[ontheEdgeof17]

Shania Twain goes Double Diamond


by Paul Cashmere

10 December 2004

Shania Twain's 'Come On Over' album has jumped past The Beatles 'White Album', AC/DC's 'Back In Black' and Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' to become the 6th biggest selling album of all time in the USA.

'Come On Over' has been certified Double Diamond for sales exceeding 20 million. (Diamond is awarded at 10 million sales, Platinum in the USA is for sales over 1 million).

Shania's album as a double diamond release is in exclusive company sitting behind The Eagles 'Their Greatest Hits' at 28 million, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and 26 million, Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' at 23 million, Led Zeppelin 'IV' at 22 million and Billy Joel's 'Greatest Hits' at 21 million.

The Diamond certification was first awarded in 1999. Unlike the Australian ARIA certifications, the American system is based on sales to the public. Elton John commented at the inaugural certification ceremony "I think this is the biggest accolade you can be given because it means your fans have gone out and bought your records. And that's why we make records - for our public."

The first person to receive a Gold Award was Perry Como for 'Catch A Falling Star' on March 15, 1958.

The first platinum single was awarded to Johnny Taylor for 'Disco Lady' in 1976. The first platinum album was The Eagles 'Their Greatest Hits'.