Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’ Attains RIAA Diamond Certification Milestone

Avicii’s groundbreaking track “Wake Me Up” defied initial criticism and misunderstanding, now commemorating its 10-year anniversary with a remarkable milestone. Having attained RIAA Diamond Certification, the song has sold an impressive 10 million certified units. With 11 platinum certifications, it holds the esteemed title of the highest certified dance/electronic song in RIAA history. Despite receiving a mixed reception during its debut in 2013, blending bluegrass and EDM elements, it eventually became an era-defining global sensation and Avicii’s greatest hit.

Charting for 54 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, “Wake Me Up” reached No. 4 and spent an astonishing 26 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Furthermore, it even claimed the title of Spotify’s most streamed track at the time. Other dance/electronic hits that closely follow on the RIAA certification chart include “Lean On” by Major Lazer and DJ Snake, as well as “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk.

The debut of “Wake Me Up” at Ultra Music Festival 2013 left the dance community perplexed, as Avicii presented a country-folk infused style that contrasted sharply with the dubstep and house anthems of the time. Despite the initially unfavorable reaction, “Wake Me Up” and Avicii’s debut album, “True,” became global sensations, epitomizing the visionary essence of a true artist.

Watching Avicii’s 2013 Ultra Music Festival set today provides a unique experience, with the hindsight of the music’s ultimate success. Yet, the awkward silence, audible groans, and even boos from the audience exemplify the risk and bravery displayed by Tim Bergling, known as Avicii, when debuting this groundbreaking sound at such a monumental event. The popular refrain sung by Aloe Blacc, accompanied by the folksy acoustic guitar strumming of Incubus member Mike Einziger, is now revered worldwide. However, it was a sound and style that the dance community was unprepared for on that March evening over a decade ago. As the single celebrates its ten-year anniversary on June 17th this year, it becomes clear that the reaction in Miami all those years ago was rooted more in confusion than in hatred for the unique style of “Wake Me Up.”

With official diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), “Wake Me Up” solidifies its status as the highest certified dance/electronic song in RIAA history. Vocalist Aloe Blacc reflects on the innovation and creativity involved in the creation of “Wake Me Up,” acknowledging, “Tim’s energy and effort in producing my vocal performance and other instrumentation really shows the passion he had for creating.” While the world continues to mourn the loss of Avicii, who departed far too soon, this remarkable achievement underscores the lasting impact he had on music and fans across the globe. Although he is no longer with us, he remains the first Swedish artist to achieve diamond certification, forever reminding us that heroes may be remembered, but legends never die.