The Weeknd is the first Canadian artist with seven RIAA Diamond singles

The Weeknd’s seven-diamond singles place him among music giants like Rihanna and Post Malone, underscoring his global impact.

The Weeknd has set a new benchmark for Canadian artists by becoming the first to secure seven diamond-certified singles, with the RIAA’s recent acknowledgment of his hits “Save Your Tears” and “Die For You.” This achievement places him among a select group of only four artists globally who have reached this milestone, joining the ranks of Rihanna and Post Malone, who leads with nine diamond-certified tracks.

In addition to this remarkable feat, The Weeknd’s collaboration “Popular” with Madonna and Playboi Carti has achieved platinum status. Released on June 2, 2023, by XO and Republic Records, “Popular” was originally intended for the now-canceled soundtrack of The Weeknd’s HBO series “The Idol.” The song quickly gained traction, bolstered by its exclusive debut at the Fortnite Festival and The Weeknd’s event takeover during the game’s Season 1 in February. On the charts, “Popular” reached a peak position of No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 14 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Madonna’s feature on “Popular” also adds another impressive accolade to her illustrious career, marking her as an artist with Hot 100 hits spanning five different decades. The last time she achieved a platinum single was in 2008 with her hit “4 Minutes,” featuring Justin Timberlake. Moreover, this week, her classic 1986 hit “Papa Don’t Preach” also received platinum certification, reaffirming her enduring influence in the music industry.

In a candid discussion with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, reflected on the creation of “Popular.” He revealed that the song evolved over time, with Madonna’s contribution elevating it to its final form. “We had a different version of this song prior, so I’ve had these vocals for a while and I’ve kind of worked around it and then kind of kept it in the tuck. But now, it was time. And it felt right,” Tesfaye shared. He expressed his admiration for Madonna, considering her involvement as the ultimate endorsement for the song, the album, and the TV series.

Tesfaye’s recent platinum achievements extend beyond “Popular.” His track “One of the Girls,” a collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Lily-Rose Depp for “The Idol,” has also earned platinum certification. This accolade not only represents Depp’s first platinum recognition but also makes Jennie the first female K-pop solo artist to receive a platinum certification from the RIAA.

These milestones underscore The Weeknd’s significant impact on the music industry and his continuing evolution as an artist. His ability to consistently deliver hit records and break new ground highlights his exceptional talent and his connection with a global audience.

Emily Harvey

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