And The Winner Is…
Madonna took the 2023 Grammys stage last night to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith and their performance of Unholy with a speech about controversy.
Are you ready for a little controversy? Here’s what I’ve learned after four decades in music. If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous, you are definitely onto something.
I’m here to give thanks to all the rebels out there, forging a new path and taking the heat for all of it. All you troublemakers out there need to know that your fearlessness does not go unnoticed. You are seen, you are heard and, most of all, you are appreciated.
So now, speaking of controversy, it gives me great pleasure to introduce two incredibly talented artists who have risen above the noise, the doubt, the critics into something beautifully unholy. Here are two Grammy award winners, Sam Smith and Kim Petras.
"Your fearlessness does not go unnoticed" @Madonna #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/yle4vGUVeR
— GLAAD (@glaad) February 6, 2023
Earlier during the show, Kim Petras briefly mentioned Madonna in her acceptance speech for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award for Unholy, celebrating her historic win standing right next to Sam Smith.
Thank you so much, crazy. Sam I love you so much and this song has been an incredible journey for me. Sam has been a big supporter of me for a long time and Sam graciously wanted me to accept the 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 the doors open for 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. I adore you and you’re inspirational for everybody.
Madonna, for fighting for LGBTQ rights. Thank you so much, I don’t think I could be here without Madonna.
My mother, my mother believed me that I Was a girl and I wouldn’t be here without her and her support.
Everyone who believed in me to this point, I love you so much, this is a huge moment for me.
Sam, you’re a true hero and an angel and I love you. Everyone who helped make this song, I love you so much.
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