‘Literally A Tribute To Satan’: Viewers Slam ‘Demonic’ Performance At The Grammys

Viewers at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards were raving about a performance by Sam Smith, Kim Petras and others on Sunday. “demonic” Its satanic theme.

The Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance was won by the duo. “Unholy,” It was surrounded with red lights and a background of fire.

Smith wore a hat that had horns, and was surrounded by dancers who used it. “props that had allusions to BDSM themes,” According to The Hollywood Reporter. The song “praises Balenciaga,” social media influencer Ian Miles Cheong noted in a tweet that contained a screenshot of the song’s lyrics.

Sam Smith sings Unholy in the clip. He praises Balenciaga. pic.twitter.com/F3gVhNakRj

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 6, 2023

Petras, a biological male, stated that he was shocked by the performance. “I think a lot of people, honestly, have kind of labeled what I stand for and what Sam stands for as religiously not cool.”

“And I personally grew up wondering about religion and wanting to be a part of it, but then slowly realizing it doesn’t want me to be a part of it,” Petras continued. “So it’s a take on not being able to choose religion and not being able to live the way that people might want you to live, because, you know, as a trans person, I’m kind of already not wanted in religion.”

Online backlash was received for the performance. Many viewers believed it was too provocative.

“I know we on the right probably use the word satanic too often but this performance from Sam Smith is literally a tribute to Satan,” writer Ben Kew tweeted.

Liz Wheeler, a political commentator, tweeted “Don’t fight the culture wars, they say. Meanwhile demons are teaching your kids to worship Satan. I could throw up.”

Robby Starbuck was the commentator. “People like Sam Smith who love to mock Christianity and use Satanic themes always think they’re super edgy artists by doing it. In reality it’s not edgy. It’s boring, vile, rehashed shock tactics that Hollywood seals clap for because they’re evil & stupid.”