Genre blending, chart-topping artist Halsey reached a career milestone as their track “Without Me” officially became the 100th Diamond single in the history of RIAA, and the award-winning singer’s second overall Diamond single with features.
“Yesterday was just a littleeee out-of-body,” the singer captioned an Instagram post of the massive achievement, thanking all of the contributors to the project and their fans before adding, “here’s to more years and more tears and more songs.”
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The Diamond level recognizes more than 10 million certified units, with Elton John’s “Something About The Way You Look Tonight / Candle In The Wind 1997” securing the inaugural award.
“For decades, RIAA’s Gold & Platinum program has proven a pinnacle of success and true reflection of artists’ and labels’ ability to connect with fans. We are encouraged as each generation creates songs that impact culture, shape careers and are thrilled to celebrate with milestone certifications,” said RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne.
Mitch Glazier, RIAA chairman and CEO, and Ballantyne presented Halsey with the honor of their first solo Diamond award at the Capitol Music Group Town Hall. As one of the leading artists of the streaming era, the “Now Or Never” singer has 75x combined Platinum and 15x Gold certifications across 42 titles under their belt.
“It is not only special, but awe-inspiring, when we can celebrate the craft of artists like Halsey whose music has reached millions. We are thrilled to acknowledge ‘Without Me’ as their first solo Diamond single and the 100th certified in RIAA history!” added Glazier. “Your success in the streaming era is remarkable, and on behalf of the RIAA, congratulations Halsey, Capitol Records and your voracious fans on this new Diamond single!”
Penned by Halsey alongside Brittany Amaradio, Amy Allen and Louis Bell, the smash hit was released on October 4, 2018 via Capitol Records. “Without Me” went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making the single Halsey’s first number-one track as a lead artist, yet her second overall after her 2016 feature on “Closer” with The Chainsmokers.
The single was extremely personal for Halsey, sharing a vulnerable side with listeners that hadn’t yet been revealed at the time. Halsey got real about the track with Beats 1 Host Zane Lowe shortly after the song’s release in 2018, sharing, “It’s like this is really me talking about my life. It kind of gave me like an existential crisis as an artist a little bit, because I’ve prided myself on being an artist who’s authentic and writes about her life and all that stuff. And then when I made this and I felt just how bad it hurt.”
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Halsey wrapped up 2022 with the exciting announcement of new music in the works — fantastic news for eager fans, as they haven’t released new music since 2021’s critically acclaimed If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.
They’re teaming up with Blizzard Entertainment for the release of Diablo IV. The new game arrives on June 6, 2023, and they performed a new track from the game at The Game Awards recently to make the announcement.
Check out Halsey’s performance of “Lilith” above.
