Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Best Selling Album Ever, Certified 33X Diamond

Eight years since his untimely death at age 50, Michael Jackson is still the reigning “King of Pop.” His sixth solo studio album Thriller is now certified by the RIAA as selling 33X Diamond.

So, what exactly does this mean? It means the 1982 album sold 33 million copies worldwide, making it the first album in history to earn the right to be called "the best selling album, ever."

Thriller’s worldwide sales, including physical copies and streams total over 1 billion. On top of that, his 1987 follow-up album Bad was also recently certified 10X Diamond, moving 10 Million units for sales and streams in the U.S.

“Thirty-five years later, Michael Jackson’s Thriller remains as timeless and iconic as ever,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman, and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “Thriller has now become the first and only album to achieve an RIAA 33X Diamond Award, a moment forever etched in Gold & Platinum Program history. Congratulations on another ‘Thriller’ milestone.”