Talk:List of best-selling music artists/Archive 18

Christina Aguilera years active?
I noticed Beyonce's active years has been changed to 2003-present to show the years she has been a solo act not including her ties with Destiny's Child. Shouldn't we then have Christina Aguilera's years active as 1999-present instead of 1993-present? Also Britney Spears who was also in the Mickey Mouse Club with Aguilera has her active years as 1998-present. This doesn't make any sense.219.89.133.7 (talk) 06:01, 27 January 2011 (UTC)


 * OK I've changed it to 1999. Mattg82 (talk) 02:35, 28 January 2011 (UTC)

destinys child
A recent MTV article from Matthew Knowles states that they only sold 40 million records. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.38.77.206 (talk) 13:59, 23 January 2011 (UTC)

destinys child sold 50 million including solos prior to their breakup. 40 million is more accurate. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.38.77.206 (talk) 19:06, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

enrique iglesias
sold over 55 million albums apart Euphoria why he is not in the list.............?? in your website its also said... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.194.99.86 (talk) 14:46, 28 January 2011 (UTC)

Duran Duran
Since they have released their new album last December, I have seen alot of news articles and shows crediting them with at least 80 million instead of the 70 that they are down for. These sources say they have at least 80 million:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/tyne/hi/front_page/newsid_9373000/9373550.stm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8257981/Duran-Duran-interview.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Ux7DZFVPc&feature=related

http://www.itv.com/daybreak/entertainment/music/duranduranontour/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.56.69.165 (talk) 18:25, 30 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Duran Duran's available certifications disagree with anything above 50 or 60 million, let alone 70 million. See this archived discussion for Duran Duran.--Harout72 (talk) 18:43, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

Elton John 250m vs 200m
The article claims 250m for him but there are some sources which say 200m: Denver Post, BBC News & CBC News. So is 250m inflated? Mattg82 (talk) 01:56, 31 January 2011 (UTC)


 * 250 million may be inflated by some 20-25 million. Elton John's available certified sales stand at almost 140 million, and he does have a large catalog, meaning in US, especially, he may have a lot of sales on singles released prior to '89, that do not show with certifications. If there is a source that claims some 220 million, that would work better than 250 million. Anyways, I'm going to post the certified sales for all artists within the section of 200-299 pretty soon (in a week or two), perhaps we can include both the 200 million and the 250 million then. What do you think?--Harout72 (talk) 02:26, 31 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Well I am kind of torn here. I agree, best to find something in between. If you can't I would say stick with 200 million. Also, Harout, before you do that I would like to compile sales for Carey in Japan, referenced only by Billboard and Oricon, considering that they hold a nice chunk of her sales and that certifications don't really do her sales justice there.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   04:42, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Nathan, let's keep in mind that we are to post combined sum derived from certifications, not sales figures. Also, if what you're referring to is going to be a list of certifications on one or two sources only, then we could consider it, but if you're speaking of multiple sources, I'm not sure if that's a good idea. But again they have to be certifications, like [this one that we have for ABBA. Anyway, I'm going start working on all them in my sandbox first soon, and when I post all the certified sales for Carey, we can take a look at it together.--[[User:Harout72|Harout72]] (talk) 05:04, 31 January 2011 (UTC)


 * That sounds fair :) Thank you! The sales are only available for around 5 of the album and 1 song, so there only would be like 3 sources, then those for certifications. Well, I mean we use actual sales for France, so why not in Japan, where the sales are obviously superior to certifications and non available ones.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   05:09, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

We don't have sales posted for any of the artists, even the French figures in the tables are based on certifications, not sales. We use French actual sales only on here, the discussion page:).--Harout72 (talk) 05:22, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Mary J. Blige
Hi everyone. So Blige's years active are from 1992, placing her under the 35%-50% certifications margin. Now, she healthily fulfills the requirements. While she is mostly a US artist, with weak chart or sales recognition around the world, she has a decent amount of certifications. She has some in other countries, but you guys get the picture. She has over 50% of 50 million records. Next, here is a source from The Seattle Times listing her sales at 50 million records. I think this is enough. Thanks!-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   05:58, 31 January 2011 (UTC)
 * US Certifications - (19,500,000 albums), (5,000,000 singles), (50,000 videos) = 24,550,000
 * UK Certifications - (760,000 albums)
 * Canadian Certifications - (400,000 albums) Retrieved before CRIA went offline
 * French Certifications - (100,000 albums)
 * Japanese Certifications - (100,000 albums)
 * Total = 25,910,000


 * Interesting, I never thought she had sold that many records in US, but of course her certified sales don't lie. I see 4 million certified singles in US though. "Not Today" on there is a Video Single the levels of which are Gold=25,000, Platinum=50,000. I also see SNEP has certified her single "Family Affair" Gold 250,000, actual sales 420,000. Ok let's put her on the list, since she's begun in early 1990s and meets our requirement (35-50% certified sales). Are there other highly reliable sources which claim 50 million for her?--Harout72 (talk) 06:44, 31 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Oh perfect, she's in there now :) Hmm, I could look for another tomorrow, I'm off to bed lol. Thanks Harout, take care! :D-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   06:57, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Lady GaGa... really?
I just came on this page for the first time in a while and noticed she was on the list, so I clicked on the reference link, and it's the Daily Mail. Really now? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.200.66.74 (talk) 23:02, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

Lady Gaga it's a fleeting phenomenon. She sold only singles not albums.

She CLEARLY did not sell 55 million. More like 15 million. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 38.117.67.12 (talk) 15:19, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

'''Haha well actually you're wrong.' Just because Lady Gaga is fairly new doesn't mean she can't sell because her sales are rising EXTREMELY FAST. Yes in just 2-3 years she has sold 55 million records believe it or not. "THE FAME" has sold close to 13-14 million worldwide. "THE FAME MONSTER" has sold near 2-4 million worldwide. And you're also forgetting single sales. Her worldwide hits like Just Dance, Poker Face, Bad Romance, etc., have each sold close to 5-10 million singles each worldwide. Her less successful singles like LoveGame, Paparazzi, Alejandro, Telephone, etc. sell fairly well, about 2-5 million each single worldwide. So you do the math and it will come out to approximatley 55 million. Lady Gaga FTW. Oh and since we are more modernized, her sales will can be proven 50% of the time unlike older artists so her sales figures will be more accurate.'''

—Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.149.142.11 (talk) 03:51, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Gaga's total sales is actually 65 million!! Someone plz change that. On her page it says 51 million single and 15 million album. So 50+15 = 65 million. PLZZZ CHANGE!!!!

ZZ top
— Preceding unsigned comment added by UltraPrimez (talk • contribs) 00:33, 30 January 2011 (UTC)
 * it's wikipedia article says it sold over 50 million copies and it's a best selling band. Why isn't it on the list? Who ever deleted it should be punished.

Black eyed peas?
— Preceding unsigned comment added by UltraPrimez (talk • contribs) 00:33, 30 January 2011 (UTC)
 * How can these people have 56 million records? It seems to unrealsitc

DELETE THE LADY GAGA SECTION
— Preceding unsigned comment added by UltraPrimez (talk • contribs) 00:33, 30 January 2011 (UTC)
 * If some artists who aren't here have over 55 million in both albums and singles sales then lady gaga should be removed since she hasn't actually sold that much.

