History Made: Kim Petras and Sam Smith Win Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Grammy

At the 2023 Grammys, Kim Petras created history.

The German singer-songwriter, 30, was overcome with emotion when she made an appearance at the ceremony celebrating music's greatest night and won the award for best pop group/duo performance with Sam Smith. She was the first transgender person to do so.

To a standing ovation from the audience, she announced, "I'm the first transgender woman to receive the prize." I simply want to express my gratitude to all the transgender artists who pushed open the door so that I could attend this event.

She proceeded by praising musicians that helped "pave the road" for her, including the avant-garde pop producer and musician Sophie, who passed away at the age of 34 in 2021, before mentioning that Smith, 30, requested her to speak during the acceptance speech because of the achievement.

Petras said, "Sophie particularly, my buddy who went away two years ago…thank you very much for your inspiration, Sophie, I adore you, and your motivation will always be in my music. Madonna is also a great inspiration."

Without Madonna, I don't think I could be here, she said.

She gave her mother a meaningful nod as she exited the platform and was given a warm embrace by Smith. Petras emphasised that it was her mother's early confidence in her that helped her win the coveted prize.

In a subsequent tweet, she made fun of her accomplishment by adding, "omg I'm a tranny with a Grammy…"

Petras becomes the first transgender artist to hold the #1 spot on the Hot 100 list thanks to their "Unholy" duet.

When Petras released her single "If Jesus Was a Rockstar" in November, she told PEOPLE that the achievement was "a huge middle finger to all the labels that were like, "We don't know how to market you," and to everyone who doubted me and said I couldn't achieve this because of my gender identity."

Look at me now, bitches, she said.