25 Hit Songs That Achieved The Rare Diamond Certification
Ever wonder what kind of power a song needs to leap past platinum and rocket straight into legend territory?
Diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America marks a track that has moved over 10 million units in the United States, turning an ordinary hit into a cultural thunderbolt.
Only a tiny group of songs has reached this jaw-dropping milestone, stretching across decades, genres, and generations while leaving an undeniable mark on music history.
Disclaimer: This article is for general entertainment and informational purposes only.
Chart positions, release dates, and certification levels are based on publicly available industry data at the time of writing and may change as new certifications are awarded.
For the most current information on RIAA certifications and sales thresholds, readers should consult official industry resources.
1. Dark Horse – Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J (2013)
Katy Perry stepped into a darker, more seductive persona with this mesmerizing collaboration featuring Juicy J.
Arriving in 2013, the track signaled a sharp shift away from her trademark bubblegum pop style.
Through shadowy production and an Egyptian-inspired music video, the release delivered a striking visual world fans couldn’t forget.
Its cautionary message about being a “dark horse” clicked instantly with listeners drawn to the unexpected.
Perry’s bold, slightly dangerous vocal approach layered an extra sense of mystery into every verse.
When December 2018 arrived, the song earned Diamond certification, placing her among the rare artists with three Diamond singles and showcasing remarkable range and durability.
2. Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars (2010)
Bruno Mars gave us one of the most heartfelt love songs of the 2010s with this chart-topper.
Released in 2010, it became an instant classic that made everyone feel special and loved.
The smooth melody combined with sincere lyrics created pure magic on the radio.
Mars proved that romantic ballads still had a place in modern pop music.
His vocal performance was so genuine that millions connected with every word.
By January 2019, the song officially earned its Diamond certification, cementing its place in music history forever.
3. Sunflower – Post Malone And Swae Lee (2018)
When Post Malone linked up with Swae Lee for the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, few predicted how massive the outcome would be.
Almost instantly, the song evolved into a cultural wave, fusing melodic warmth with hip-hop smoothly enough to hook every age group.
Kids and adults found themselves humming the irresistible chorus in classrooms, offices, and everywhere in between.
As the film spread across the globe, streaming totals skyrocketed right alongside it.
Thanks to its laid-back energy, the track fit effortlessly into any playlist, any moment, any mood.
Diamond certification followed soon after, showing that soundtrack songs can still soar to superhero heights on the charts.
4. Old Town Road – Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
Talk about breaking the internet and every music record imaginable!
Lil Nas X created a viral sensation that blurred the lines between country and hip-hop.
Starting as a TikTok meme, it galloped straight to the top of every chart.
Billy Ray Cyrus joined the remix, adding country credibility and cross-generational appeal.
The song spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
By November 2019, it had already achieved Diamond certification, making history as one of the fastest songs ever to reach that milestone.
5. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (1981)
Journey created an anthem that refuses to fade away, even decades later.
Released way back in 1981, this rock classic has been passed down through generations like a musical heirloom.
Television shows like Glee and The Sopranos introduced it to whole new audiences.
The opening piano notes are instantly recognizable at sporting events and karaoke nights worldwide.
Streaming platforms gave the song a second life, proving great music never dies.
Its Diamond certification came much later, but the impact was always there from day one.
6. Radioactive – Imagine Dragons (2012)
Imagine Dragons blasted into widespread attention with this ominous, end-of-the-world-styled anthem.
With pounding drums and cryptic lyrics, the track became a natural fit for movie trailers, promos, and high-stakes commercials.
Radio stations kept it spinning constantly, and it stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for an astonishing 87 weeks.
Its blend of alternative edge and mainstream polish introduced a sound listeners hadn’t quite encountered before.
By July 2015, the song achieved Diamond certification, underscoring how strongly alternative music could rule the charts.
7. Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton (2015)
Chris Stapleton brought real country soul back to the mainstream with this smoky ballad.
His raspy, powerful voice pours emotion into every single line about love and longing.
The song blends blues, country, and Southern rock into one intoxicating mix.
Released in 2015, it became a slow-burning hit that gained momentum through word of mouth.
Country fans and casual listeners alike fell under its spell immediately.
December 2021 brought Diamond certification, proving authentic country music still resonates deeply with millions of Americans everywhere.
8. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (2014)
Ed Sheeran gifted the world a definitive wedding first-dance choice with this tender, romantic creation.
Arriving in 2014, the track highlighted his masterful songwriting and soft, emotionally rich vocal style.
With a timeless feel baked into every note, it sounded like an instant classic the moment it debuted.
Countless couples embraced it as the soundtrack to their own promises of lasting love.
Its delicate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics helped shape unforgettable memories at celebrations everywhere.
When February 2019 brought Diamond certification, it simply confirmed what listeners already understood: this song would accompany love stories for generations.
9. Roar – Katy Perry (2013)
Katy Perry unleashed an empowerment anthem that instantly made listeners feel unstoppable.
Once it hit the airwaves in 2013, the track quickly transformed into a motivational boost for anyone pushing through challenges.
