Beyoncé has once again shattered records, solidifying her reign as a musical powerhouse.
On Tuesday, December 17, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that the global superstar now holds the record for the most certified titles of any female artist. With 103 titles officially certified by the RIAA, Beyoncé continues to prove her unmatched influence and staying power in the music industry.
The Cowboy Carter singer’s latest album played a significant role in this milestone, earning Platinum honors shortly after its release. The album’s standout track, “Texas Hold ’Em,” has been certified 2x-Platinum, while another single, “16 Carriages,” received a Gold certification.
Meanwhile, her previous album, Renaissance, added to her accolades by achieving a 2x-Platinum certification, further showcasing her consistency in delivering hit records that resonate with audiences globally.
Beyoncé’s recent achievements are not limited to her newer releases. Her iconic duets with husband Jay-Z have also been recognized with updated certifications.
“Drunk in Love,” a smash hit from 2013, and “Crazy in Love,” her 2003 debut duet with Jay-Z, both received 8x-Platinum certifications. These milestones underscore the enduring popularity of her collaborative works, which remain cultural staples years after their initial release.
RIAA certifications are awarded based on sales and streaming benchmarks, making Beyoncé’s achievements even more significant in today’s digital music era. Titles that sell 500,000 units earn Gold certification, while those reaching 1 million units earn Platinum. Multi-Platinum certifications are awarded for every additional million units sold.
Diamond certifications, the highest honor, are reserved for titles selling 10 million units. Beyoncé’s ability to dominate these metrics highlights her unique connection with fans and her music’s broad appeal.
RIAA President and COO Michele Ballantyne celebrated Beyoncé’s milestone in an official statement. “We are so excited to recognize the incredible talent, hard work, and creative spirit reflected across diverse genres,” Ballantyne said.
She extended congratulations to Beyoncé, her team at Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records, and the dedicated BeyHive, whose unwavering support has propelled the artist to unprecedented heights.
Beyoncé’s achievement comes on the heels of another significant announcement in the music industry. Just a day earlier, Taylor Swift was recognized for earning the highest certification level for her eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, which achieved a 6x-Platinum certification.
Swift’s accomplishments, alongside other standout artists like Shaboozey and Billie Eilish, reflect an exciting year for the music industry as a whole.
Shaboozey, known for his unique blend of genres, earned the highest Class of 2024 certification with his single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which went 5x-Platinum. Billie Eilish also made waves, earning the most certified titles of 2024 with a total of 10 certifications.
Her album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, included Platinum-certified tracks like “Birds of a Feather,” “Lunch,” “Chihiro,” and “Wildflower,” while other hits, including “Skinny,” “Blue,” and “The Diner,” achieved Gold status.
Beyond her RIAA records, Beyoncé has also made history with the Grammy Awards. On November 8, the Recording Academy announced 11 new nominations for the artist, bringing her career total to 99—the most for any musician in Grammy history.
This year’s nominations include categories such as Best Country Solo Performance for “16 Carriages” and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Levi’s Jeans,” a collaboration with Post Malone.
Beyoncé’s versatility as an artist is further showcased in her Grammy nods. She was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Miley Cyrus for “II Most Wanted” and Best Americana Performance for “Ya Ya.”
Her ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining her artistic integrity sets her apart from her peers and continues to redefine the boundaries of popular music.
In addition to her Grammy nominations, Beyoncé has exciting plans leading up to the awards ceremony on February 2, 2025. On Christmas Day, she is set to headline the halftime show during the NFL game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.
This highly anticipated performance will stream live on Netflix, offering fans worldwide the opportunity to witness her unparalleled stage presence.
As the year draws to a close, Beyoncé’s remarkable achievements underscore her lasting impact on the music industry. Her ability to consistently set and surpass records is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the deep connection she shares with her fans.
From chart-topping albums to historic accolades, she continues to inspire a new generation of artists and solidify her legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