Original Research
It's obvious that a lot of hard work has gone into this article, but it currently reads more like someone's personal blog than a wikipedia article. It seems to be largely based on a small group of editors' opinions about how certification sales relate to actual sales. There is no evidence for any of the assumptions made - this is all original research. At various stages on this discussion page there are comments such as 'certification sales must account for 50% of claimed sales' (why- because you think so?); 'I've never heard of this artist therefore they cant have sold that many records'; 'X artist hasnt sold that much in the US therefore can't have sold that many worldwide', 'the economy in the soviet union couldn't have supported that many sales', etc. These arguments go well beyond common sense or sky-is-blue. Please take a step back, and maybe ask some other editors to come in and help.

You also need to re-examine the credibility of your sources in this context. The Times, CNN, etc may be generally reputable, but when it comes to citing the number of records sold, it's pretty questionable where they're getting their data from (some of the articles given are better researched than others). In reality we have very little data for any of these artists, and this article needs greater recognition that it is not a list of 'truth' but simply a list of claims.

It might benefit from the following improvements: - Some discussion of different ways of classifying 'best- selling' artist e.g. albums alone versus singles + albums (sourced rather than your opinion) - Some examples of lists e.g. the RIAA has one list. I dont know if Time or Rolling Stone or any other notable publications have done lists. - Clarify that the article refers to best selling artists ever, but that little information is available pre-1958, and that even pre-1991 alot of the data was pretty dubious. - Some discussion of what it means to be a 'best-seller' i.e. the shift from album sales to singles sales in recent years. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/business/media/30hits.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1291554300-uEvhecVH9KCjKGF1YBjPnQ

On a completely different note, I'm not sure why Bing Crosby isn't on the list - according to the the Guinness Book of records, his White Christmas single sold 50 million copies alone (estimated). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_(song). Estimates of total sales seem to range from 300 million to nearly a billion - but you'll need to find some sources. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.102.166.144 (talk) 13:52, 5 December 2010 (UTC)


 * You make some good points.
 * "The article currently reads more like someone's personal blog"


 * Can you expand on that ? Are there any particular areas you are referring to ?


 * "...largely based on a small group of editors' opinions about how certification sales relate to actual sales..."


 * Looking at certifications is still the easiest way of seeing whether they have sold an x amount of records or a y amount of records. I don't think we're doing "They have sold 50m certified records so they must be in the 100m bracket", we are using what the sources available are telling us. If there are no sources saying 100m but one saying 110m or one saying 90m we would have to decide which one to use. Each artist is discussed on a case-by-case basis, if they don't have 50% certified sales then it doesn't automatically mean they don't go on the list. Pet Shop Boys have 25% certified sales for example. Also we would take into account any Soundscan figures if available.


 * I'll reply to the other comments later. Mattg82 (talk) 16:08, 20 December 2010 (UTC)


 * As I mention above, I also think it's rather confusing that there are 4 different terms used when measuring sales on this page (certified, claimed, reputed and estimated), with no explanation of what they mean, how they were arrived at, or indeed if they are interchangeable. Aawood (talk) 12:54, 4 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Estimated has recently been replaced by claimed, I hope this makes the article clearer. Mattg82 (talk) 23:10, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

Excuse me (I'm not sure I say this in the appropriate section, anyway), but wouldn't it be more relevant to put limits between best-selling single artists and best-selling albums artists? For most, you can't really speak of fairness between, for example, Lady Gaga and Oasis, Rihanna and Sade. I'm not speaking of musical talent or longevity, but I wish to point the fact that singles are just selling more than albums nowadays (because off illegal downloading, for the biggest part), so if best-selling does now appeal to single-makers, it's not really relevant to consider them the same way we consider artists that existed at a time when the music industry was quite different. Besides, who can tell if these "worldwide phenomenon success singles" are not to become a usual process, if in the next decade, new artists keep on charting and charting, the list of best selling music artists will grow longer and it will become far from the original idea. I would like to say, to conclude, that there is a List of best-charting U.S. music artists already, so why can't just build a List of best-charting music WORLDWIDE? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mrfreeze3 (talk • contribs) 10:23, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Cliff Richard
Shouldn't he be in the list? &mdash; Jimknut (talk) 23:19, 1 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Please see the certification requirements at the top of this page. Artists begun their career before 1975 are required to have a very low and reasonable 15% of certifications vs their lowest claimed figures.--Harout72 (talk) 23:31, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Artists that are to be removed due to our new resolution
Nana Mouskouri

Nana Mouskouri's available certified sales are:


 * UK certified sales: 360,000 Albums (Total: 360,000)
 * German certified sales: 1,250,000 Albums, 25,000 Videos (Total: 1,275,000)
 * French certified sales: 2,200,000 Albums, 500,000 Singles (Total: 2,700,000)
 * Dutch certified sales: 100,000 Albums (Total: 100,000)
 * Argentinean certified sales: 180,000 Albums, 8,000 Videos (Total: 188,000)

The total available certified sales cover only 2.3% of Mouskouri's claimed figure of 200 million. Our new resolution requires 15% for artists begun prior to 1975. Even if we combine the French actual total sales for Mouskouri (13,360,960) with other markets' certified sales, it only brings the sum to 7.4%.--Harout72 (talk) 18:03, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Modern Talking

Modern Talking's available certified sales are:


 * UK certified sales: 250,000 Singles (Total: 250,000)
 * German certified sales: 4,200,000 Albums, 1,500,000 Singles (Total: 5,700,000)
 * French certified sales: 300,000 Albums, 2,000,000 SIngles (Total: 2,300,000)
 * Dutch certified sales: 50,000 Albums (Total: 50,000)
 * Swedish certified sales: 240,000 Albums, 30,000 Singles (Total: 270,000)
 * Swiss certified sales: 175,000 Albums (Total: 175,000)
 * Belgian certified sales: 50,000 Albums, 25,000 Singles (Total: 75,000) (To view different years, change the year in the URL upwards as an 1998, 1999 etc.)
 * Finnish certified sales: 110,024 Albums (Total: 110,024)
 * Polish certified sales: 200,000 Albums (Total: 200,000)

The total available certified sales cover only 9% of Modern Talking's lowest available claimed figure of 100 million. Since they have begun in 1984, we are to expect to see some 15% certified sales at least for 100 million in sales. Such is not the case however.--Harout72 (talk) 18:31, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos' available certified sales are:


 * Brazilian certified sales: 8,860,000 Albums, 300,000 Videos (Total: 9,160,000)
 * Mexican certified sales: 115,000 Albums (Total: 115,000)
 * Argentinean certified sales: 780,000 Albums (Total: 780,000)

The total available certified sales cover only 10% of Roberto Carlos' claimed figure. Our new resolution requires a reasonable 15% certified sales to be on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 19:29, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Perry Como

Perry Como's available certified sales are:


 * US certified sales: 2,000,000 Albums, 1,000,000 Singles (Total: 3,000,000)
 * UK certified sales: 1,970,000 Albums, 500,000 Singles (Total: 2,470,000)

Como's certified sales cover 10.8% of the claimed figure (50 million) (Sources:ABC News & The Independent). Since Como is an artist who's begun his career before 1975, our new resolution requires only 15% certified sales to keep him on the list, which is not the case here as we see.--Harout72 (talk) 23:19, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Charles Aznavour

Charles Aznavour's available certified sales are:


 * French certified sales: 2,800,000 Albums, 57,500 Videos (Total: 2,857,500)
 * UK certified sales: 120,000 Albums, 250,000 Singles (Total: 370,000)
 * Dutch certified sales: 90,000 Albums (Total: 90,000)
 * Belgian certified sales: 25,000 Albums + 15,000 Albums (Total: 40,000)

