News

Balvin’s Capitol Latin Songs “6 AM” and “Ay Vamos” Both Achieve Coveted 10X Multi-Platino, Diamante Latin Gold & Platinum Program Status

WASHINGTON, D.C./LOS ANGELES, C.A., October 26, 2015 –The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has recognized J Balvin as the first-ever artist to earn Diamante certification for a digital song in RIAA’s Latin Gold & Platinum Program.  The new Diamante awards mark Capitol Latin/Universal Music Latin Entertainment songs “6 AM” (featuring Farruko) and “Ay Vamos” reaching RIAA’s 10X multi-Platino, 600,000 threshold counting song sales and on-demand streams in the United States.

Balvin received the RIAA Diamante Awards at his Los Angeles Shrine Expo Hall performance as part of the United States leg of his international La Familia Tour. (Photos attached. Photo credit: Enrique Botello).

Victor Gonzalez, President of Universal Music Latin Entertainment said:

“It is our commitment to consistently develop new artists and J Balvin has proven and continues to exude the talent and discipline that it takes to become a music sensation.  It has been over two years since we started working with Jose, we are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and we look forward to continue to write this success story with him and his team.”

Cary Sherman, Chairman & CEO, RIAA said the following about J Balvin’s milestone:

“We are thrilled to recognize J Balvin as the first artist to achieve Diamond for a digital song in our Latin Gold & Platinum Program.  Not only is J Balvin the first to do so, but he takes home not one, but two, Diamante Awards.  Congratulations to J Balvin!”

In addition to his two new Diamante Awards, J Balvin has also earned one RIAA Oro song award for “Sola,” two Platinos for “Tranquila” “Ginza” and a 2X multi-Platino for “Yo Te Lo Dije.”

RIAA created its Premios de Oro y Platino Award in 2000 to celebrate Latin music, specifically successful albums and singles that are more than 50 percent Spanish language.  In December 2013, RIAA created its first-ever Latin Digital Single Award.  Like the standard Digital Single Award, the certification includes on-demand music streams at the formula of 100 streams being equivalent to one download sale.

The thresholds for certification requirements are Oro – 30,000 units, Platino – 60,000 units and multi-Platino – 120,000 units (in increments of 60,000 units thereafter). The Latin Program’s Diamond Award – Diamante – is 10X multi-Platino (600,000 units) and counting. Six artists – Charlie Zaa, Gloria Estefan, Mana, Ottmar Liebert, Selena and Shakira – have earned RIAA Diamante certifications for albums, but J Balvin is the only artist to earn Diamante for a song.

All RIAA certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman.  Complete lists of all album, single and video awards can be accessed at riaa.com.  Follow @RIAA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest certification news, artists’ award photos and more.

Universal Music Latin Entertainment Contacts:
Carlos Perez, carlos.perez@umusic.com
John Reilly, jreilly@rogersandcowan.com