Michael, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Guns N Roses, U2, Whitney Houston and, ahem, Phil Collins.

These are some of the names that received Diamond-certified albums in the 1980s, arguably the most iconic decade for superstars. All these names are iconic household names who were pop culture phenomenons.

Yet there is a name that is missing there, Miss Janet Jackson, who has a similar level of influence on subsequent artists.


(not a Diamond award)

Yet why did she never get a Diamond album? What held her back from reaching that stratosphere of album sales at the peak of her career?

I'm geniunely curious, because Janet is certainly comparable to many names there and had hit after hit after hit. For example I'd like to see anyone argue that Phil Collins has more impact than Janet, but he had much bigger sales.

What held Janet back?

Discuss politely.

yeah

Originally posted by ezra She's notoriously under certified. Many albums are eligible.

Originally posted by ezra She's notoriously under certified. Many albums are eligible.

not a Diamond award

Originally posted by ultraviolento You knew exactly what you were doing OT: Because she didn't sell 10m albums in the US, apparently (with one album)

Originally posted by Bie Not a phenomenal pop star. The only thing that made people know her is she's MJ's sister

Really? This is awkward. I was always given the notion that it was easier to achieve diamond albums back then (and that everyone and their mother!!) was doing so.

This is extremely telling

Originally posted by like2throw Rhythm nation sold 9.5 million in the U.S according to soundscan. That one should be certified Diamond. The others are at correct certifications, give or take a mil.

Originally posted by like2throw Rhythm nation is it 9.5 million sold in the U.S according to soundscan. That one should be certified Diamond. The others are at correct certifications, give or take a mil.