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How to make the best holiday cookies, according to chefs

Brown Christmas cookies with star-shaped white sprinkles and red ornaments in the background
There are certain tricks to making the perfect holiday cookies.

NurPhoto/Getty Images

Whether baking for yourself or as a gift for family and friends, you may find that sometimes your oven can be your worst enemy when you're baking cookies.

To make your winter baking a breeze, Business Insider spoke with chefs to get their best tips and tricks for making holiday cookies.

The key is to rest the dough and let cookies set

cooling cookies
Cookies should properly cool on a rack once they're baked.

Marie C Fields/Shuttershock

Michael Wallace, culinary director at Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces, told BI that home bakers need to allocate time to let the dough and finished treats sit.

"First thing I like to tell people is the importance of resting the dough," Wallace said. "I like to let it rest for at least two hours before baking."

"Next would be to allow the cookies to cool after baking for five minutes before transferring from the baking sheet," he said. "This allows the cookie to 'set up.'"

Wallace also said that unless you're using gluten-free flour, be cautious of overmixing your dough.

You should freeze your dough before baking 

cookie dough
It's important to chill the dough when preparing holiday cookies.

ThitareeSarmkasat/Getty Images

Chef Tricia Brennan Nally told BI that you should prioritize letting your dough firm up in the freezer or fridge. 

"Scoop and freeze your dough before baking," Nally said. "Chilled dough is always best, but it's difficult to scoop when it's cold."

Adequate chilling time can vary depending on the dough you're using and the cookies you're trying to make, so do your research and allocate that waiting period ahead of baking.

Remember that less can be more

holiday cookies
Take your time decorating each cookie.

June1967/Shuttershock

Nally added that it may be worth your time to focus on nailing one type of cookie rather than tackling a bunch of varieties at once. 

"I'm also a fan of quality over quantity," Nally said. "I'd rather give people one or two or the same kind of cookie — or any pastry — and have them be really good than give them 10 subpar cookies."

If you've already made different batches of dough, you can always place them in the freezer to bake at a later date.

You can make different kinds of cookies using the same dough

thumbprint cookies
Shortbread dough can be used to make all sorts of shapes.

Teri Virbickis/Shuttershock

Nally also recommends baking different cookie varieties with the same dough to keep things fresh.

"Try making multiple kinds of cookies with the same dough base, like a sugar or shortbread dough that can be turned into thumbprint cookies, sandwich cookies, rolled for cutouts, etc.," Nally said. 

In addition to mixing up cookie shapes, you can also vary the way you decorate and plate your holiday treats.

Having good tools can sometimes make a difference

cookie decorating
Baking equipment and other kitchen gadgets can come in handy.

Suzana Marinkovic/Shuttershock

As a chef myself, I'll share a few parting words.

Always be sure to chill your dough before rolling it out – particularly if it is sugar-cookie dough. It needs time to firm up so that cookie cutters are able to create the sharpest lines.

I'd also recommend purchasing a bench knife, which will help you slice dough, cut butter into flour, and more — having the right tools in the kitchen can make all the difference.

Other items I'd recommend you stock up on are different size cookie scoops, a small offset spatula, and a Silpat baking mat.

This story was originally published in December 2018 and most recently updated on December 19, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried 5 different brands of powdered hot cocoa from the grocery store, and the best won by a landslide

five different hot cocoa mixes laid out on sofa
I taste-tested five hot-cocoa mixes from Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Land O'Lakes, Publix, and Swiss Miss and compared the results.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

  • To find the best store-bought hot cocoa, I tried prepackaged powders from five different brands.
  • I bought standard mixes from Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Land O'Lakes, Publix, and Swiss Miss.
  • Ghirardelli's hot cocoa was the best — it was rich and chocolaty.

There are a lot of hot-cocoa mixes at the grocery store, but which is the best?

To find out, I reviewed standard mixes from Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Land O'Lakes, Publix, and Swiss Miss. To keep things consistent, I made each with warm water instead of milk.

Here's a breakdown of how they compared, plus which store-bought hot cocoa I liked the best. 

I first tried Publix's original hot-cocoa mix.
box of Publix hot cocoa with pack taken out
Publix's hot cocoa came in single-serve packets.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

This store-brand hot-cocoa mix had the simplest packaging, from the brown-and-white box to the plain single-serve bags.

The package featured instructions for preparing the hot cocoa using hot water and a microwave.

I had a small microwave mishap, but it didn't affect the hot cocoa's flavor.
white mug of prepared Publix hot cocoa
The hot cocoa overflowed in the microwave.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Per the package instructions, I mixed the contents of a singular pouch with 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of water in a mug and heated the drink in the microwave for a minute and a half.

I wasn't watching the mug closely, and the hot cocoa overflowed a few seconds before it was done warming up.

I waited for the hot cocoa to cool enough before trying it, but I thought it tasted very sweet and watery and lacked a strong chocolate flavor.

I tried Hershey's milk-chocolate-flavored mix, which has "real milk" as an ingredient.
brown box of Hershey's hot cocoa with pack taken out
The Hershey's hot-cocoa mix packaging looks like a chocolate bar.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

I imagined this hot cocoa would taste like a melted Hershey's chocolate bar, and I was looking forward to trying it. 

Each single-serve packet had foil edges to resemble the iconic Hershey's bar wrapper, which I thought was a nice touch. 

Although the hot cocoa didn't spill this time, its flavor was disappointing.
white polka-dot mug of Hersheys hot cocoa
Hershey's hot-cocoa mix didn't dissolve as well as the others.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

I followed the package instructions and microwaved 3/4 cup of water for a minute. Then, I added the cocoa mix and stirred until it was fully dissolved. The water must not have been hot enough, though, because some powder pooled at the top.

