Adele just broke another record — her legendary album 21 is now the highest RIAA certified album released in the 21st century at 17x Platinum.

21 officially stands in a league of its own. The album just hit 17x Platinum, breaking the tie it previously held with Taylor Swift’s 1989 and Usher’s Confessions. That’s over 17 million certified sales in the U.S. alone — a jaw-dropping number that speaks to just how massive this record still is more than a decade later.

When 21 first dropped in 2011, it felt like the world stopped to listen. With timeless hits like “Rolling In The Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Rumour Has It,” Adele delivered a project that blended heartbreak, strength, and soul in a way that cut across generations. It became the kind of album that parents, teens, and even grandparents could all agree on — and it still gets heavy spins today.

This latest achievement is not just about numbers, though. It’s a reminder of Adele’s rare gift: her smooth, powerful register and her ability to make every listener feel like she’s singing directly to them. Breaking records is impressive, but leaving a mark that deep on people’s lives? That’s legendary.

Ileyah

Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.