The Original Artist and Song Concept
The song "Diamonds" was recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna, not Sia Kate Isobelle Furler. It was written by Sia, along with Benny Blanco and Stargate, and released as the lead single from Rihanna's seventh studio album, Unapologetic, in September 2012. The track was developed for Rihanna's vocal style and became one of her signature songs, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and in over 20 countries, according to public chart data from Billboard.
Sia, a songwriter and performer, had a specific vision for the song's delivery. She crafted the lyrics and melody, but the final production was tailored to Rihanna's powerful, emotive vocal range. The decision to place the song with Rihanna was a strategic move by the label and songwriters to match the track with an artist who could maximize its global impact.
Why Sia Did Not Record the Song Herself
Sia has explained in interviews that she often writes songs for other artists rather than performing them herself. This approach allows her to focus on the craft of songwriting while letting other vocalists bring the track to life. "Diamonds" was one of these collaborations, where Sia's role was as the primary lyricist and melody creator, not the performer.
The choice was also influenced by Rihanna's label, Def Jam Recordings, and the production team's vision for the album. Sia's voice, while distinctive, was not the intended match for the song's production style. The final recording was produced by Stargate and Benny Blanco, with Rihanna's vocal performance becoming the definitive version that topped charts worldwide, as documented by Forbes.
Chart Performance and Commercial Impact
"Diamonds" debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in its third week. It remained on the chart for multiple weeks and was certified multi-platinum in the United States. The song also topped charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European markets, cementing its status as a global hit.
The commercial success of "Diamonds" had a significant impact on Rihanna's career and on Sia's reputation as a top songwriter. The track's streaming numbers and sales figures have been widely reported, with the song accumulating billions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as noted by Statista. The song's enduring popularity continues to be a key data point in discussions about modern pop music hits.