Although Hershey's hot cocoa had a richer feel and smoother texture compared to Publix's, the flavor was unusual and hard to place.

It tasted slightly bitter and very artificial — definitely not like chocolate, Hershey's or otherwise. 

I'm most familiar with Swiss Miss hot cocoa.
blue box of Swiss Miss hot cocoa with pack taken out
Swiss Miss hot cocoa says it makes a larger mug.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

I drank Swiss Miss growing up, so it's the brand I most associate with hot cocoa.

Although I'd usually go for the marshmallow variety, I picked up the milk-chocolate flavor for the sake of consistency in this taste test.

Swiss Miss' hot cocoa was frothy and made the largest cup.
white mug of Swiss Miss hot cocoa
Swiss Miss' hot cocoa had a nice, balanced taste.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

The other hot-cocoa mixes called for 3/4 cup water, but Swiss Miss' required a full cup, so I got felt like I got more bang for my buck. All of the powder quickly dissolved in the hot water without hassle.

Although the chocolate flavor wasn't strong, the taste was balanced — not too sweet or too milky. Despite not tasting the sweetest, it had the most added sugar of any brand I tried at 28 grams per serving. 

This Ghirardelli's hot-cocoa mix is made with semisweet chocolate chips.
blue package of Ghirardelli hot cocoa with pack taken out
Ghirardelli's hot-cocoa packaging was the fanciest.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

The Ghirardelli hot-cocoa mix had the most polished packaging, which was a nice touch that suggested a more premium product and experience.

The instructions on the box included options for cooktop and microwave preparation but also offered a third recipe for "decadent hot chocolate," in which a square of Ghirardelli chocolate is added to the drink.

My first sip of the Ghirardelli hot cocoa was rich and chocolaty.
white mug of Ghirardelli hot cocoa
Ghirardelli's hot cocoa tasted delicious and decadent.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

I added the package contents to a mug with 3/4 cup of water and microwaved it for a minute.

The Ghirardelli hot cocoa definitely had the most intense chocolate flavor, which I appreciated. The drink's rich taste and texture felt gourmet, but it wasn't heavy enough that I couldn't finish the whole cup.

There was a depth of flavor and body to this hot cocoa that stood out above the others — it almost reminded me of drinking a bar of chocolate.

The last hot cocoa I tried was from Land O'Lakes.
brown single pack of land o'lakes hot cocoa
Land O'Lakes offers a range of hot-cocoa flavors.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

This hot-cocoa mix was the only one I found sold as a single-serve packet, which is nice if you want to sample different flavors.

I also liked that Land O'Lakes had a range of fun flavors, like mint, raspberry, caramel, hazelnut, and Irish creme.

The packet offered instructions for preparing the cocoa as a hot or cold drink.

Land O'Lakes' hot cocoa had a creamy texture, but the strongest flavor didn't seem to be chocolate.
white mug of Land O Lakes  hot cocoa
The Land O'Lakes hot cocoa was sweet, though I thought it had hints of caramel and vanilla.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

I followed the instructions for the warm alternative, pouring the mix into a mug and stirring in 3/4 cup of hot water. 

Like the Hershey's hot cocoa, the Land O'Lakes mix didn't taste much like chocolate — it was sweet, with hints of caramel and vanilla. Despite not having the expected flavor, this hot cocoa was more enjoyable than some others because of its creamy texture that wasn't too watery.

Although these hot-cocoa mixes were inexpensive and easily accessible, they lacked the deep, chocolaty flavor I craved.
five white mugs of hot cocoa
If you want a more chocolaty flavor, skip mixes and try making hot chocolate instead.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

As I conducted this taste test, it became clear that prepackaged hot cocoa wasn't the best option for a drink with a rich texture and deep chocolate flavor.

For these qualities, I'd recommend making hot chocolate, which is made with melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder.

Even so, Ghirardelli's hot cocoa was the clear winner of this taste test.
five different individual packs of hot cocoa
Ghirardelli's mix took the cake, and Swiss Miss' hot cocoa was the runner-up.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Ghirardelli's hot cocoa satisfied my desire for a rich, chocolaty drink, and its thicker texture made it taste more gourmet than the others.

My runner-up is Swiss Miss because of the nostalgia factor and the balanced flavor — it wasn't too sweet nor so milky that the chocolate flavor disappeared.

  • This story was originally published on November 16, 2020, and most recently updated on December 17, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

How Christmas is celebrated in 21 places around the world

london christmas
Lights are a big part of the festivities during Christmas around the world.

Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock

  • There are lots of different ways people celebrate Christmas around the world
  • In Japan, a bucket of KFC fried chicken has become a holiday staple.
  • Christmas Eve in Finland can involve going to the sauna with your whole family.

Christmas is a time of celebration and festivity, and there are many ways to observe it.

Individuals may have their own holiday traditions, but customs also vary across different countries and cultures. 

From rum-soaked desserts to dazzling markets, here's a closer look at how people celebrate Christmas around the world.

Some people in the Philippines celebrate Christmas for five months.
Christmas in the Philippines
Santa figures in the Philippines.

Dondi Tawatao/REUTERS

The Christmas season in the Philippines lasts for almost half the year.

Decorations start going up in September, and the holiday fervor doesn't end until the first Sunday in January.

Many people hang up paper lanterns called paróls and eat a big family meal on Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve.  

Many people in Japan like to eat fried chicken on Christmas.
kfc japan christmas
A KFC in Japan was decked out in Christmas decor in 2016.

Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock

In Japan, Christmas is celebrated in a more secular way than in other predominantly Christian countries.

