Rihanna becomes first artist to pass 100 million singles sales mark

Rihanna has become the first artist to score 100 million digital singles sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Umbrella singer has passed 100 million gold and platinum song certifications, making her the most successful digital singles artist of all time.

Announcing the industry news in a statement on Wednesday (01Jul15), RIAA chairman and CEO Cary Sherman writes: "Gold & Platinum is the industry's premier way to celebrate achievement in the marketplace. We've given awards to artists for nearly 60 years, but it's rare that we have the opportunity to recognize a milestone like the one Rihanna has reached.

"Congratulations to Rihanna! She has not only surpassed RIAA's one-hundred million mark, but also is the first artist to do so. It's an historic feat and a testament to an extraordinary career."

Rihanna managed the feat thanks to 37 hits including We Found Love, Stay, What's My Name and FourFiveSeconds, her collaboration with Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney.

The R&B hitmaker is facing some stiff competition - Taylor Swift is trailing with 88 million singles downloaded and streamed, while her pop rival Katy Perry has logged 79 million digital singles to date.