"Diamonds" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Sia together with its producers, Benny Blanco and Stargate. The song premiered on September 26, 2012, during the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and was digitally released the following day as the lead single from Unapologetic. "Diamonds" is a mid-tempo pop, electronic and R&B ballad that features heavy synthesizers, orchestral sounds and electronic rhythms. The song's lyrics serve as a departure from the themes of unhealthy relationships that were on Rihanna's previous singles contrasted to the song's portrayal of lovers as "diamonds in the sky".
Sia (pictured) wrote the lyrics, while producer Benny Blanco co-wrote and co-produced "Diamonds" with Stargate.
"Diamonds" became Rihanna's twelfth number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, tying her with Madonna (pictured) and the Supremes as the artists with the fifth-most number ones in the chart's history.
Rihanna performing "Diamonds" during the Diamonds World Tour in 2013.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress, one of the most prominent recording artists of the 21st century. Rihanna signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2005 and found mainstream recognition following the release of her first two studio albums, Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl Like Me (2006). Both influenced by Caribbean music, the albums quickly earned commercial success and peaked within the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. Her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), incorporated elements of dance-pop, and established her status as a prominent music industry icon. Its lead single "Umbrella" peaked atop the US Billboard Hot 100, won her first Grammy Award from three nominations, and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Rihanna performing at the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball, December 2005
Rihanna performing during Good Girl Gone Bad Tour in Brisbane, 2008
Rihanna performing during the Loud Tour in 2011
Rihanna has cited Madonna (pictured) as her idol and biggest influence