Kim Petras Pleads for Label Release Citing Months of Neglect

Pop sensation Kim Petras is making headlines after publicly calling for an end to her partnership with Republic Records. In a series of candid posts on X (formerly Twitter), the singer-songwriter expressed a deep desire to reclaim her professional autonomy and return to her roots as an independent artist.

On Tuesday (Jan. 20), Petras shared her frustrations with her followers, stating bluntly that she is exhausted by the lack of agency over her own career and personal life.

“I want to continue to self-fund and self-curate my own music,” she explained. “This is why I have formally requested to be dropped by @RepublicRecords.”

The “Detour” Dilemma

A significant point of contention appears to be the release of her upcoming studio album, Detour. Petras alleged that although the project has been finished for six months, the label has refused to finalize a release date. Furthermore, she claimed that the collaborators who worked on the record have yet to be compensated for their contributions.

Despite winning a Grammy two years ago for her chart-topping collaboration “Unholy,” Petras feels the industry’s priorities have shifted away from supporting established talent. “The music is TEA. Still no support,” she wrote. “If it’s not a TikTok trend or 80s revival queerbaiting sh*t, these labels have no interest in supporting.”

A Dramatic Shift in Sentiment

This public fallout represents a total 180-degree turn from Petras’ previous stance. Since signing with the Monte and Avery Lipman-founded label in 2021, she has enjoyed significant milestones, including becoming the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy in a major category.

As recently as 2023, Petras presented Republic with the Label of the Year award at Billboard’s Power 100 event. At the time, she lauded the company as the “best label ever,” stating, “I thought I was gonna perform on tables in gay clubs for life, but these guys saw something in me and I’m grateful they did.”

Looking Ahead

Throughout 2025, Petras’ output was limited to three singles: “Polo,” “Freak It,” and “I Like Ur Look.” While she spent the latter half of the year teasing her third studio album—even sharing a celebratory Instagram post for Detour’s “0th birthday” on New Year’s Eve—fans have been left waiting for a full-length project.

Regardless of the outcome of her contractual dispute, Petras remains committed to her audience. She concluded her social media statement with a defiant promise: “I’m dropping Detour regardless.”

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