A decade after the release of the Disney movie Frozen, the song “Let It Go” has achieved a rare milestone by being certified diamond by the RIAA. This means that the song has moved at least 10 million equivalent units in the U.S. through purchases and streams. The success of the song is a testament to its enduring popularity among American audiences, who continue to stream and buy it in large numbers.
Originally released in January 2014, “Let It Go” quickly gained popularity, reaching gold status after selling 500,000 copies and platinum status after reaching one million equivalent copies in just one month. The song, which was sung by Idina Menzel in the movie, marks her first diamond single and adds to her already impressive collection of seven gold and platinum hits, all from the Frozen franchise. Menzel’s version of the song peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 chart, making it a rare top 10 hit from a Disney movie.
In an effort to ensure the success of “Let It Go,” Disney also enlisted Demi Lovato to record a version of the song. However, it was Menzel’s version that resonated more with audiences, leading to its diamond certification. Lovato’s version only reached No. 38 on the Hot 100 chart. The success of “Let It Go” also led to accolades for its songwriters and producers, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
The popularity of “Let It Go” not only helped propel the success of the Frozen movie but also solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon. The song’s powerful message of empowerment and letting go resonated with audiences of all ages, making it a favorite for many. Its success as a single also demonstrates the importance of a memorable and impactful song in the overall success of a movie, especially for Disney, who had been missing a smash hit single for several years prior to the release of Frozen.
As the diamond certification of “Let It Go” celebrates a decade of success, it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of music and movies on popular culture. The success of the song, its singer Idina Menzel, and its songwriters and producers, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, highlights the power of a well-crafted and heartfelt song in resonating with audiences and standing the test of time. As fans continue to stream and buy the song, its legacy as a cultural icon is sure to live on for many years to come.
