historic achievement at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Recalling her nervousness before performing with Sam Smith, Petras shared in an interview that Madonna turned around after her speech and mouthed the words, “Go get it, b—,” which boosted her confidence and eased her anxiety. At the Grammys, Petras and Smith delivered a captivating performance of their song “Unholy” in matching red outfits on a striking set.
Not only did Petras make history by winning the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, but she also used her acceptance speech to honor the late transgender musician Sophie. Fans celebrated her milestone on social media, and even Madonna expressed her admiration for Petras, stating that it was an honor to introduce the first trans woman performing at the Grammys. However, Madonna also addressed the ageism and misogyny she faced in the industry, emphasizing the importance of celebrating LGBTQ+ artists.
Petras, whose love for Madonna’s music dates back to her childhood, discussed how the singer’s ability to embody both masculine and feminine elements in her music resonated with her. She highlighted that Madonna’s focus on the power of the mind resonated deeply, emphasizing its significance. Petras shared these thoughts hours before the release of her major-label debut album, “Feed the Beast.”
The empowering moment between Petras and Madonna not only showcased support within the music industry but also emphasized the importance of representation and recognition for transgender artists.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Los Angeles Times.