It's considered a romantic day for couples, and many Japanese families treat themselves to what has become the traditional Christmas meal: a bucket of KFC fried chicken.

One Christmas tradition in Poland involves keeping a fish in your bathtub.
Poland
Holiday lights in Poland.

AP Images

Christmas in Poland is celebrated with gift-giving, church services, and fasting on Christmas Eve before a 12-dish feast, which usually features carp for good luck. 

Most people simply buy a cut of fish from the market, but the old tradition was for the lady of the house to keep a live carp in the bathtub for a few days before preparing it for the Christmas meal. 

This tradition is also popular in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Croatia.

Many people in Finland celebrate Christmas with a trip to the sauna.
finland santa
Santa Claus is also a big tradition for Finnish children.

Lehtikuva/REUTERS

In Finland (and many other countries around the globe), St. Lucia Day on December 13 is one of the main events of the holiday season.

On this date, the eldest girl in each family sometimes dons a white robe and a crown of candles before serving her family buns, cookies, coffee, or mulled wine to kick off the holiday season. 

On Christmas Eve, many Finnish families visit the sauna to relax or go to cemeteries to remember loved ones who have died before attending midnight mass. 

For Christmas lunch, the traditional meal is a porridge containing a hidden almond — although it's likely that this originated in Sweden. Whoever finds the almond will have good luck for the rest of the year.

In the UK, stockings are hung from the end of beds and the monarch gives an annual speech.
queen elizabeth christmas speech
The King or Queen of England gives an annual speech on Christmas Day.

Pool/Reuters

Rather than hanging Christmas stockings over the fireplace, families in the UK typically place them at the foot of their beds.

On Christmas Day, families break open crackers filled with small toys, jokes, and paper crowns — which are traditionally worn throughout the midday Christmas meal. 

The reigning monarch gives an annual broadcast speech on Christmas Day, during which they discuss what the holiday means to them. 

Boxing Day, December 26, is also a national holiday in the UK.

Christmas in Croatia can involve cleaning your shoes and avoiding Krampus.
christmas in croatia.JPG
Santa is sometimes called Djed Mraz in Croatia.

ANTONIO BRONIC/Reuters

Like many places around the world, some Croatian families celebrate Christmas with an Advent wreath made of straw or evergreen.

The wreath has four colored candles that symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.

On the night of December 5, children in Croatia make sure to clean their boots and place them by the window for St. Nicholas to fill with treats. However, naughty kids might only receive a few twigs from the Christmas monster, Krampus.

Christmas Eve is typically celebrated with a light, seafood dinner in preparation for the heavier feast on Christmas Day, complete with roasted meats and poppyseed rolls. 

People in Greece might keep a fire burning during Christmas to ward off holiday goblins.
night of wishes greece christmas.JPG
The Night of Wishes festival is a common Greek Christmas tradition.

ALEXANDROS AVRAMIDIS/Reuters

Greece is primarily a Greek Orthodox nation, and in addition to attending midnight church services on Christmas, families might also keep their fires burning or sprinkle holy water from a basil-wrapped cross to ward off the "kallikantzaroi" — evil creatures that creep into homes through the chimney and cause mischief.

Around Christmas, many Greek cities also hold a festival called the Night of Wishes where people gather to make wishes and release paper lanterns into the sky. 

Some holiday traditions in Greece also include making Christopsomo (Christmas bread) and decorating boats.

Christmas in Australia is often celebrated on the beach.
Christmas in Australia
Christmas takes place during the summer in Australia.

AP Images

Since December is a summer month in the southern hemisphere, most of Australia is bathed in balmy temps during the holidays.

Accordingly, those in Australia frequently celebrate Christmas with a lunchtime barbecue on the beach. Friends and family gather to indulge in prawns, lobster, and sweets before playing a game of cricket or taking a dip.

In Argentina, some celebrate Christmas with fireworks.
argentina Christmas
Fireworks are part of both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve festivities in Buenos Aires.

Marcos Brindicci/REUTERS

In Argentina, many families put up their Christmas trees on December 8 — the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary — and decorate them with cotton balls to look like snow. 

Fireworks are typically launched at midnight on Christmas Eve after a late dinner, and families with children also often light paper lanterns to send into the sky.

Some people continue the festivities and attend overnight parties, so Christmas Day is usually a more relaxed holiday in the country. 

For many in Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on January 7.
christmas caroling ukraine.JPG
Some people in Ukraine celebrate Christmas with caroling.

VALENTYN OGIRENKO/Reuters

Like many Orthodox countries, Ukraine uses the Julian calendar for its church festivals. This means some individuals there celebrate Christmas on January 7 rather than December 25.

Whenever the festivities begin, it's traditional to delay eating Christmas dinner until the first star in the sky is spotted.

Caroling in the streets and Vertep, the Ukrainian puppet theater, are also common holiday traditions.

In the US, children leave cookies for Santa and hang their stockings on the fireplace.
christmas new york
Rockefeller Center in New York City puts up a huge Christmas tree every year.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Families in the US often leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve in the hopes that they wake up to presents under the tree and in their stockings, which are hung by the fireplace.

Many families also have Christmas dinner complete with ham or roast beef and eggnog.

Cities typically put up lights and other decorations, and it's common for families to do the same in front of their own houses. 

In New York City, people who celebrate Christmas often look forward to traditions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. 

People in Spain often open presents on Epiphany.
madrid spain christmas
The Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6.

Shutterstock

Rather than unwrapping goodies on Christmas Day, most families in Spain open their presents on January 6, or Epiphany, which is the day that the three wise men are said to have brought gifts to the infant Jesus.

Many families in Spain decorate their houses with ornate nativity scenes and enjoy a seafood feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

There's also an annual Christmas lottery, called El Gordo ("The Big One"), which is the biggest of its kind. The grand event has roots tracing back to the 1800s.