Aznavour's available certified sales cover only 3.3% of his claimed figure of 100 million, which is good 11% short of what an artist needs to meet the requirement of 15% to appear on the list. Although, Canada's certification database isn't available at the moment, Aznavour's Canadian certified sales would never add even another 2% on the top of the 3.3%.--Harout72 (talk) 19:15, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

Orhan Gencebay

Orhan Gencebay that was listed within the section of 50-74 million, does not have a single certification and our new resolution requires at least 15% of the claimed figures be supported by certified sales. --Harout72 (talk) 06:53, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Four Tops

Four Tops's available certified sales are:


 * US certified sales: 2,500,000 million
 * UK certified sales: 410,000

The Four Tops' available certified sales cover only 5.8% of their claimed figure of 50 million. The new resolution requires at least 15% certified sales to be on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 07:10, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Hibari Misora

Hibari Misora does not have any certifications available within RIAJ's certification databases. The list require at list 15% certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 07:14, 5 February 2011 (UTC)
 * It's an OR, man! Aznavour is selling LP's since 1940's, what kind of certification you know for that time? Gazifikator (talk) 04:03, 1 April 2011 (UTC)

Backstreet Boys
I found this source saying the Backstreet Boys have sold more than 130 million records and their certified sales are around 65 million, so that falls under the category of 35-50% for artists who started between 1990-2000. Shouldn't their sales be updated to 130 million? Skaterboy2012 (talk) 16:40, 2 February 2011 (UTC)


 * I absolutely oppose this. They have not sold this in any way. Also, I don't think 99-2000 artists should need at least 70-75%. 50% is for early 90s like MJB.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   10:26, 3 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Whether you oppose this or not, it clearly states in the box at the top of the page that 90-00 artists need only 35-50%. Then, why did you agree to what was in the box if late 90s artists should need more % of certified sales? Skaterboy2012 (talk) 16:10, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Let me just have some time to go over the Backstreet Boys' certified sales, in the meantime, Skaterboy2012, if there are other highly reliable sources such as CNN, BBC, Fox News, LA Times etc. claiming the 130 million records, please post them here. And just to clarify the percentages issue, we require only 15% certified sales for those begun prior to 1975 just to end up on the list. The rest of them are expected to have those specified brackets of percentages. This also doesn't mean that we are no longer going to analyze record sales and choose the most realistic claimed figure. As for Backstreet Boys, they have released their first album in May 1996, meaning they fall into the bracket of 1990-2000 which requires of expected certified sales of 35-50%. The later artists'/bands' have launched their career between 1990-2000, the closer to 50% their expected certified sales should be. In the case of the Backstreet Boys, they would need their claimed figure supported by good 45-50% certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 16:31, 3 February 2011 (UTC)
 * You can add up their certified sales for yourself and it comes to around 65 million (50%) While i didn't find any sources from CNN, BBC, etc I found other reliable sources in addition to the one I have already posted above 1 2 Skaterboy2012 (talk) 17:27, 3 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Responding to you Skaterboy, while it may say that here, I never voted for such low percentage requirements. They have less certifications than Britney, she has over 70 million, yet she's listed at 100. I do not find it fair to list them above Britney, they obviously are not in sales. While it may get in for rules, I still don't agree.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   17:51, 3 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Their certified sales are more than Britney's, so why can't they be ahead? I can post the certifications for you later if you want Skaterboy2012 (talk) 18:32, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

True, the Backstreet Boys' certified sales are 66 million from available markets which cover good 80% of all the global sales. But I'm not sure if the article by The Times of India is the best choice to update BSB's figure with as both of our current sources are highly reliable western news services, New York Post, CBC News. The article by People is useless as we don't support artists that specialize in covering celebrity stories. Can we look for other articles that state the 130 million for BSB, preferably western highly reliable news services. By the way, the certified sales for Britney Spears are 63.5 million, only 2 million less. looks like we'll pretty soon be seeing bigger figures than 100 million for Spears too as she has lot of recent units on her singles that have yet to be certified.--Harout72 (talk) 06:46, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Okay, I will try to find a more reliable source. By the way, there are some mistakes in the certifications you posted. Incomplete's 70,000 sales (platinum) in Australia is not mentioned and also Millennium sold 750,000 (3x Gold) in Germany, not 500,000 Skaterboy2012 (talk) 09:39, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

Yeap, true, I corrected them and re-uploaded it again, that's what happens when you work on certified sales in a rush. It's 65.97 million, not 65.65 million, good catch.--Harout72 (talk) 16:19, 4 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Incorrect Skaterboy. Spears has various singles in the US with large sales that have yet to be certified, as Harout pointed out. "Womanizer", "Circus", "3" and "If U Seek Amy" have sales of 3.1 million, 2.7 million, 2 million and 1.1 million. As you see, she should have around 9-10 million more certified single sales in the US easily, so yeah, she has sold more, probably a lot more.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   07:27, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Beyonce
Let me first remind all editors that we look at certified sales on here for all artists before we make any changes in claimed figures or sources. And both the talk page (The list is frequently edited in good faith; however, sales figures published by reliable sources may need to be verified with certification databases to avoid inflated figures) and the actual page (Note: Although this list largely relies on claimed figures by highly reliable sources, some of the figures may need further examination to avoid inflated sales figures which is frequently practiced by record companies for promotional purposes) of this article do inform editors about that. I see that The Independent has published a figure of 120 million for Beyonce, which is outright incorrect. In order to know whether this figure is correct or not, one needs to look at Beyonce's certified sales as I have done here in detail. Below are Beyonce's certified sales from all those markets which cover good 80% of all the global music sales.


 * US certified sales: 9,000,000 Albums, 24,900,000 Singles, 1,100,000 Videos (Total: 35,000,000)
 * Japanese certified sales: 650,000 Albums (Total: 650,000)
 * UK certified sales: 1,920,000 Albums, 1,200,000 Singles (Total: 3,360,000)
 * German certified sales: 500,000 Albums, 450,000 Singles (Total: 950,000)
 * French certified sales: 275,000 Albums (Total: 275,000) (There are no certified singles in France due to weak sales)
 * Canadian certified sales: 360,000 Albums, 210,000 Singles (Total: 570,000)
 * Australian certified sales: 350,000 Albums, 770,000 Singles, 75,000 Videos (Total: 1,195,500)
 * Brazilian certified sales: 250,000 Albums, 60,000 Videos (Total: 310,000)
 * Spanish certified sales: 170,000 Albums, 320,000 Singles, 20,000 Videos (Total: 510,000)
 * Swedish certified sales: 50,000 Albums (Total: 50,000)
 * Swiss certified sales: 70,000 Albums, 60,000 Singles (Total: 130,000)
 * Belgian certified sales: 70,000 Albums, 15,000 Singles (Total: 85,000)

Also note that Beyonce's sales have been extremely weak in various markets including Austria (30,000 in certified sales), Finland (no certified sales), Mexico (50,000 in certified sales), Norway (30,000 in certified sales), Argentina (20,000 in certified sales). The total certified sales of 43.2 million clearly suggest that Beyonce's actual worldwide sales should be somewhere around 60 million. I agree that the sources which state 50 million are low for Beyonce's current actual sales, but then 50 million should not be replaced with sources that claim 120 million which is clearly inflated. Therefore, I suggest we locate another reliable source which supports some 60-70 million in sales for Beyonce and only then replace the source which claims 50 million. It's also clear that The Independent has failed to emphasize that the 120 million is for combined sales of Beyonce as a solo artist and Destiny's Child.--Harout72 (talk) 18:20, 9 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Exactly. 120 million is pretty damn inflated figure for her record sales. Scieberking (talk) 18:31, 9 January 2011 (UTC)

