Kim Petras (born August 27, 1992) was born in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. She is a German singer and songwriter who has made her mark in the music industry. Her journey in music began during her teenage years, and she embarked on her career as an independent artist under her own label, BunHead Records, between 2016 and 2020. In 2021, she took a significant step forward by signing with Amigo and Republic Records.
Prior to releasing her first full-length project, Kim Petras independently launched a series of successful singles between 2017 and 2019, including hits like "I Don't Want It at All," "Heart to Break," and "1, 2, 3 Dayz Up." Collectively known as "Era 1," many of these singles earned a place on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
In 2019, Petras introduced her fans to her musical prowess with the independent release of her first two full-length projects, "Clarity" and "Turn Off the Light." This solidified her position as an artist of immense talent and creativity.
Her career reached new heights when she signed with Republic Records in 2021. The following year, she released her EP titled "ѕlμt Pop," her first project with Republic Records, which further showcased her versatility and innovation as an artist.
One of her most significant achievements came in 2022 with the release of the collaborative single "Unholy" featuring Sam Smith. This chart-topping sensation achieved international recognition, claiming the top spot on the UK Singles Chart and the prestigious Billboard Hot 100. Notably, Kim Petras made history by becoming the first openly transgender solo artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
In 2023, she continued to break barriers, becoming the first openly transgender artist to receive a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, a well-deserved honor for her incredible work on "Unholy." Her success paves the way for greater recognition and acceptance of transgender artists in the music industry, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Wendy Carlos. Kim Petras remains a trailblazer, celebrated for her remarkable talent and the positive impact she has made on the music world.