The main celebration in Brazil typically takes place on Christmas Eve.
Brazil Christmas
Fireworks are also a part of Christmas festivities in Brazil.

AP Images

Much of the holiday celebration in Brazil takes place on December 24, when families and friends will often get together for a party that includes ringing in Christmas at midnight. 

The holiday feast, which is typically eaten on Christmas Eve, is usually packed with hearty portions of pork, ham, rice, nuts, and fruits.

A version of Secret Santa called "Amigo Secreto" is also popular for gift-giving. 

Hanging giant paper lanterns is a common Christmas tradition in India.
India Christmas
Star-shaped paper lanterns are a popular Christmas decoration in India.

AP Images

Although Hinduism is the prominent religion in India, the country also has a large population of Christians — which means Christmas is still widely celebrated. 

The holiday is usually observed by attending midnight mass and sharing a meal (and plenty of festive sweets) with family and neighbors.

Like many other festivals and holidays in the country, many towns and cities decorate for Christmas with plenty of lights, streamers, and flowers. 

Families might also hang mango leaves, star-shaped paper lanterns, or nativity scenes outside their homes. Inside, some people even decorate mango or banana trees.

Instead of waking up to presents under the tree, many families in India pack up boxes of sweets on Christmas morning and take them to their neighbors and friends. 

Father Frost visits Russian homes on New Year’s Eve.
Father Frost
Father Frost visits Russian homes.

AP Images

In Russia, New Year's Eve is usually the day of celebration complete with a New Year tree and a visit from the Slavic character Father Frost, who leaves unwrapped presents for children. 

On January 7, some Russian households enjoy a meatless Christmas feast that traditionally includes 12 dishes representing the 12 apostles. 

In Latvia, you might have to read a poem before getting your presents.
Latvia Christmas
Decorated Christmas trees may have originated in Latvia.

AP Images

One Latvian Christmas tradition involves reciting a poem, playing an instrument, or singing a song in exchange for receiving one of your presents.

Christmas markets that sell foods, drinks, and gifts are also popular in the country, and it claims to be the home of the first decorated Christmas tree.

One of the oldest recorded uses of an evergreen tree to celebrate Christmas dates back to the year 1510 in Riga, the country's capital, though it's hard to know if it was indeed the first use of the tradition.

Christmas in Kenya is all about connecting with family.
christmas eve vigil kenya.JPG
It's common for Kenyans to attend a Christmas Eve vigil.

THOMAS MUKOYA/Reuters

In Kenya, families often see family for Christmas. Many attend midnight Christmas vigils and indulge in a big meal that often includes goat, sheep, and rice.

Instead of evergreen trees, those in Kenya sometimes decorate cypress trees or local evergreen trees with lights and ornaments. 

Christmas in Pakistan is a religious celebration filled with family activities.
Pakistan Christmas
Many Pakistani Christians attend a candlelight service ahead of Christmas.

AP Images

Though Pakistan is a predominantly Islamic country, Christians often celebrate Christmas by caroling with family and friends or setting up a Nativity scene in their homes and churches.

On Christmas Day, some families attend Bara Din celebrations at church. This festive event calls for spending time with family and feasting on delicious food.

Caroling is a big part of Christmas in many parts of Romania.
Romania christmas
Children perform a holiday season ritual in Bucharest, Romania.

AP Images

Children carol house to house in Romania, receiving traditional sweets and cakes in return for their efforts.

In some parts of the country, it's also traditional for one person to dress up as a goat with a colorful mask and cause mischief among the carolers. However, in other parts, a similar tradition exists but with one caroler dressing up as a bear. 

On Christmas Eve, many families start decorating their trees and hanging mistletoe in their houses for good luck. 

Decorations and festive markets are popular in Germany around Christmastime.
christmas bavaria germany
Christmas markets are also popular in Germany.

irakite/Getty Images

In Germany, preparing for Christmas often includes strolling through markets while sipping mulled wine. 

Families also decorate their trees with angel ornaments and light candles in their windows. 

A few traditional holiday desserts include stollen, a cake filled with dried fruit and sprinkled with powdered sugar, and lebkuchen, a large spiced cookie that often features a message written in frosting. 

In France, Christmas markets are a popular places to shop.
France christmas
People stroll through a Christmas market in Paris.

AP Images

Christmas in France usually involves strolling through festive markets and cutting into a lavishly decorated bûche de Noël cake.

An actual Yule log is also often burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve after being sprinkled with red wine to make it smell even nicer.

The holiday feast, called le réveillon de Noël, is typically eaten around midnight on Christmas Day, and in some parts of France, it's traditional to eat 13 different desserts.

This story was originally published in December 2018, and most recently updated on December 17, 2024.

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There are 164 songs in history that have been certified diamond — here they all are

Top Diamond Certified Artists on a green purple background
Elton John, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, and Bruno Mars.

Arif Qazi / Insider

  • The RIAA gives diamond certifications to songs that have gone platinum 10 times.
  • "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" and "Halo" by Beyoncé are the most recent songs to receive the award.
  • Listen to the complete playlist on Business Insider's Spotify.

The official diamond award was unveiled by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1999. In the years since then, it has been bestowed sparingly — only if a song has moved at least 10 million equivalent units by combining sales and streaming numbers.

Crucially, an artist or label must also request certification through an application process, which can lead to a delay in updated sales figures.

Keep reading for the RIAA's complete list of diamond-certified songs, in chronological order of certification date.

1. "Something About The Way You Look Tonight / Candle in the Wind" by Elton John
elton john something about the way you look tonight
The song was released in 1997.

