Kim Petras Asks Republic Records to Drop Her Over Delays

The "Unholy" era has taken a sharp, litigious turn as Kim Petras publicly demanded to be released from her contract with Republic Records. On January 20, 2026, the Grammy-winning pop star launched a candid series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that her label has effectively held her career hostage by refusing to release her completed third studio album, titled Detour.

Petras, who became the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy in 2023, expressed deep frustration with the "major label machine," claiming she has "no control" over her life or her creative output. The move marks a dramatic reversal for the singer, who only two years ago publicly praised Republic as the "best label ever."

The "Detour" Standoff

According to Petras, the primary source of the friction is the indefinite delay of her next project. Her social media "nuke" revealed several troubling allegations regarding the album's rollout:

• Completed Work: Petras claims Detour has been finished for six months, yet the label has "refused" to set a release date.

• Unpaid Collaborators: The singer alleged that Republic has failed to pay the producers and artists who worked on the record, which reportedly features a more experimental sound influenced by collaborators like Frost Children and Margo XS.

• Self-Funded Visuals: Frustrated by the lack of support, Petras revealed she "self-funded and filmed" a music video over two months ago for her next single—a project the label also refused to greenlight for release.

"If It’s Not a TikTok Trend..."

Petras didn't hold back in her critique of modern industry priorities. She accused major labels of ignoring artistic growth in favor of viral moments and "80s revival queerbaiting s***."

"I’m tired of having no control over my own life or career," she wrote. "I want to continue to self fund and self curate my own music. This is why I have formally requested to be dropped."

The outburst resonated across the industry, sparking the viral hashtag #FREEKIMPETRAS as fans rallied behind her request for independence.

Support from Kesha and the "Golden Cage"

The most significant endorsement of Petras’ plea came from Kesha, who famously spent years in a high-profile legal battle with her own former label and producer, Dr. Luke (who incidentally owns Amigo Records, the imprint Petras is signed to through Republic).

Kesha responded to Petras on social media with a poignant message of solidarity:

"Watching another woman realize the 'golden cage' is still a cage isn't a victory—it's a tragedy we have to stop repeating. Freedom isn't a privilege; it's a birthright. I hear you, I'm sorry Kim."

The Independent Path Forward

Despite the uncertainty of her contract, Kim Petras has made one thing clear to her fans: the music is coming regardless of the label's permission. Closing out her series of posts, she vowed, "I’m dropping Detour regardless."

If Petras successfully exits her deal, she will join a growing number of high-profile pop stars—including Raye, Bebe Rexha, and Leigh-Anne—who have opted to leave major labels in favor of independent distribution and creative autonomy in the mid-2020s.

Source - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clymdp8105no

Disclaimer - All celebrity-related content, information, and images on this website are based on publicly available online sources and AI-generated insights/data. Information such as biography, age, career, personal details, and images may change without notice over time. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information or imagery displayed on this website. This content is provided for general informational purposes only.