Kim Petras, the Grammy-winning pop star, has disclosed that she suffered a serious vocal injury during her recent tour, which has prompted her to adopt new strategies for vocal care. The 33-year-old artist, renowned for her collaboration with Sam Smith on the hit song Unholy, revealed the extent of her vocal damage while discussing her experiences following the 2023–2024 Feed the Beast tour.
Vocal Strain and Recovery
In an interview with People magazine, Petras explained that she had to learn proper vocal techniques only after experiencing significant strain on her voice. “I had to learn vocal technique because I didn’t learn until I went on tour and blew out my voice and was like, ‘What the f— do I do?’” she recalled. Despite narrowly avoiding surgery, she had to undergo a strict period of silence. “I got away with it, but I had to shut up for two weeks, not use my voice at all,” she added.
This experience has led Petras to adopt a new routine aimed at protecting her vocal health. “I learned about vocal resting and how I need to shut the f— up after shows; I need to not talk in bars and loud places,” she stated. Techniques such as “singing in the mask” have become integral to her practice. “There’s healthy placement when you place your voice in your mask. I also have to remind myself to speak high-pitched in my mask and not speak from my throat,” she explained.
Addressing Weight Loss Speculation
Petras’ vocal cord revelations come at a time when fans are expressing concern over her recent weight loss. In July, she sparked discussions on social media after appearing in a G-string, showcasing a noticeably slimmer figure. Reactions varied, with some fans praising her transformation while others voiced concerns about her health. Speculation has circulated regarding her potential use of Ozempic, a medication often associated with weight loss. Dr. Adam Rubinstein, a plastic surgeon, commented on the noticeable changes in her physique, suggesting that it could be “not unlikely” that she used Ozempic.
Petras fueled these rumors when she canceled her summer festival appearances in April due to unspecified health issues. Dr. Rubinstein remarked, “These drugs can cause nausea… there have been reports of pancreatitis too,” emphasizing the potential challenges of performing while on such medication.
Despite the speculation surrounding her health and weight, Petras has continued to thrive in her musical career. Her collaboration with Sam Smith earned her a Grammy in February 2023, marking a historic achievement as the first transgender woman to win the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. As she prepares for her next album, the follow-up to her major-label debut Feed the Beast, Petras reflects on how touring has influenced her songwriting.