Elton John/YouTube

"Something About the Way You Look Tonight / Candle in the Wind" became the first-ever song to be certified diamond on October 9, 1997.

In fact, the RIAA recognized the song's multi-platinum success two years before the diamond award was officially established. It remains the only physical single in history to be certified diamond and the highest-certified song released in the '90s.

2. "Baby" by Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris
baby justin bieber
"Baby" was released in 2010.

Justin Bieber/YouTube

"Baby" was certified diamond on May 9, 2013.

3. "Not Afraid" by Eminem
eminem not afraid
"Not Afraid" was released in 2010 as the lead single for "Recovery."

Eminem/YouTube

"Not Afraid" was certified diamond on June 10, 2014.

4. "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
lady gaga bad romance
"Bad Romance" was released in 2009.

Lady Gaga/YouTube

"Bad Romance" was certified diamond on May 29, 2015.

5. "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons
radioactive imagine dragons music video
"Radioactive" was released in 2012.

Imagine Dragons/YouTube

"Radioactive" was certified diamond on July 6, 2015.

6. "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz
macklemore thrift store
"Thrift Shop" was released in 2012.

Macklemore/YouTube

"Thrift Shop" was certified diamond on November 19, 2015.

7. "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga
lady gaga poker face
"Poker Face" was released in 2008.

Lady Gaga/YouTube

"Poker Face" was certified diamond on November 30, 2015.

8. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
call me maybe
"Call Me Maybe" was released in 2011.

Carly Rae Jepsen/YouTube

"Call Me Maybe" was certified diamond on September 28, 2016.

9. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
uptown funk music video
"Uptown Funk" was released in 2014.

Mark Ronson/YouTube

"Uptown Funk" was certified diamond on October 18, 2016.

10. "Roar" by Katy Perry
roar katy perry
"Roar" was released in 2013.

Katy Perry/YouTube

"Roar" was certified diamond on June 22, 2017.

11. "Royals" by Lorde
royals lorde
"Royals" was originally released for free on SoundCloud in 2012.

Lorde/YouTube

"Royals" was certified diamond on December 8, 2017.

12. "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor
all about that bass
"All About That Bass" was released in 2014.

Meghan Trainor/YouTube

"All About That Bass" was certified diamond on January 23, 2018.

13. "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
despacito music video
"Despacito" was released in 2017. The Justin Bieber remix was released three months later.

Luis Fonsi/YouTube

"Despacito" was certified diamond on January 27, 2018.

14. "Firework" by Katy Perry
katy perry firework
"Firework" was released in 2010.

Katy Perry/YouTube

"Firework" was certified diamond on February 13, 2018.

15. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
eminem lose yourself
"Lose Yourself" was released in 2002 for the soundtrack of his film "8 Mile."

Eminem/YouTube

"Lose Yourself" was certified diamond on February 28, 2018.

16. "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna
love the way you lie
"Love the Way You Lie" was released in 2010.

Eminem/YouTube

"Love the Way You Lie" was certified diamond on February 28, 2018.

17. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.
blurred lines music video
"Blurred Lines" was released in 2013.

Robin Thicke/YouTube

"Blurred Lines" was certified diamond on June 6, 2018.

18. "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
i gotta feeling music video
"I Gotta Feeling" was released in 2009.

Black Eyed Peas/YouTube

"I Gotta Feeling" was certified diamond on June 6, 2018.

19. "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock
party rock anthem lmfao
"Party Rock Anthem" was released in 2011.

LMFAO/YouTube

"Party Rock Anthem" was certified diamond on June 6, 2018.

20. "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic
counting stars onerepublic
"Counting Stars" was released in 2013.

OneRepublic/YouTube

"Counting Stars" was certified diamond on August 20, 2018.

21. "Closer" by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
closer chainsmokers halsey
"Closer" was released in 2016.

The Chainsmokers/YouTube

"Closer" was certified diamond on September 17, 2018.

22. "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
florida georgia line cruise
"Cruise" was released in 2012.

Florida Georgia Line/YouTube

"Cruise" was certified diamond on October 10, 2018.

23. "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry featuring Juicy J
katy perry dark horse
"Dark Horse" was released in 2013.

Katy Perry/YouTube

"Dark Horse" was certified diamond on December 12, 2018.

24. "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
bruno mars just the way you are
"Just the Way You Are" was released in 2010.

Bruno Mars/YouTube

"Just the Way You Are" was certified diamond on January 11, 2019.

25. "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
ed sheeran shape of you
"Shape of You" was released in 2017.

Ed Sheeran/YouTube

"Shape of You" was certified diamond on January 24, 2019.

26. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
thinking out loud ed sheeran
"Thinking Out Loud" was released in 2014.

Ed Sheeran/YouTube

"Thinking Out Loud" was certified diamond on February 8, 2019.

27. "We Are Young" by Fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
we are young janelle monae
"We Are Young" was released in 2011.

Fueled By Ramen/YouTube

"We Are Young" was certified diamond on June 13, 2019.

28. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
jason mraz i'm yours
"I'm Yours" was originally released as a demo in 2005 and officially in 2008.

Jason Mraz/YouTube

"I'm Yours" was certified diamond on June 24, 2019.

29. "The Hills" by The Weeknd
the weeknd the hills
"The Hills" was released in 2015.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"The Hills" was certified diamond on June 28, 2019.

30. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
see you again wiz charlie music video
"See You Again" was released in 2015 for the soundtrack of "Furious 7."

Wiz Khalifa/YouTube

"See You Again" was certified diamond on September 24, 2019.

31. "God's Plan" by Drake
drake god's plan
"God's Plan" was released in 2018.

Drake/YouTube

"God's Plan" was certified diamond on September 25, 2019.

