Kim Petras defends her love of ‘tacky pop’ amid backlash

Kim Petras is speaking out after years of accusations that she “sold out” and she’s using that criticism as fuel for her next album.

The 33-year-old pop star has long faced backlash for high-profile collaborations, particularly her tracks with Nicki Minaj and David Guetta. 

But in a new interview with People, Petras says the criticism didn’t just hurt but also it pushed her to rethink the kind of artist she wants to be.

“I did a few albums that felt like I was doing what people in the music industry wanted from me, and then I got punished for that as an artist,” she said.

Petras called out the double standard she feels because of her identity. “Everybody would do a Nicki Minaj feature if they got the chance. Why, when I ‘sell out,’ is it the worst thing in the world?”

The Unholy singer defended her love for glossy, over-the-top pop. “I wanted to make a David Guetta song and a Nicki Minaj song… I love tacky pop music, and I don’t feel apologetic for that.”

“The backlash was harsh. People really just roped me off and were like, ‘You’re over, b–ch. You sold out.’ I have a lot of bones to pick,” the Hillside Boys vocalist continued. 

Now, Petras says her upcoming album will finally tell her side of the story and prove she didn’t lose herself; she was fighting to get her freedom back.

Kim Petras's yet to be released album is titled Detour and is expected to be out in 2026.