Beyoncé Scores First Two Diamond Singles in One Day Amid RIAA Milestone

Beyoncé continues to redefine what it means to be a music icon. On December 17, the legendary artist achieved a major milestone: her first two Diamond-certified singles, both awarded on the same day.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that Beyoncé’s iconic tracks “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and “Halo” have officially sold over 10 million units each, earning Diamond certifications. Both songs, from her 2008 album I Am… Sasha Fierce, have now reached 11-times Platinum status, cementing their place as cultural and commercial juggernauts.

A Career-Defining Certification Haul

The Diamond certifications were part of a broader celebration for Beyoncé, who received 58 new RIAA certifications spanning her solo career. This recognition highlights her consistent dominance over two decades, following her debut solo album Dangerously in Love in 2003.

Beyoncé’s career achievements are unparalleled:

12 No. 1 singles

10 No. 1 albums

32 top 10 singles

Most-awarded artist in Grammy history, with 32 trophies and 11 nominations for the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards.

A Pop Culture Powerhouse

These achievements come on the heels of Beyoncé being named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century earlier this month. The accolade, awarded after a countdown of 25 top artists, placed Taylor Swift at No. 2, acknowledging her as “the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers.”

However, Billboard highlighted Beyoncé’s unique combination of influence: “Few artists this period can match her in any of the most critical basic categories of pop stardom – commercial success, performance abilities, critical acclaim and accolades, industry influence, iconic cultural moments – and absolutely no one can equal her in all of them.”

Cultural Legacy and Academic Impact

Beyoncé’s influence extends beyond music into academia. Starting in Spring 2025, Yale University will offer a course titled “Beyoncé Makes History”, taught by Professor Daphne Brooks. The class will explore her work from 2013 to 2024, using it as a lens to study Black history, intellectual thought, and performance.

A Catalog for the Ages

With a career spanning over 20 years, Beyoncé’s catalog continues to generate monumental sales and cultural impact. Her enduring legacy, now underscored by her first two Diamond singles, solidifies her position not just as a pop icon but as one of the most significant artists in music history.

As Queen Bey heads into 2025 with Grammy buzz and continued acclaim, it’s clear her reign shows no signs of slowing down.

Beyoncé’s Vision for the Future

With 58 new certifications added to her legacy, Beyoncé shows no signs of slowing down. Her upcoming projects, including new music teased during her Renaissance Tour and the Grammy nominations for 2025, promise to push boundaries further.

Moreover, the recognition of her academic and cultural influence—with courses like Yale’s “Beyoncé Makes History”—marks a significant shift in how modern pop culture is studied. Few artists achieve this level of academic reverence, aligning Beyoncé with figures like Prince, David Bowie, and other transformative icons. The Queen has proven that her artistry and cultural impact are timeless. From platinum plaques to pop anthems and groundbreaking tours, Beyoncé’s reign isn’t just continuing—it’s reaching new heights.