Swimsuit

SI Swim Cover Girl Kim Petras Served Main Character Energy in Los Angeles

The Grammy Award-winning singer was photographed by Yu Tsai for the 2023 issue.

Ananya Panchal

Kim Petras

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. 

German-born pop star Kim Petras is a force of nature. The 31-year-old made history earlier this year as the first transgender woman in history to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance after her collaboration with Sam Smith on their hit single “Unholy.” She described the experience as “completely incredible,” and is forever grateful to Smith for taking a chance on her and allowing her to give the acceptance speech commemorating the moment in February. 

Just a few months later, the “Heart to Break” singer landed one of four covers of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue. Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles in a funky series of glamorous pop star-inspired swimwear with hints of soft feminine hues and textures.

When Petras moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19, she didn’t know anyone, but her talent, drive and determination to succeed carried her.

“It wasn’t easy. It was a lot of not much sleep and working a lot, writing a lot of songs. I worked on my talents and my craft and got better as a songwriter for years before anything happened,” Petra shared. “It’s so crazy looking back. I think I definitely didn’t think that that was possible for me. Other people definitely didn’t think it would happen. [Now I’ve] got a Nicki Minaj feature so [people] can’t tell me s---.”

Below are five of our favorite photos from her 2023 cover feature.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Top by PatBO. Swimsuit bottom by Frankies Bikinis x Sydney Sweeney. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. Ring by Sophie Buhai.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by LILY&ROSE. Earring by Jennifer Meyer.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by BANANHOT. Earrings and bracelets by Alexis Bittar.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Natalia Fedner. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. Necklace by Logan Hollowell.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Heavy Manners. Earrings by Alexis Bittar.

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Ananya Panchal

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a NYC-based Lifestyle & Trending News writer at SI Swimsuit. Before joining the Swim team, the Boston University Alum worked for culture & entertainment beats at Bustle, The San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When Ananya is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, she can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. 

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