32. "Congratulations" by Post Malone featuring Quavo
congratulations post malone
"Congratulations" was released in 2016.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Congratulations" was certified diamond on October 8, 2019.

33. "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
old town road
"Old Town Road" was released in 2019.

Lil Nas X/YouTube

"Old Town Road" is the fastest song in history to be certified diamond. It received the honor on October 22, 2019, less than one year after its original release.

34. "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap
trap queen fetty wap
"Trap Queen" was released in 2014.

Harlem Fetty/YouTube

"Trap Queen" was certified diamond on November 8, 2019.

35. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
perfect ed sheeran
"Perfect" was released in 2017.

Ed Sheeran/YouTube

"Perfect" was certified diamond on December 20, 2019.

36. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
taylor swift shake it off
"Shake It Off" was released in 2014.

Taylor Swift/YouTube

"Shake It Off" was certified diamond on March 13, 2020, making Swift the first female artist in US history to have both a diamond-certified single and album (2008's "Fearless").

37. "Happy" by Pharrell
pharrell happy
"Happy" was released in 2013.

Pharrell/YouTube

"Happy" was certified diamond on May 6, 2020.

38. "Meant to Be" by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
bebe rexha meant to be
"Meant to Be" was released in 2017.

Bebe Rexha/YouTube

"Meant to Be" was certified diamond on August 17, 2020.

39. "Grenade" by Bruno Mars
grenade bruno mars
"Grenade" was released in 2010.

Bruno Mars/YouTube

"Grenade" was certified diamond on October 2, 2020.

40. "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People
foster the people pumped up kicks
"Pumped Up Kicks" was released in 2010.

FosterThePeople/YouTube

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People was certified diamond on October 13, 2020.

41. "All of Me" by John Legend
all of me john legend
"All of Me" was released in 2013

John Legend/YouTube

"All of Me" was certified diamond on October 13, 2020.

42. "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong
baby shark pinkfong
Pinkfong's "Baby Shark" was uploaded to YouTube in 2015.

Pinkfong! Kids' Songs & Stories/YouTube

"Baby Shark" was certified diamond on November 5, 2020.

43. "Rockstar" by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
post malone rockstar
"Rockstar" was released in 2017.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Rockstar" was certified diamond on November 9, 2020.

44. "Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" by Post Malone and Swae Lee
sunflower post malone swae lee
"Sunflower" was released in 2018.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" was certified diamond on November 9, 2020.

45. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
sam smith stay with me
"Stay With Me" was released in 2014.

Sam Smith/YouTube

"Stay With Me" was certified diamond on November 12, 2020.

46. "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus
party in the usa miley cyrus 2
"Party in the U.S.A." was released in 2009.

HollywoodRecordsVevo/YouTube

"Party in the U.S.A." was certified diamond on December 7, 2020.

47. "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott featuring Drake
sicko mode travis scott
"Sicko Mode" was released in 2018.

Travis Scott/YouTube

"Sicko Mode" was certified diamond on December 9, 2020.

48. "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B
cardi b bodak yellow
"Bodak Yellow" was released in 2017.

Cardi B/YouTube

"Bodak Yellow" was certified diamond on March 8, 2021, making Cardi B the first female rapper in history to have a diamond-certified single.

49. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
bohemian rhapsody queen
"Bohemian Rhapsody" was released in 1975.

Queen/YouTube

"Bohemian Rhapsody" was certified diamond on March 25, 2021.

50. "Sorry" by Justin Bieber
justin bieber sorry video
"Sorry" was released in 2015.

Justin Bieber/YouTube

"Sorry" was certified diamond on March 29, 2021.

51. "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train
hey soul sister train
"Hey, Soul Sister" was released in 2009.

Train/YouTube

"Hey, Soul Sister" was certified diamond on April 7, 2021.

52. "Low" by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
low flo rida
"Low" was released in 2007.

Flo Rida/YouTube

"Low" was certified diamond on April 22, 2021.

53. "Stressed Out" by Twenty One Pilots
stressed out twenty one pilots
"Stressed Out" was released in 2015.

Fueled By Ramen/YouTube

"Stressed Out" was certified diamond on April 30, 2021.

54. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra
somebody that i used to know
"Somebody That I Used to Know" was released in 2011.

gotyemusic/YouTube

"Somebody That I Used to Know" was certified diamond on May 6, 2021.

55. "That's What I Like" by Bruno Mars
bruno mars that's what i like
"That's What I Like" was released as a single in 2017.

Bruno Mars/YouTube

"That's What I Like" was certified diamond on May 21, 2021.

56. "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
bruno mars when i was your man
"When I Was Your Man" was released as a single in 2013.

Bruno Mars/YouTube

"When I Was Your Man" was certified diamond on May 21, 2021, making Mars the first artist in history with five diamond-certified songs.

57. "Sail" by AWOLNATION
sail awolnation music video
"Sail" was released as a single in 2010.

Red Bull Records

"Sail" was certified diamond on June 14, 2021.

58. "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5
maroon 5 moves like jagger music video
"Moves Like Jagger" was released as a single in 2011.

Maroon 5/YouTube

"Moves Like Jagger" was certified diamond on July 1, 2021.

59. "Sad!" by XXXTentacion
Sad! - XXXTENTACION
"Sad!" was released in 2018.

XXXTENTACION/YouTube

"Sad!" was certified diamond on August 13, 2021.

60. "Demons" by Imagine Dragons
demons imagine dragons
"Demons" was released in 2013.

Imagine Dragons/YouTube

"Demons" was certified diamond on August 31, 2021.

61. "Believer" by Imagine Dragons
believer imagine dragons
"Believer" was released as a single in 2017.