Those sources that state 50 million were published in May 2009, so obviously Beyonce has sold more after that time. Here are more reliable sources that are close to 120 million. CBS News says she's sold more than 118 million albums (updated in Jan 2010) and The Daily Telegraph UK says she's sold more than 100 million albums (updated in October 2010). No, Beyonce's combined sales with Destiny's Child isn't 120 million; according to Columbia Records, it's 130 million. So I'm guessing those sources were combining her sales with Destiny's Child. The Independent has noted that Destiny's Child has sold 50 million albums worldwide. So take 130 away from 50 and you get 80 million. So Beyonce's sales are 80 million as a solo artist correct? ozurbanmusic (talk) 02:29, 10 January 2011 (UTC)


 * I would not go as far as deducting 50 million from 130 million because even the 130 million is inflated for combined sales of both Destiny's Child and Beyonce as a solo artist. But according to Beyonce's certified sales as a solo artist, her actual sales, as I mentioned above, should be somewhere 60-70 maximum as certified sales do cover good 80% of the actual sales for newer artists. If there are sources that claim 60 or 70 million, then, those would definitely be something we could work with. As for those sources posted above, they could be viewed either as inflated figures or figures that speak of combined sales of Beyonce and Destiny's Child.--Harout72 (talk) 06:31, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

Ok so I just found a reliable source that says she's sold 75 million albums as a solo artist. Click here it's from The New York Times and was published in February 2010. So can we update her amount of sales now? ozurbanmusic (talk) 06:51, 10 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Although 75 million is a little high, I'd consider it since Beyonce's US certified sales alone are quite impressive, but the problem is that it states She has sold more than 75 million records and as a member of the trio Destiny's Child. Is there a source that states some 60 or 70 or even 75 million but doesn't mention anything about Destiny's Child?--Harout72 (talk) 16:09, 10 January 2011 (UTC)
 * To me, that sentence doesn't make sense. I think the editor made a mistake. It should be: She has sold more than 75 million records and was a member of the trio Destiny's Child. Start reading from the first sentence of the source because it will flow. Also, the source is an updated biography, not some random article. Ozurbanmusic (talk) 07:11, 25 January 2011 (UTC)


 * This goes out very especially to Harout72. In case you did not know, mediafire.com is an unreliable source according to Wikipedia. And as far as i see, all references are telling her sales have surpassed the 100 million mark. Except the NY Times link, simply because the article was published in the very beginning of 2010. This is very obvious. f you still claim Beyonce sales are exaggerative, come up with RELIABLE sources. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  17:45, 25 January 2011 (UTC)
 * You should all keep in mind that when records sales are calculated, they also include videos, box sets, remix albums, compilations, video album, studio albums, live DVDs, singles and even downloads form songs which have not been officially released. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  17:51, 25 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Ozurban, I do not read it that way. It is obviously talking about them combined, considering her sales are probably only around 40-50 million. Next to Jivesh. Again, i have no idea what you're saying. We are not talking about mediafire.com, so where the hell does that come up? Learn the rules please before you come here making up things and pointing fingers at people. Seriously, what are you saying? Show me one reliable source that claims her sales alone at 100 million? That is an insane claim. Her certifications equal barely 40 million, yet you claim her sales to be well over double? Give me a break!-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   17:50, 25 January 2011 (UTC)
 * See how the discussion started (at the top). He did mentionned Media Fire. And next, i am proud to say i am a fan of Beyonce and i follow everything about her. (No offense) Actually, the sources (reliable ones) provided above mentions it. If not 100 million, i believe we could the the NY Times source as a reference. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  18:03, 25 January 2011 (UTC)
 * How is it possible that Beyonce has sold only 1.9 million albums int he US when her first album, Dangerously In Love was certified 2 times platinum, her second album, B'Day platinum (standard version) and gold (deluxe) and third and last 4 times platinum as of January 2010. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  18:08, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

Yes Jivesh, we know your a fan of Beyonce, I'm a fan of Mariah Carey, but that doesn't get us anywhere. Where does it say that Beyonce has sold 1.9 million in the US? Where? I mean I have no clue where you're pulling this stuff from. Next, if you look up, it says clearly that Beyonce has shipped 9 million albums in the US and 24 million singles. Thats 35,000,000 in total with videos etc. Now her worldwide sales, apart from the UK are pretty weak. Her total certifications barely equal 40 million. Now as we have mentioned here, certifications for artists of her time era should cover "at least" 75%+ of sales, giving her the most 50 million record sales. So understand that when you pull out a source claiming 100 or 75 million, its beyond ridiculous.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   18:19, 25 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Sorry Nathan, i meant UK. Well i really do not know what to say. I only have the cited resources to defend my arguments. And do you have a source about the fact that she has sold 40-50 million records? Please do not take me wrong. I am just asking. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  18:35, 25 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I think apart from US and UK (which are the major markets, most sales come from there), Beyonce also sells well in Canada, Australia, Belgim, Switzerland, Japan, Ireland, Netherlands and Brazil especially where she is the only International artist having an album certified diamond (note that her certification is from the old rules. The new ones give diamond certifications on considerably less sales). Justin Bieber recently managed to get one. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me
 * This is ridiculous. Lady GaGa sales are 55 million while for Beyonce 50 million. I saw it on the main page. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  19:05, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

Jivesh boodhun, first of all MedaFire.com, in case you did not know, is for uploading files only, and what I have uploaded on Mediafire.com is a detailed certifications that come directly from certifying agencies. Also, if you didn't know, Mediafire.com is not a site that contains information of any kind, it is strictly designed to upload files, and I am only using Mediafire.com here for our discussion. All those certifications that one sees on my file are again posted within RIAA, BPI, Bundesverband Musikindustie, SNEP etc. etc.. Second, as Nathan pointed out correctly, Beyonce's certified sales should cover good 75% of her actual sales, and her certified sales do not support any 100 million claims. Third, we don't need any assumptions as to where Beyonce sells her records most, that is exactly why we look at artists' certifications. While you didn't bother to look at those certifications because you were more interested in accusing editors, I'm guessing that you were trying to say that MediaTraffic.de is unreliable, instead, you typed MediaFire.com, the former of which is not being cited here. And finally, where are all those reliable sources that support such an unrealistic figure as 100 million is?--Harout72 (talk) 22:15, 25 January 2011 (UTC)


 * They are here itself. I saw them on this page itself. Read the above posts in the Beyonce section itself. And i am sorry for having that confusion. But let me say, telling Beyonce sold only 9 million albums in the USA is not ... (I do not know the correct word).


