Alicia Keys has reached a significant milestone in her career, with her 2007 single “No One” being certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This certification signifies that the track has sold over 10 million equivalent units, marking a major achievement for Keys. This is her first diamond certification as a lead artist and her second overall, following the diamond award she received in July for “Empire State of Mind,” her 2009 collaboration with Jay-Z.
Reflecting on this accomplishment, Keys expressed her gratitude for the enduring impact of “No One.” She described the song as a source of comfort and unity, stating, “A song that is there for us when we need it most. Singing this song, together, all over the world is magical each and every time.” Keys also thanked her fans for their continued support, adding, “Thank you for loving ‘No One’ the way you do! Keep singing at the top of your lungs! We’re diamond status babbyyyyy!”
“No One” served as the lead single from Keys’ third studio album, “As I Am“, which has been certified 4x platinum. The song, co-produced by Keys and Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, almost didn’t make it onto the album. In a 2019 Twitter post, Keys revealed that the song was the last one written for the project and nearly didn’t make the cut. She described the creation of the song as a magical experience, one that clearly resonated with listeners worldwide.
The track’s success is undeniable. “No One” dominated the Billboard Hot 100, spending five weeks at No. 1 and earning Keys two Grammy Awards at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. Its popularity has endured over the years, with the song accumulating over 879 million streams on Spotify and 807 million views on its official music video on YouTube.
To the success of “No One,” Keys has made an indelible mark on the music industry with her other hits. Her 2012 single “Girl on Fire” is on its way to becoming her third diamond-certified song, having already been certified 7x platinum by the RIAA with over seven million equivalent units sold. This track, known for its powerful message and anthemic energy, continues to resonate with fans and is expected to reach diamond status in the near future.
Keys’ influence extends beyond her solo work. Recently, she collaborated with Sam Smith on a special version of their 2014 hit “I’m Not The Only One,” which appears on Smith’s In The Lonely Hour (10th Anniversary Edition). Keys shared her enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that it had been on both of their wishlists. The recording session was particularly memorable for Keys, who described the intimate setting of her New York studio, where her son Egypt played keys for Smith, and her younger son Genesis kept the mood light with jokes.
As Alicia Keys continues to build on her legacy, the diamond certification of “No One” stands as a testament to her lasting impact on the music world. With multiple hits under her belt and more achievements on the horizon, Keys remains a powerful force in the industry.