Imagine Dragons/YouTube

"Believer" was certified diamond on August 31, 2021.

62. "Lean On" by Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ
Lean On - Major Lazer & DJ Snake
"Lean On" was released in 2015.

Major Lazer/YouTube

"Lean On" was certified diamond on September 17, 2021.

63. "Havana" by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
havana camila cabello
"Havana" was released in 2017.

Camila Cabello/YouTube

"Havana" was certified diamond on October 4, 2021.

64. "Stronger" by Kanye West
kanye west stronger
"Stronger" was released in 2007.

Kanye West/YouTube

"Stronger" was certified diamond on October 6, 2021.

65. "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj
super bass nicki minaj
"Super Bass" was released in 2011.

Nicki Minaj/YouTube

"Super Bass" was certified diamond on November 9, 2021.

66. "Life Is Good" by Future featuring Drake
Future Drake Life Is Good music video
"Life Is Good" was released in 2020.

Future/YouTube

"Life Is Good" was certified diamond on November 22, 2021.

67. "Girls Like You" by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
Maroon 5 Girls Like You music video
"Girls Like You" was released in 2018.

Maroon 5/YouTube

"Girls Like You" was certified diamond on November 29, 2021.

68. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
mariah carey all i want for christmas is you
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" was released in 1994.

Mariah Carey/YouTube

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" was certified diamond on December 3, 2021.

69. "The Box" by Roddy Ricch
the box roddy ricch
"The Box" was released in 2019.

Roddy Ricch/YouTube

"The Box" was certified diamond on December 6, 2021.

70. "I Like It" by Cardi B featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny
i like it cardi b
"I Like It" was released in 2018.

Cardi B/YouTube

"I Like It" was certified diamond on December 13, 2021.

71. "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton Tennessee Whiskey performance
"Tennessee Whiskey" was released in 2015.

Chris Stapleton/YouTube

"Tennessee Whiskey" was certified diamond on December 14, 2021.

72. "Sugar" by Maroon 5
maroon 5 sugar music video
"Sugar" was released as a single in 2015.

Maroon 5/YouTube

"Sugar" was certified diamond on January 11, 2022.

It marks Maroon 5's third diamond-certified song, putting the band on equal footing with the likes of Eminem, Ed Sheeran, and Cardi B.

73. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
i will always love you whitney houston
"I Will Always Love You" was released in 1992.

Whitney Houston/YouTube

"I Will Always Love You" was certified diamond on January 12, 2022.

74. "Lucid Dreams" by Juice Wrld
juice wrld lucid dreams music video
"Lucid Dreams" was released in 2018.

Lyrical Lemonade/YouTube

"Lucid Dreams" was certified diamond on February 4, 2022.

75. "Location" by Khalid
khalid location music video
"Location" was released in 2016.

Khalid/YouTube

"Location" was certified diamond on March 3, 2022.

76. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
a thousand years christina perri
"A Thousand Years" was released in 2011.

Christina Perri/YouTube

"A Thousand Years" was certified diamond on March 3, 2022.

77. "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd
the weeknd blinding lights video
"Blinding Lights" was released in 2019.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"Blinding Lights" was certified diamond on April 5, 2022.

78. "Starboy" by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk
the weeknd starboy
"Starboy" was released in 2016.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"Starboy" was certified diamond on April 5, 2022.

79. "Timber" by Pitbull featuring Kesha
kesha timber music video
"Timber" was released in 2013.

Pitbull/YouTube

"Timber" was certified diamond on June 23, 2022.

80. "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons
imagine dragons thunder music video
"Thunder" was released in 2017.

Imagine Dragons/YouTube

"Thunder" was certified diamond on July 7, 2022, marking Imagine Dragon's fourth diamond-certified song.

81. "Don't Let Me Down" by The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
don't let me down music video chainsmokers daya
"Don't Let Me Down" was released in 2016.

The Chainsmokers/YouTube

"Don't Let Me Down" was certified diamond on July 11, 2022.

82. "Heathens" by Twenty One Pilots
twenty one pilots heathens music video
"Heathens" was released in 2016.

Fueled by Ramen/YouTube

"Heathens" was certified diamond on July 22, 2022.

83. "Unforgettable" by French Montana featuring Swae Lee
French Montana Swae Lee Unforgettable music video
"Unforgettable" was released in 2017.

French Montana/YouTube

"Unforgettable" was certified diamond on August 25, 2022.

84. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean music video
"Billie Jean" was released in 1982.

Michael Jackson/YouTube

"Billie Jean" was certified diamond on August 29, 2022.

85. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson Thriller music video
"Thriller" was released in 1982.

Michael Jackson/YouTube

"Thriller" was certified diamond on August 29, 2022.

86. "Drip Too Hard" by Lil Baby and Gunna
lil baby gunna drip too hard music video
"Drip Too Hard" was released in 2018.

Lil Baby/YouTube

"Drip Too Hard" was certified diamond on September 12, 2022.

87. "Locked Out of Heaven" by Bruno Mars
bruno mars locked out of heaven music video
"Locked Out of Heaven" was released in 2012.

Bruno Mars/YouTube

"Locked Out of Heaven" was certified diamond on October 1, 2022. Mars now has six diamond-certified songs, the third-most in history.

88. "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton
can't hold us macklemore ryan lewis music video
"Can't Hold Us" was released in 2011.

Macklemore/YouTube

"Can't Hold Us" was certified diamond on October 14, 2022.

89. "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker
wagon wheel darius rucker music video
"Wagon Wheel" was released in 2013.

Darius Rucker/YouTube

"Wagon Wheel" was certified diamond on October 27, 2022.