 * Dangerously in Love:4,700,000 copies (As of October 2009)
 * B'Day:3,200,000 copies(As of October 2009)
 * I Am... Sasha Fierce:2,741,900 (As of January 2010)

Which makes a total close to 10.7 million as of the end of 2009 only. Now you cannot tell me that her sales froze as from the beginning of 2010 till now. Especially taking into consideration that her album I Am... Sasha Fierce was still in the top 15 as of February 2010. Mt even bigger problem is that your research is a bit old. Do you mean Beyonce sold nothing in a whole 2010? Jivesh   &bull;  Talk2Me  14:22, 26 January 2011 (UTC)
 * One more thing is that you are taking sales judging from certifications. For example, when I Am... Sasha Fierce has a two times platinum certification, you took it as if her sales should be 2 million only. The rest is the same. This is not correct. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  14:25, 26 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Jivesh boodhun, those figures that you posted above correlate perfectly with Beyonce's US album-certifications: Dangerously in Love-Actual sales 4,700,000 copies-->Certified sales 4x platinum, B'Day-Actual sales 3,200,000-->Certified sales 3x Platinum, I am...Sasha Fierce-Actual sales 2,741,900-->Certified sales 2x Platinum. And as we mentioned above certified sales for newer artists should cover good 75% of the actual sales and that is exactly what we have. And if you bothered to read my comments above, I have said that Beyonce's worldwide current total should be somewhere around 60 million; I also have sugested that we locate a source that claims some 60-70 million in sales and replace the one that currently supports Beyonce's figure on the list. I suggest that you read this entire discussion more patiently and carefully.--Harout72 (talk) 16:40, 26 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Okay i understood and i am very sorry for my gross behavior. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  16:52, 26 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Have a look here. Jivesh    &bull;  Talk2Me  16:23, 4 February 2011 (UTC)


 * I'm quite sure they meant Records, not Album. Beyonce's certified albums sales make up only 14.6 million from the markets that cover over 80% of entire global sales. And Beyonce's entire available certified sales (albums, singles, videos) from those the same markets come up to 43 million, which is only 43% of 100 million. Per our new resolution (see the b template at the top of this discussion page), artists begun between 2000 and present are required to have their lowest claimed figure supported by 50-75% certified sales, meaning, in the case of Beyonce, her claimed figure should not surpass the 85 million mark.--Harout72 (talk) 16:42, 4 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Found source from the New StatesMan which says 75m. Mattg82 (talk) 18:07, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

That is a good figure for Beyonce, but isn't New Statesman only weakly reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 21:37, 5 February 2011 (UTC)
 * It looks pretty reliable to me. Its a political magazine, not a blog site. Shall we change her sales figures now that we have a reliable source? This is getting ridiculous. Ozurbanmusic (talk) 11:07, 6 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I would say it would be better to find at least another reliable source. Take a look, most of the artists have several highly reliable sources for their figures. While it definitely isn't a blog, I don't see that source as a heavyweight. I would agree if another source, as reliable or more, were found as well. After looking over Beyonce's sales, I actually have to strongly oppose this inclusion. Her certifications equal around 40 million, roughly 54% of her sales figure. As an artist that began in 2003, we should hold her accountable for at least 70% of her certifications figure. The Backstreet Boys, which started in 97 are being held accountable for 50%, she being 6 years and a new decade later should have at least 65%-70% which would require easily 55 million copies certified. After reading this, I would like you're input Harout, do you think this make fair sense?-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   11:33, 6 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Beyonce's 43 million certified units make up 57% of the 75 million claimed figure, that Mat found above. And 57% for someone who's begun in the beginning of 2000s, is pretty fair. Also, she might have a few singles in the US that will soon be certified or re-certified, which in their turn will bring the percentage of the certified units higher. I personally would prefer to see the figure of 75 million coming from a highly reliable news organization, but I think New Statesman will do the job for now. Anyways, 50 million claim for Beyonce (which is what currently have) who's certified sales are as high as 43 million is quite low. If there are no other objections, let's update Beyonce's figure.--Harout72 (talk) 17:49, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

Question on Belgium's Ultratop site
Belgium's Ultratop besides having this site where one can check for full list of Belgium's certifications for years 2002-present, also has this official site for earlier years of certifications 1997-2003. But in order to view the certifications for later years in the latter, one must change the year in the URL to do so. Does anyone know where the main page is located? Where one could perform the year changes from there instead of changing the years in the URL bar.--Harout72 (talk) 17:21, 5 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Could not find anything but I used a Google search to make a list of each year (97-03). Mattg82 (talk) 17:58, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

That is strange. Since the one that covers the certifications of 2003-present, I guess, for the one that covers earlier certifications, we'll have to make a footnote to inform the readers to type in a desired year between 1997-2003 to view the certifications of a specific year.--Harout72 (talk) 18:14, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Queen
Wondering if Queen actually has sold 300 million? I have heard they have sold like 180- 200 million, but most people say 300 million... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.250.212.100 (talk) 22:54, 27 January 2011 (UTC)


 * No I don't think they have sold 300m either, that figure is something made up by the record label (EMI). The second figure given in the table of 150m, looks very credible though. Mattg82 (talk) 02:21, 28 January 2011 (UTC)


 * I completely agree, they are certified at about 87 million copies, yet they are placed above about 5 artists who have more certified sales then them, they need to be removed from that top category. comeondontshootme  —Preceding undated comment added 20:23, 11 February 2011 (UTC).

Julio Iglesias
Are there reliable sources claiming 100 or 150 million records for Julio Iglesias? His available certified sales which are going to be posted in the table (see here) make up 24 million which is only 12% of his claimed 200 million. To avoid removing him from the list, since he's only 3% from meeting the required percentage, can we locate a lower figure? I still have to post his Canadian certified sales, but I don't think it's going to fill in the missing 3%.--Harout72 (talk) 19:01, 5 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Here I've found an article from 2000 from Billboard, which quotes the Guinness Records as him having sold 100 million units in 6 languages. I think we can interpret units as records. Also got the "Encyclopedia of Modern Spanish Culture" which lists 100 million records. Also "The American Legion" lists 100 million records. Do you think this works? Got a few more in case :)-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   11:52, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

OK, good, the Billboard's figure will do the job, thanks Nathan, I'm going to see what his Canadian certified sales look like, if that helps the 12% come up to some 14%, we'll keep him in the 200-299 section, otherwise, we'll just place him in the section below that.--Harout72 (talk) 17:54, 6 February 2011 (UTC)


 * I moved Julio Iglesias into 100-149 section as his Canadian certified sales are 1.3 million which make his total certified sales 25.3 million which in its turn is only 12.7% of the 200 million claimed by various sources, see here. We'd need another 2% to keep him in the section of 200-299 million records as our new resolution requires 15% certified sales for those artists/bands begun before 1975. If editors come across a reliable source claiming 150 million, please bring it to our attention as that would allow us to place Iglesias in the section of 150-199 million records.--Harout72 (talk) 00:04, 9 February 2011 (UTC)


 * I like it. Sounds very appropriate.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   03:04, 10 February 2011 (UTC)

Shakira and NKOTB
I don't think that Shakira's and New Kids On The Block's claimed sales live up to their certification requirements Skaterboy2012 (talk) 09:23, 11 February 2011 (UTC)


 * I still haven't gone over the NKOTB's certified sales, but Shakira's available certified sales cover good 46% of her claimed figure (70 million). And since she's begun in 1990, her requirement is 35-50%.--Harout72 (talk) 16:22, 11 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Sorry, forgot that she started as an-all latin artist in 1990. Anyway, I don't think that NKOTB's certified sales meet the requirements though. Skaterboy2012 (talk) 17:20, 11 February 2011 (UTC)

I finished going over New Kids on the Block's certified sales. I have to say that these guys have a plausible US certified sales (24.6 million), and total available certified sales of 28.3 million, that doesn't include the Canadian and Australian certified sales. If the Canadian certified sales at their discography page are correct, which I cannot verify at the moment, then we'd have some 31 million. But the 28.3 million itself is already covering 40.5% of their 70 million claimed figure. While I doubt that NKOTB have sold as many records as 70 million as claimed, they are above their requirement percentage (15-35%), they've begun in the mid 80s.--Harout72 (talk) 03:45, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

TLC
This group started in 1991 their first album has US Certifications of 4 million their second album 11 million their third album 6 million and their fourth album 1 million that's 22 million in albums they have another 7-8 million in US Certified singles their US Certs is in the 29-30 million mark. I would say that this group has sold at least 50 million records. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.54.90.75 (talk) 09:43, 13 February 2011 (UTC)

Edit request from Kellizle, 16 February 2011
Please add Usher to the list because of an article in Hollywood Reporter 2/09/2011. 7th paragraph http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/justin-bieber-cover-team-strategy-97658

Kellizle (talk) 04:19, 16 February 2011 (UTC)

❌ The 65 million claimed by The Hollywood Reporter is a logical figure for Usher but the source you're providing is only weakly reliable, is there another source claiming that figure?--Harout72 (talk) 04:33, 16 February 2011 (UTC)

Correction
Motley Crue has sold over 80 million albums not 50 million... you should look it up and see for yourself.