Because its message lifted up those who felt ignored or underestimated, the song struck a chord across all ages.
In its soaring chorus, listeners found encouragement to speak up and stand confidently in their own strength.
Before long, schools, gyms, and sports arenas embraced it as their unofficial rallying cry.
By June 2017, Diamond certification simply validated what fans already believed: this roar would echo through music history for years, energizing countless people along the way.
10. Shape Of You – Ed Sheeran (2017)
Ed Sheeran proved he could make people dance just as well as he made them cry.
This 2017 hit featured a tropical-influenced beat that was absolutely impossible to resist.
The catchy marimba loop got stuck in everyone’s head for months on end.
Gyms, parties, and radio stations played it until we all knew every single word.
Sheeran’s storytelling about a new romance felt fresh and relatable to listeners worldwide.
January 2019 brought Diamond certification, making Ed one of the few artists with multiple Diamond hits under his belt.
11. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey (1994)
Holiday music found its undisputed queen the moment Mariah Carey unleashed this unforgettable Christmas classic.
Released in 1994, the song has climbed back onto the charts every single December since its debut.
Bursting with cheer and powered by Carey’s stunning vocal flourishes, it sticks in listeners’ minds instantly.
Retail stores, radio stations, and seasonal parties rely on it to keep the festive atmosphere fully alive.
With streaming platforms fueling its reach, new generations continue to discover it year after year.
Although recognition took a while, Diamond certification ultimately confirmed what fans long believed: some songs are built to last forever, especially during a season that thrives on joy.
12. Firework – Katy Perry (2010)
Before Roar, there was Firework, another inspirational masterpiece from Katy Perry.
Back in 2010, this hit invited listeners to recognize their inner spark and let it shine without hesitation.
Through an explosive metaphor, the message resonated deeply with anyone wrestling with insecurity or craving self-belief.
Featuring everyday people rising above their own struggles, the music video amplified the song’s emotional reach.
Over time, the track grew into an LGBTQ+ anthem and a wider celebration of individuality across communities.
Perry’s gift for creating uplifting pop moments ultimately earned Diamond certification, demonstrating how optimism paired with irresistible melodies can transform lives while topping charts and leaving a meaningful legacy.
13. Royals – Lorde (2013)
A teenager from New Zealand completely changed pop music with this anti-materialism anthem.
Lorde was only 16 when Royals took over the airwaves in 2013.
Her critique of luxury-obsessed hip-hop culture felt refreshingly honest and different.
The minimalist production let her unique voice and clever lyrics shine through brilliantly.
Suddenly, pop music didn’t need flashy production to make a massive impact.
By December 2017, Diamond certification arrived, confirming that authenticity and originality still matter.
Lorde proved that teenagers have important perspectives worth hearing, changing the industry forever with just one incredible song.
14. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas (2009)
The Black Eyed Peas created the ultimate party-starting anthem with this infectious track.
Released in 2009, it became the soundtrack to celebrations, graduations, and New Year’s Eve parties everywhere.
The song’s optimistic energy made it impossible not to smile and dance.
Its simple but effective lyrics captured the excitement of a perfect night out.
Radio stations played it constantly, and it dominated clubs worldwide for years.
The track’s universal appeal transcended age, language, and cultural boundaries completely.
Diamond certification confirmed its status as one of the most successful party songs ever created in modern music.
15. Bad Romance – Lady Gaga (2009)
Lady Gaga proved pop music could be weird, wonderful, and wildly successful all at once.
Released in 2009, this track featured her signature blend of catchy hooks and artistic vision.
The bizarre music video became cultural commentary disguised as entertainment gold.
Its infectious ra-ra-ah-ah-ah hook was impossible to forget, no matter how hard you tried.
Gaga’s fearless approach to fashion and performance art redefined what pop stars could be.
May 2015 brought Diamond certification, cementing her status as a true pop icon.
She showed that being different wasn’t just acceptable but could lead to massive mainstream success and influence.
16. Take Me To Church – Hozier (2013)
Arriving in 2013, the track ventured into themes that mainstream pop rarely approached, offering a blend of gospel warmth and poetic depth.
Its music video confronted LGBTQ+ issues in Russia, weaving powerful social commentary into an already remarkable piece of art.
Through every line, Hozier delivered a raw and emotionally charged vocal performance that left audiences breathless.
Although its rise up the charts happened gradually, the song’s influence proved impossible to ignore.
Diamond certification later affirmed how profoundly this modern classic shaped contemporary music and cultural conversation.
17. Just Dance – Lady Gaga Featuring Colby O’Donis (2008)
Long before her later hits took over the charts, this debut single burst onto the scene and introduced a bold new pop force.
Arriving in 2008, the track instantly became the go-to party soundtrack for anyone navigating a chaotic night out.
Packed with vibrant electronic production and carefree lyrics, it captured the wild energy of youthful mischief effortlessly.
Smooth vocals from Colby O’Donis added an easy contrast that highlighted the lead artist’s flair and individuality.
With its upbeat reminder to dance through life’s problems, the song connected with club crowds and radio listeners everywhere.
