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March 13, 2013 | Gold & Platinum

Nine Acts Spring Forward With New Multi-Platinum Awards

Blake Shelton, Bon Jovi, Cher Lloyd, Drake, Florida Georgia Line, One Direction, Rihanna & Waka Flocka Flame Earn Multi-Platinum Singles, *** While P!nk Receives Third Double-Platinum Album, ***And Alabama Shakes & Ed Sheeran Earn First Gold Records

WASHINGTON—Nine musical acts were awarded multi-Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in February, according to the RIAA’s newest monthly Gold & Platinum Program certification announcement.

More than two million “Funhouse” sales earned RCA Records songstress P!nk her third career 2x multi-Platinum album award.  P!nk’s total album certifications now represent more than 13 million units sold, spanning seven albums, during her 13 year career!

February’s top digital download honor –4x multi-Platinum– went to heartthrob boy band One Direction for their crush-on-you song “What Makes You Beautiful” (Syco Music/Columbia Records).

Triple-Platinum song plaques were awarded to New Jersey band Bon Jovi for their rock anthem “Livin’ On A Prayer” (Island), Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame for “No Hands” (Atlantic/Warner) and superstar singer Rihanna for “S&M” (Def Jam).

The RIAA awarded four acts with double-Platinum digital song certifications in February: famed rapper Drake for “Best I Ever Had” (Universal Republic), country duo Florida Georgia Line for their debut “Cruise” (Republic Nashville), British popstress Cher Lloyd for “Want U Back” (Epic) and The Voice coach Blake Shelton for “God Gave Me You” (Warner Bros. Records).

In addition to Blake’s multi-Platinum certification, he earned two Gold song awards for “Ol’ Red” and “Austin,” plus Gold AND Platinum certifications for “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking.”  Shelton totaled five RIAA certifications in February!

In a February of “firsts,” five performers earned premiere RIAA awards.

At the top of RIAA’s list, Dualtone Music Group band The Lumineers received a Platinum for their self-titled 2012 debut album, marking more than one million copies sold in the United States!

Meanwhile, ATO Records southern blues troupe Alabama Shakes and Elektra smooth singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran were honored with first Gold albums for their respective debuts “Boys & Girls” and “+,” each selling more than 500,000 units.

In the digital single category, RCA Records lyricist A$AP Rocky received his first Platinum for “F**kin Problems” and Stoney Creek Records singer-songwriter Randy Houser earned a Gold for “How Country Feels.”

Last but not least, legendary Rhino Entertainment rock stars Grateful Dead earned their 20th career Gold album certification for the compilation “The Very Best of the Grateful Dead” (2003).

In February 14 albums and 35 digital singles were awarded.  All certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman.  Complete lists of all album, single, mastertone and video awards can also be accessed at www.riaa.com.