Kim Petras thanks SOPHIE in Grammys acceptance speech

Kim Petras © Jason Al Taan, SOPHIE © Renata Raksha

The German popstar won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Unholy with Sam Smith.

Kim Petras made history at the Grammy Awards last night (5 February), becoming the first trans woman to win the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. In her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Petras paid tribute to the late SOPHIE – who was nominated for her album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides in 2018 and became the first openly trans artist to be nominated for a Dance/Electronic Grammy.

Dedicating part of her speech to the late electronic music pioneer, Petras said, ““Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award. I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open before me so I could be here tonight. 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.”

Watch a clip of Petras paying tribute to SOPHIE in her acceptance speech below.

Last Monday (30 January) marked two years since SOPHIE’s passing. Listen back to an International Women’s Day tribute mix to SOPHIE curated by Abyss X below.

Read: Remembering SOPHIE, the architect.