From that moment forward, a major pop career began taking shape in real time.
18. Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus (2009)
Stepping into a new era of her career, she found the perfect anthem to bridge childhood fame with a bold pop future.
Released in 2009, the track captured the unfamiliar thrill and jittery excitement that come with chasing dreams far from home.
Its patriotic shimmer and irresistibly catchy melody turned it into an instant summer favorite.
People everywhere connected with the feeling of standing out or feeling unsure, giving the song global emotional reach.
Quick nods to Jay-Z and Britney Spears added a playful modern twist to an otherwise wholesome message.
As Fourth of July parties and stadium crowds adopted it nationwide, Diamond certification later proved that bright, upbeat pop could still reign in an increasingly edgy musical world.
19. Closer – The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey (2016)
The Chainsmokers and Halsey created a nostalgic banger about messy relationships and youthful mistakes.
Released in 2016, it spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s conversational lyrics felt like eavesdropping on a real couple’s complicated history.
Its electronic drop became instantly recognizable at parties and on the radio everywhere.
Halsey’s distinctive voice perfectly complemented the production’s dreamy, laid-back vibe throughout.
References to stealing cars and Blink-182 made it feel authentic and specific.
Diamond certification confirmed that EDM-pop fusion could achieve mainstream dominance when executed perfectly with emotional honesty.
20. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth (2015)
Created as a tribute to Paul Walker, this emotional ballad became much more than a movie soundtrack.
Released in 2015 for Furious 7, it captured grief, friendship, and remembrance beautifully.
Charlie Puth’s soaring chorus combined with Wiz Khalifa’s heartfelt verses created magic.
The song spent 12 weeks at number one, connecting with anyone who’d lost someone special.
Its universal message about saying goodbye resonated far beyond Fast and Furious fans.
September 2019 brought Diamond certification, honoring both the song’s success and Walker’s legacy.
Music proved once again that it can heal hearts and keep memories alive forever.
21. Despacito – Luis Fonsi And Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber (2017)
Global attention shifted sharply toward Latin music when this irresistible reggaeton anthem swept out of Puerto Rico.
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee crafted the original version, and the remix gained even more momentum once Justin Bieber added his vocals.
Even with Spanish lyrics throughout, the track dominated English-speaking charts without hesitation.
Its smooth, sensual rhythm and unforgettable melody pulled people onto dance floors everywhere, language aside.
Sixteen weeks at number one tied a record that had stood for decades.
By January 2018, Diamond certification arrived at remarkable speed, proving once again that music communicates across every border.
The success of this song opened doors for countless Latin artists, reshaping the direction of the industry permanently.
22. Bodak Yellow – Cardi B (2017)
Released in 2017, the track became the first solo female rap single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in almost two decades.
With her thick Bronx accent and fearless delivery, every line came across sharp, real, and undeniably powerful.
Its swaggering energy encouraged women everywhere to celebrate their achievements without apology.
The artist’s rise from hardship to stardom echoed with anyone fighting to turn dreams into reality.
Diamond certification ultimately proved that female rappers could dominate charts just as forcefully as any of their peers.
By breaking barriers and lifting expectations, she transformed hip-hop’s landscape with one extraordinary hit.
23. Hey, Soul Sister – Train (2009)
Warm, feel-good energy bursts from this ukulele-powered hit, wrapping listeners in instant musical sunshine.
Released in 2009, the track quickly became one of those rare songs that can lift a mood within seconds.
Its playful lyrics and bright, bouncy melody made it a natural companion for long summer drives.
Pat Monahan’s unmistakable voice added personality and charm that helped the song stand out in crowded playlists.
By embracing an unconventional sound, the band proved pop-rock could still surprise audiences in the best way.
The track went on to become their biggest success, drawing millions of new listeners into the fold.
Diamond certification later confirmed the earworm’s remarkable endurance and its ability to connect with people across ages and backgrounds.
24. Baby – Justin Bieber Featuring Ludacris (2010)
Justin Bieber became a global phenomenon thanks to this infectious teen pop anthem.
Released in 2010 when he was just 16, it made him an overnight superstar.
The song’s simple but catchy chorus got stuck in everyone’s head immediately.
Ludacris added hip-hop credibility with a memorable rap verse that balanced the sweetness.
Love it or hate it, you couldn’t escape hearing it absolutely everywhere that year.
May 2013 brought Diamond certification, making Bieber one of the youngest artists to achieve it.
His career trajectory changed forever, launching him from YouTube sensation to legitimate music industry powerhouse.
25. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars (2014)
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars created a throwback funk masterpiece that dominated everything.
Released in 2014, it brought old-school groove into the modern era flawlessly.
The song’s infectious energy made it impossible to sit still when it came on.
Bruno Mars’ charismatic performance and Ronson’s production skills created absolute perfection together.
It spent 14 weeks at number one, becoming one of the decade’s biggest hits.
October 2016 brought Diamond certification, proving retro sounds could still conquer contemporary charts.
The track remains a wedding, party, and radio staple, keeping the funk alive for new generations to discover and enjoy.
