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Pop singer Kim Petras is publicly seeking to exit her contract with Republic Records, a move that has drawn support from fellow artists familiar with label disputes — including Kesha.
In a series of posts shared on X on Tuesday (Jan. 20), Petras said she wants out of her deal, explaining that she no longer feels in control of her career. She said she hopes to move forward independently, continuing to self-fund and self-curate her music, and formally asked Republic to release her from the contract.
Petras also alleged that her next album, Detour, has been finished for six months but remains without a release date. She claimed collaborators on the project have yet to be paid and expressed frustration that her music has not received label backing unless it aligns with viral or trend-driven expectations.
Following Petras’ posts, Kesha publicly voiced her support, referencing her own long-running and highly publicized legal battle with her former label. Kesha’s response was widely interpreted as solidarity with Petras’ push for artistic autonomy and control over her work.
Republic Records has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Petras signed with Republic in 2021 and achieved major success shortly after, winning a Grammy alongside Sam Smith for their hit “Unholy,” becoming the first openly transgender artist to win a Recording Academy award. At the time, Petras praised the label publicly — a contrast to her current stance.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her contract, Petras made clear that her plans to release Detour remain unchanged, telling fans she intends to put out the album regardless of label involvement.
SOURCE: Billboard