Kim Petras holds back tears as she's the first trans woman to win Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo

Kim Petras looked overcome with emotion as she became the first trans woman to win an award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys.

Petras and Sam Smith scooped the award for their track 'Unholy', which was pitted against groups ABBA, Coldplay and BTS, as well as duos Post Malone and Doja Cat, and Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran.

Accepting the award, Petras said: “Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I am the first transgender woman to win this award.”

While she spoke Smith could be seen whooping and cheering in the background and once she finished her speech numerous members of the audience could be seen getting to their feet in a standing ovation.

The German star went on to thank 'all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight'.

Fans were quick to celebrate the news, with one person tweeting: “Started crying at work…. ummm this is f***ing epic.

“Say what u want about her but she’s giving so much hope to trans artists out there that we can exist in that industry and be successful. Obvi there’s more work to do and we need more representation, but this is a good start."

Another said: “She deserves. So happy for her.”

A third commented: “I sobbed when Kim thanked her mom for believing that she’s a girl. Believe your trans kids, parents. Love them and let them grow up and change the world. We believe you, too, Kim. You’re perfect and we are so proud of you!”

While someone else posted: "I just watched Kim Petras accept a Grammy this is actually the happiest day of my life."

Speaking ahead of her win tonight, Petras revealed she was still in disbelief about the nomination.

She told the Sun: “I still can’t believe that is happening. Honestly, I feel like I was crying and overwhelmed because I never thought I’d be acknowledged in any way by the Recording Academy.

“It was never my goal to win a Grammy or to get nominated but now there’s the possibility of that. It’s crazy.”

She went on to say her nomination was a ‘historical moment’.

“I’m stressing out about the outfit,” she admitted. “It’s the Grammys and a historical moment for a trans girl.

"I usually want to let other people shine, but now I’m nominated, I need to shine.”