76.248.70.65 (talk) 02:01, 17 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Their available certified sales suggest not more than 50 million records, let alone 80 million albums.--Harout72 (talk) 02:16, 17 February 2011 (UTC)

Enrique Iglesias, he has sold more than 50 million copies
as the biography page of him has claimed that he has sold about 55 million albums worldwide i think he shoud be on this list so please add him on this list.thank you. add enrique he has 55 million albums sold worlwide!!!!!!!!!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.153.192 (talk) 12:30, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

According to enrique's page: Up until the release of his latest album, Euphoria, in 2010, he had sold over 55 million albums in both English and Spanish. please add him on the list!!!! thank you!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.153.192 (talk) 12:34, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

Up until the release of his latest album, Euphoria, in 2010, he had sold over 55 million albums in both English and Spanish. adn maybe abous 10 million singles worlwide or maybe more so surely he shoud be on this list According to latin pop page also he has sold more than 55 million albums worlwide his latest album euphoria has sold more than 3 million copies world wide also its according to discography page of him he has sold more than 55 million albums worlwide put his name on the list thank you for confirming!!!!!!!!!!!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.153.192 (talk) 12:48, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

TLC
This group has sold more than 60 million records according to billboard magazine. They should have been added. Their US sales is more than 30 million. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.54.90.75 (talk) 03:50, 25 February 2011 (UTC)

Bon Jovi
i know there is no use for me to do this, but it has been bugging me all day

Bon Jovi should have 130 million instead of 120 million http://www.anrworldwide.com/newsletter/20101004.php http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/weekly-music-agenda-roxy-music-and-bon-jovi-launch-tours-2191422.html http://entertainment.ca.msn.com/celebs/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=25046629

and just this year bon jovi sold 2 million digital tracks — Preceding unsigned comment added by Wildinthestreets (talk • contribs) 04:59, 27 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Since Bon Jovi have released their first record in 1984 and their available certified sales are almost 66 million which is enough to meet the requirement (see the requirement-percentages above), I have updated Bon Jovi's claimed figure using the article by The Independent.--Harout72 (talk) 17:03, 27 February 2011 (UTC)

Barry White
Does Barry White's certified sales support his claimed sales? His US album certifications come around 11m. I don't know about other markets though Skaterboy2012 (talk) 12:19, 1 March 2011 (UTC)


 * Barry White's US certified sales are 16.5 million (11 million albums, 5.5 million singles), UK certified sales are 2.6 million, French certified sales are 1.1 million. See his available certified sales in detail here. So, since he's released his first album in 1973, his available certified sales must cover good 15% of his claimed figure (100 million), and we have some 20% certified sales in his case. I still don't know if he has anything for Canada.--Harout72 (talk) 16:27, 1 March 2011 (UTC)

Johnny Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday is no longer active. Hallyday announced his retirement from performing on 3 December 2007 at the age of 64 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.146.112.216 (talk) 18:57, 1 March 2011 (UTC)

Album+Sigles
why you had delete my post if you hadn't controll or answer? lady gaga is here with singles+albums, why another singer like Anastacia, Cramberries, Mina etc etc aren't here with singles+album?. Britney sold only 40 milion album not 200, 200 if you count album+singles. The law is equal for everyone so or you add other singers with album+singles or delete who are here with it and not with only album. — Preceding unsigned comment added by AccendiLaLuce (talk • contribs) 00:44, 1 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Your previous post was archived automatically because no one responded to it within 25 days. All artists on this list have claimed sales which include sales of singles and albums, no artist here (except Enya) have sales which include albums only.


 * Looking at the talk page archives, The Cranberries have almost 50% in certified sales of 50m so due to our new rules can be included on this list with a reliable source. As for Anastacia she has no sales to speak of in the US and the Daily Mail only says 20 million records. Records always means albums + singles and not just albums. Mina is just an Italian phenomenon, with little sales elsewhere. It is possible she has sold enough in Italy alone to get on the list (Johnny Hallyday for instance sold over 60m just in France) but without any evidence of certifications it is not possible to put her on this list atm, as FIMI has only recently started publishing a list of certifications to the public. Mattg82 (talk) 00:47, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Mina has sold over 150 millions cd, Laura Pausini has sold over 70 million cd...."It is possible she has sold enough in Italy alone to get on the list" what?? are you crazy? cranberries has sold more than 50 millions and Anastacia too. christina aguilera has sold 100 million cd but there was wrote only albums (50 million) etc etc.... please control what you write and say --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:09, 2 February 2011 (UTC)


 * AccendiLaLuce, I strongly suggest you to remain civil when communicating with fellow wikipedians. Perhaps reading up WP:Civility would be a good starting point.--Harout72 (talk) 06:01, 2 February 2011 (UTC)


 * I said it was possible I didn't say it was true, I've never even heard of her before :) If you disagree then I have no problem with that but to put artists on this list, claimed sales need to be supported by at least 15% in certified sales and unfortunately there is no publicly available certification evidence for Mina. The only certification I have found for her is from IFPI in 1999 seen here (1m sales for Mina Celentano).


 * I've already mentioned The Cranberries can be inserted onto the list with a reliable source, all artists on the list have to have their claimed sales supported with highly reliable sources. Plus Anastasia has not sold 50m records, the reliable source I gave above says 20m records. Christina Aguilera is on the list with 50m records (albums + singles) and not just albums.


 * It is clear that English is not your native language and therefore it is hard to understand clearly what each other is saying. There is something lost in translation between each us. Mattg82 (talk) 15:37, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

italian wikiedia says: Anastacia 50 million, The cranberries 50 million Christina Aguilera 100million Mina 150 million mina's italian source http://www.repubblica.it/spettacoli-e-cultura/2010/03/25/news/mina-pani-2888803/ Christina's italian source http://music.msn.com/music/features/christina-aguilera/ for others there is only sold as written, not a real source --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 16:21, 2 February 2011 (UTC)


 * The pages on Italian WP do not correspond with the cited sources. The source for Aguilera states 42 million albums and does not mention singles. Same problem for Anastacia, the source cited says 17 million albums. Mattg82 (talk) 17:22, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

and the othes? laura pausini 70 million mina 150 cranberries 50... singles+albums for all...--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 08:45, 5 February 2011 (UTC)


 * As I've already explained, to put artists on this list, claimed sales need to be supported by a minimum of 15% in certified sales. So Mina cannot be included on this list because she does not meet this criteria. The same goes for Laura Pausini she also does not meet the minimum of 15% in certified sales.


