: The song is set in the C♯ Phrygian dominant mode, giving it a distinct sound often associated with Indian and Arabic music.
The 2022 release of "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras was more than just a successful pop single; it was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ visibility and a sonic departure that challenged industry norms. By blending provocative themes with innovative production, the track secured its place in music history and sparked a global conversation about faith, identity, and the "queer quota" in mainstream media. Download Sam Smith Unholy Kim Petras
The song's live performances, particularly at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, were met with intense scrutiny. Clad in crimson with "satanic" imagery, Smith and Petras drew complaints to the FCC and sparked accusations of "devil worship" from conservative commentators. However, Petras defended the creative choice as a commentary on her own experience with religion, stating the performance was inspired by the feeling of being excluded from traditional religious spaces as a trans person. : The song is set in the C♯
"Unholy" made history on the Billboard Hot 100 as the first No. 1 hit performed by an openly non-binary artist and an openly transgender artist. This achievement was particularly monumental for Kim Petras, who had spent over a decade navigating the industry as a "niche" artist before this collaboration provided a "gateway" into her wider discography. For Sam Smith, it marked their first U.S. No. 1, proving their staying power and ability to evolve beyond the soulful ballads that defined their early career. The song's live performances, particularly at the 65th
: The lyrics detail a secret affair at a strip club (the "Body Shop"), exploring themes of infidelity and liberation from "the clutches of others' secrets".
Musically, "Unholy" is a "sultry disco banger" and electropop track that draws from diverse influences, including: