Adele’s Debut Album Scores A New Award Nearly A Decade In The Making

Adele’s 19 reaches the four million units shifted milestone as it’s certified four-times platinum, nearly a decade after its last RIAA award. MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 02: (Exclusive Coverage) Adele performs onstage at Messe München on August 02, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AD)

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Adele is currently on a hiatus from her music career following the end of her Las Vegas residency and her short Adele in Munich run in Germany. The singer-songwriter made it clear she has no plans to write or record music for some time, and in the absence of new work, listeners around the world continue to buy and stream her catalog as they wait patiently for the next chapter.

The album that started it all for the British superstar earns a new award, as people continue to press play on the songs that helped make Adele a household name in the first place.

Adele’s 19 Goes Four-Times Platinum

19 has officially been certified four-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). That means that between pure purchases and streaming activity, the full-length has racked up four million equivalent units in the United States alone, while its global total is likely much more impressive.

Nine Years Since 19’s Last Award

It’s been nearly a decade since 19 last earned a certification from the RIAA. The album previously advanced from double to triple platinum status in September 2016. It has taken almost nine years to move another million copies, which isn’t unusual for an older set.

The Journey of 19’s Certifications

Adele first saw 19 earn a certification from the RIAA in February 2009. At that point, the project went gold a little over a year after it was released in early 2008. It required two more years before doubling the half-million units it had already moved and becoming a platinum smash.

Adele’s Albums Continue to Rack Up Accolades

Of Adele’s four albums, three have been certified by the RIAA, and 19 is easily her least successful, at least according to the music industry organization. 25 is currently at 11-times platinum, while 21, which took over the planet well over a decade ago, has shifted 14 million equivalent units in the U.S. Both projects earned diamond honors nearly a decade ago, so those figures have likely grown significantly since then.

Adele’s most recent album, 30, has never been certified by the RIAA, but it has certainly moved millions of copies and will likely earn awards in the future.