 * The Cranberries can be included but you need to find a reliable source which says 50 million records. The source on Italian WP is not reliable enough. It is a good source as it is on RAI's website but it is not a highly reliable source which is required for this list. Mattg82 (talk) 02:32, 9 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Erm as for Laura Pausini she need further investigation as see has impressive sales in the US (For a non English singer) and over 4 million in Europe. Mattg82 (talk) 02:41, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

While I'm not sure what kind of figures sources claim for Pausini, I'd like to clarify something about Laura Pausini's US certified sales. The US certifications that Pausini has collected are Latin type of certifications, which were initially launched at Gold=100,000 and Platinum=200,000. All in all, I see 600,000 units for Pausini issued by RIAA. The only Italian artist that might soon, in the near future, have a chance of getting on the list is probably Eros Ramazzotti who has countless certifications almost everywhere in Europe including 5.7 million in Germany, 3.1 million in France, 1.4 million in Switzerland and 14 million European certified albums between 1996-present, not to mention  1.2 million Latin type of US certifications.--Harout72 (talk) 03:00, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

why italian source are not valid and engliesh yes?-.- mina had published over 1000 songs, she has got 150 million -.- instead of saying no is not true, check. I do not do it because I do not know English well and I could be wrong with the sources. laura pausini....from 70milion to 4...lol....better controllù

Anastacia: it says so on wikipedia Italy, only with this she has 45 million+ ....with only 2 single...she has got more than 50 million single+album--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:44, 9 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Not That Kind 5 million+
 * Freak Of Nature 11 million+
 * Anastacia 10 million+
 * Pieces Of a Dream 5 million+
 * Heavy Rotation 600 000
 * Left Outside Alone 5 Million
 * Sick And Tired 4 million


 * Ok, I'm getting a bit tired of this. Try to understand, Wikipedia cannot source Wikipedia. The figure is wrong anyways, foreign language Wikipedia is practically run and written by toddlers. Please don't bring this up again.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   03:03, 10 February 2011 (UTC)

just because you can not rely on wikipedia check instead of writing bla bla bla--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 18:08, 11 February 2011 (UTC)

anyone?xD--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 09:42, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

mmhhh???--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 22:58, 2 March 2011 (UTC)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:List_of_best-selling_music_artists#Rihanna.27s_Source --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:23, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

2010 certifications from IFPI Sweden
IFPI Sweden has just released the list of certifications from 2010. link

Sverigetopplistan, the official chart company in Sweden also adds the latest certifications to their website. Current #1 is September's Love CPR and has been certified gold for instance. Mattg82 (talk) 23:04, 3 March 2011 (UTC)
 * I updated Presley's and Jackson's Swedish certified sales. Also inserted AC/DC's Swedish certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 00:48, 4 March 2011 (UTC)

Rihanna's Source
why rihanna is here with german's source and anastacia can't be here with italian's source? delete rihanna or add anastacia, laura pausini, mina and the cranberries --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:22, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

Shakira
The source isn't valid because is in french. You said that the sources must be in English and how can we control that it is a real source? --2811Butterfly (talk) 05:24, 5 March 2011 (UTC)


 * Sources don't have to be in English in order to be acceptable. We have numerous sources that are not in English and they are perfectly reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 07:34, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

and why italian's source are not valid? because must be in english?--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 07:53, 6 March 2011 (UTC)--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 07:52, 6 March 2011 (UTC)


 * I wrote this because a wikipedian told that italian source are not acceptable..--2811Butterfly (talk) 07:54, 6 March 2011 (UTC)

I'm sure you have misunderstood, could you tell me where you've come across this discussion, perhaps I can clarify things for you.--Harout72 (talk) 16:51, 6 March 2011 (UTC)

here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:List_of_best-selling_music_artists#Album.2BSigles --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 00:22, 7 March 2011 (UTC)

You told that the source must be in english because it must be accesible to all, but reading some sources of artist, I saw sources in german, french, japanese ecc..The problem is: you do rule only for someone? --2811Butterfly (talk) 05:34, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

in fact you told me "italian's sources are not valid because are italians, must be english for accessible to all"..so...how they can be here?--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:39, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:List_of_best-selling_music_artists#Album.2BSigles--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 18:58, 6 March 2011 (UTC)


 * OK, let me try and clarify that for you if I may. I believe you are speaking of the following sentence posted by Mattg82 "The source on Italian WP is not reliable enough. It is a good source as it is on RAI's website but it is not a highly reliable source which is required for this list", correct? Actually, Mattg82 is absolutely correct for saying that that source is not reliable enough, let me point out that he is not saying it's not reliable enough because it's in Italian, he is simply saying that in general that source is not highly reliable enough for this list as we only accept highly reliable sources, and that here is not one. Let me also emphasize that Mattg82 or even I would have said the same if that very source was in English. I Hope you understand now. Also, I'd like to inform you, in case you don't know this yet, we look at certified sales of artists too, besides sources. Please see the requirement-percentages above at the top of this discussion page.--Harout72 (talk) 00:49, 7 March 2011 (UTC)

Lady Gaga sales
Okay so Good Morning American says that she's sold 60 million singles and that is a TV show to the public, so it must be CORRECT right?

So 60 million singles + 15-20 million albums = 75-80 million total sales right??

Please change it! It's been a while already and she doesn't have 55 million total sales anymore.

Plus, on her main Wiki page, it says she has sold and estimated "60 million singles and 23 million albums" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Gaga#cite_note-4

The GMA interview is here and it states how many singles she has sold in the beginning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pNdJTxZFaPI —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.149.142.11 (talk) 06:54, 6 March 2011 (UTC)
 * she'd sold 40 million singles and 15 million albums

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2010/06/12/2010-06-12_seen_this_act_before_word_to_gaga__madonna_did_it_first_and_did_it_better.html#ixzz1Fnusjel7 can you read-.- — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2811Butterfly (talk • contribs) 07:58, 6 March 2011 (UTC)  --2811Butterfly (talk) 08:02, 6 March 2011 (UTC)

your source says 15+40=55....what are you saying?--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 07:59, 6 March 2011 (UTC)


 * Its staying the same. Her sales are inflated enough as it is. Its been discussed already before. Plus your source doesn't help you.-- CallMe Nathan  &bull;  Talk2Me   09:06, 6 March 2011 (UTC)

The current 55 million is high enough for Lady Gaga as her certified sales are only 37.3 million from the music markets which cover good 85-90% of all the global sales. And that is 68% of the 55 million, which is exactly what we should have per our certification-percentage requirements, see the requirements above.--Harout72 (talk) 17:01, 6 March 2011 (UTC)

Cliff Richard sold over 260 million
It's time you updated your research methods for your list. Record companies don't sways apply for certified sales and what of the sales of records that just fall short of going gold. If you want to give an accurate list you need to luck at other sources. For example it's well documented that cliff Richard has sold over .260 million records. Every other site on the Internet can recognise this but you. Please put cliff in your list where he belongs. Just out of interest what do you makes Cliff's sales to be as you don't even have him in the 50 million bracket of your list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.200.213.189 (talk) 23:05, 9 March 2011 (UTC)


 * Our operating method is very logical. You might want to look at the requirements for certified sales at the top of this page, all artists begun before 1975 need to have their claimed figures supported by 15% certified sales. Since Richard's available certified sales are only 11,860,000, he can only be added to the list with some 75 million claim.--Harout72 (talk) 01:31, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

Phil Collins
Phil Collins is no longer active. On March 7, Collins posted a message to his fans on his own website, confirming his intention to retire in order to focus on his family life. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 198.96.85.192 (talk) 17:47, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

✅. Mattg82 (talk) 18:26, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

Eurythmics
Eurythmics are no longer an active musical group, since their reunion tour ended in 2005. Lennox stated that although she and Stewart remain friends, she does not foresee any further Eurythmics projects in the future.

