Sam Smith just outdid their recent “Saturday Night Live” performance of the smash hit with “Unholy” collaborator Kim Petras in a horror movie-inspired performance. Smith began the song in red leather, surrounded by a fleet of dancers reminiscent of Samara from “The Ring,” before cutting to Petras dancing in a cage, flanked by some dominatrices dressed in satanic headgear. Smith also wore a satanic top hat as massive flames engulfed the stage.
Smith and Petras had earlier won the Grammy for best pop duo/group performance, and Petras delivered an emotional speech.
“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” she said, to cheers and standing ovations from the audience. “I just wan to thank all of the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open before me so I could be here tonight. Sophie, my friend who died two years ago, who predicted this and always believed in me. Sophie, thank you so much for your inspiration. I adore you, and your influence will live on in my music forever.”
When questioned about Backstage, Petras explained that the fiery performance was inspired by not feeling accepted by religion.
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“I think a lot of people have labelled what I stand for and what Sam stands for as religiously not cool, and I personally grew up wondering about religion and wanting to be a part of it but gradually realising it didn’t want me to be a part of it,” she said. “It’s a take on not being able to choose your religion. And not being able to live the way people expect you to live, because as a trans person, I’m already unwelcome in religion. So we did a parody of that, and I played hellkeeper Kim.”
Smith won four Grammys in 2015, including best new artist, pop vocal album for “In the Beginning.” Lonely Hour,” as well as record and song of the year for “Stay With Me.”
Petras hid beneath Smith’s fluffy pink dress during a portion of the duo’s “SNL” performance two weeks ago, but the two returned to the stage together to perform their massive hit. After reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart with their collaboration, the duo has established a historical precedent for the LGBTQ community.
Smith’s performance on Sunday night follows their debut at the 2015 ceremony, where they sang their Grammy-winning song “Stay With Me” from their debut album “In the Lonely Hour.”
Despite Smith’s seventh nomination, Petras receives her first after releasing two studio albums and four EPs, including her most recent EP “Slut Pop.” They were nominated alongside ABBA for “Don’t Shut Me Down,” Camila Cabello, and others. Coldplay and BTS for “My Universe,” Post Malone and Doja Cat for “I Like You (A Happier Song),” and Ed Sheeran for “Bam Bam” for best pop duo/group performance.