✅. Mattg82 (talk) 18:26, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons need to be added. According to their page, they've sold 175 million records. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.172.212.239 (talk) 04:20, 11 March 2011 (UTC)

Anastacia
then put this, i can't, it is protected http://www.lastfm.it/music/Anastacia/+wiki 50 million --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 18:29, 8 March 2011 (UTC)


 * Last FM cannot be regarded as reliable as the content of it can be submitted by anyone, very much like Wikipedia. Also, see others commenting on the reliability of LastFM here at WP:RSN. In the meantime, I will go over Anastiacia's certified sales and see if it is at least 25 million, which is what we'd need to add her into the list, that is of course if we ever locate a reliable source claiming 50 million. Meaning she would need at least 50% in certified sales supporting her claimed figure of 50 million.--Harout72 (talk) 23:39, 8 March 2011 (UTC)

http://youwin.forumfree.it/?t=48535454 this? --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 00:07, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

this too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e299XOILBAI the judge (the woman with glass) says 50 milions bla bla bla....it is rai 2...it shoud be trusted...--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 00:27, 9 March 2011 (UTC)


 * I've finished going over Anastacia's certified sales, which I uploaded here, and it is only 11,640,400 from all those markets where Anastacia seems to have done well. That is only 23% certified sales for 50 million claim, which is not going to do it for an artist who's released the first album/single in 2000. I'm afraid, we cannot add Anastacia into the list regardless of what sources we ever locate for her. Again, please see the certifications requirement-percentages above at the top of this discussion page.--Harout72 (talk) 01:07, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

freak of nature has sold more than 11.5 million -.- it is not possible — Preceding unsigned comment added by AccendiLaLuce (talk • contribs) 01:44, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

give me your source please--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 01:47, 9 March 2011 (UTC)


 * The certifications are from the web sites of the certifying agencies, all of which you can find at the top of this discussion page including BPI, Bundesverband Musikindustrie, SNEP, ARIA, NVPI etc. Again don't be fooled by inflated figures that you most probably have come across in unreliable sources. Certified sales don't lie, they are a very solid way of determining whether claimed figures are true or not. Freak of Nature has sold just over 3 million units in the entire European continent, and Europe is where Anastacia is most popular, also bear in mind that Anastacia has not done well in the USA, which is the largest music market in the world.--Harout72 (talk) 02:04, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

can you give me that's sites?--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 03:43, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

if the total is 11.600.400.... http://www.mediatraffic.de/tracks-2004.htm freak of nature 3 million left outside alone 4.6 million (2004 only ) sick and tired 3.8 million (2004 only) it is over 11 million only with those....miss 4 album and twenty single...how is possible? please...--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 03:53, 9 March 2011 (UTC)


 * AccendiLaLuce, please read slowly and carefully so you can understand what editors are saying to you. As I told you above, those sites are located at the top of this page, but here they all are:


 * UK certified sales: 3,300,000 Albums, 400,000 Singles (Total: 3,700,000)
 * German certified sales: 2,450,000 Albums, 950,000 Singles, 25,000 Videos (Total: 3,425,000)
 * French certified sales: 900,000 Albums, 750,000 Singles (Total: 1,650,000)
 * Australian certified sales: 455,000 Albums, 350,000 Singles (Total: 805,000)
 * Dutch certified sales: 520,000 Albums, 40,000 Singles (Total: 560,000)
 * Swedish certified sales: 260,000 Albums, 15,000 Singles (Total: 275,000)
 * Swiss certified sales: 525,000 Albums, 65,000 Singles (Total: 590,000)
 * Norwegian certified sales: 190,000 Albums, 20,000 Singles (Total: 210,000)
 * Austrian certified sales: 180,000 Albums, 80,000 Singles (Total: 260,000)
 * Finnish certified sales: 115,400 Albums (Total: 115,400)
 * Polish certified sales: 50,000 Albums (Total: 50,000)


 * Due to weak sales, there are no certified sales for USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina. Also, certified-sales and actual-sales are two different things. Here at this page, we are to look at available certified sales per our new resolution to determine who goes on the list and who doesn't, and you can find the discussion of that very resolution here. By the way, Mediatraffic.de is as unreliable as a source can get.--Harout72 (talk) 04:56, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

ù

why every site says different thing?-.- where is italy? so...anastacia hasn't good sales in short... --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 16:11, 9 March 2011 (UTC)

look http://jmenternational.com/work/awards/2005/anastacia/ in 2005 had sold over 20 million, then your sources are not very reliable --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:08, 10 March 2011 (UTC)
 * AccendiLaLuce, my sources are as reliable as sources can ever get, and you would know that if you knew who BPI, Bundesverband Musikindustrie, SNEP are. I repeatedly tried to explain to you that certified sales (which is what you see above posted by me) and actual sales are two different things. Now the 20 million in actual sales is exactly where Anastacia's true sales are, and her available certified sales do not support anything above that.--Harout72 (talk) 16:17, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

why those sites are more reible than her' label?-.-why sony is not reible? no sense-.- if the sony are not reible how can be your sites?-.- --AccendiLaLuce (talk) 23:02, 10 March 2011 (UTC)
 * I never said anything about Sony being unreliable, please read through carefully. It's quite obvious that no matter how may different ways I tried to explain the same thing to you, you probably can't understand due to your lack of knowledge in English language. I think, I've explained enough and consider this discussion ended.--Harout72 (talk) 01:40, 11 March 2011 (UTC)


 * the source of AccendiLaLuce is a sony source...so what's the problem?--2811Butterfly (talk) 08:18, 11 March 2011 (UTC)

2811Butterfly, you don't see this list having artists with 20 million claims, do you?--Harout72 (talk) 16:36, 11 March 2011 (UTC)


 * is a 2005's photo and are 20 milion only for album...anyway...it shows that your sources are not so reliable --2811Butterfly (talk) 00:28, 12 March 2011 (UTC)

The Cranberries
cranberries ha sold 50 million http://www.radio.rai.it/grr/view.cfm?V_IDNOTIZIA=53349&Q_PROG_ID=421&Tematica=18 is tru?--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 22:32, 9 March 2011 (UTC)


 * In my opinion 50 million is a little inflated for The Cranberries, but if you find a highly reliable source such as CNN, BBC, Fox News etc. claiming 50 million for The Cranberries, then we could add them into the list as they have begun in 1993 and their available certified sales are 21.5 million, that is 43% for 50 million claim. For artists begun between 1990-2000, we require 35-50% certified sales and they seem to meet that bracket. Again, Rai Italia Radio is not going to do it as we don't accept claims by Radio Stations, other Italian news services would do the job.--Harout72 (talk) 01:44, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

my sorcers are never valid-.- only your sources are valid? for anastacia, sony and rai tv are not valid-.- for cranberries rai is not valid-.- so, make this list alone -.---AccendiLaLuce (talk) 22:03, 13 March 2011 (UTC)

Donna Summer
why she isn't here????--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 05:12, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

uhm...--AccendiLaLuce (talk) 22:31, 14 March 2011 (UTC)

According to the RIAA, I would figure Donna Summer's sales of albums and singles in the United States would stand at about 23 million; that would be 13 million albums and 10 million singles, which would also include albums and singles that were released but did not reach the minimum certification of gold. That's her US sales. Her international sales I'm not so sure of, but I believe Donna Summer's outside-of-the-US sales are similar to her US sales. So if you figure about 20 million or so in the rest of the world, that would give her about 43 million albums and singles sold total. Pretty impressive, but not enough to be on the list which starts at 50 million. She's a great performer so who's to say she won't reach that one day, right? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.251.112.134 (talk) 22:56, 14 March 2011 (UTC)