90. "Something Just Like This" by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
something just like this lyric video chainsmokers coldplay
"Something Just Like This" was released in 2017.

The Chainsmokers/YouTube

"Something Just Like This" was certified diamond on November 2, 2022.

91. "Psycho" by Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
post malone psycho music video
"Psycho" was released in 2018.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Psycho" was certified diamond on November 14, 2022.

92. "White Iverson" by Post Malone
post malone white iverson music video
"White Iverson" was released in 2015.

Post Malone/YouTube

"White Iverson" was certified diamond on November 14, 2022.

93. "Can't Feel My Face" by The Weeknd
the weeknd can't feel my face
"Can't Feel My Face" was released in 2015.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"Can't Feel My Face" was certified diamond on December 6, 2022.

94. "Hotline Bling" by Drake
drake hotline bling music video
"Hotline Bling" was released in 2015.

Drake/YouTube

"Hotline Bling" was certified diamond on December 8, 2022.

95. "One Dance" by Drake
drake one dance snl
"One Dance" was released in 2016.

NBC

"One Dance" was certified diamond on December 8, 2022.

96. "Lollipop" by Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
lil wayne lollipop music video
"Lollipop" was released in 2008.

Lil Wayne/YouTube

"Lollipop" was certified diamond on December 14, 2022.

97. "Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)" by Kid Cudi featuring MGMT and Ratatat
kid cudi pursuit of happiness music video
"Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)" was released in 2009.

Kid Cudi/YouTube

"Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)" was certified diamond on December 15, 2022.

98. "XO Tour Llif3" by Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert XO Tour Llif3 music video
"XO Tour Llif3" was released in 2017.

Lil Uzi Vert/YouTube

"XO Tour Llif3" was certified diamond on December 7, 2022.

99. "Fireflies" by Owl City
owl city fireflies music video
"Fireflies" was released in 2009.

Owl City/YouTube

"Fireflies" was certified diamond on January 25, 2023. It's also one of the few solo-written songs from this century to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

100. "Without Me" by Halsey
halsey without me
"Without Me" was released in 2018.

Halsey/YouTube

"Without Me" was certified diamond on February 1, 2023.

101. "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur
James Arthur Say You Won't Let Go music video
"Say You Won't Let Go" was released in 2016.

James Arthur/YouTube

"Say You Won't Let Go" was certified diamond on February 15, 2023.

102. "Earned It" by The Weeknd
the weeknd earned it music video
"Earned It" was released in 2014.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"Earned It" was certified diamond on February 16, 2023.

Although it was released as the lead single from the "Fifty Shades of Grey" film soundtrack, "Earned It" was also included on The Weeknd's sophomore studio album "Beauty Behind the Madness" — the first album in history to have three diamond-certified songs on its tracklist.

103. "Take Me to Church" by Hozier
hozier take me to church music video
"Take Me to Church" was released in 2013.

Hozier/YouTube

"Take Me to Church" was certified diamond on March 15, 2023.

104. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
lady gaga just dance music video
"Just Dance" was released in 2008.

Lady Gaga/YouTube

"Just Dance" was certified diamond on April 12, 2023.

105. "Need You Now" by Lady A
lady a need you now music video
"Need You Now" was released in 2009.

Lady A/YouTube

"Need You Now" was certified diamond on April 17, 2023.

106. "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood
the neighbourhood sweater weather music video
"Sweater Weather" was released in 2012.

The Neighbourhood/YouTube

"Sweater Weather" was certified diamond on April 19, 2023.

107. "Better Now" by Post Malone
post malone better now music video
"Better Now" was released in 2018.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Better Now" was certified diamond on April 20, 2023.

108. "I Fall Apart" by Post Malone
post malone i fall apart performance video
"I Fall Apart" was released in 2017.

Post Malone/YouTube

"I Fall Apart" was certified diamond on April 20, 2023.

109. "Circles" by Post Malone
post malone circles music video
"Circles" was released in 2019.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Circles" was certified diamond on April 20, 2023.

110. "We Found Love" by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
we found love
"We Found Love" was released in 2011.

Rihanna/YouTube

"We Found Love" was certified diamond on April 27, 2023.

111. "Beautiful Crazy" by Luke Combs
luke combs beautiful crazy music video
"Beautiful Crazy" was released in 2018.

Luke Combs/YouTube

"Beautiful Crazy" was certified diamond on June 12, 2023.

112. "Ni**as in Paris" by Jay-Z and Kanye West
Jay-Z Kanye West Ni**as In Paris music video
"Ni**as In Paris" was released in 2011.

Kanye West/YouTube

"Ni**as in Paris" was certified diamond on June 12, 2023.

113. "Wake Me Up" by Avicii
avicii wake me up music video
"Wake Me Up" was released in 2013.

Avicii/YouTube

"Wake Me Up" was certified diamond on June 16, 2023.

114. "Fuck Love" by XXXTentacion featuring Trippie Redd
XXXTentacion
"Fuck Love" was released in 2017.

Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

"Fuck Love" was certified diamond on June 18, 2023.

115. "California Gurls" by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
katy perry california gurls music video
"California Gurls" was released in 2010.

Katy Perry/YouTube

"California Gurls" was certified diamond on June 21, 2023.

116. "Stay" by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber
the kid laroi stay music video
"Stay" was released in 2021.

The Kid LAROI/YouTube

"Stay" was certified diamond on June 23, 2023.

The hit collaboration marks Bieber's fourth diamond single, tying Perry for fifth place among all artists.

117. "No Hands" by Waka Flocka Flame featuring Wale and Roscoe Dash
Waka Flocka Flame No Hands music video
"No Hands" was released in 2010.

Waka Flocka/YouTube

"No Hands" was certified diamond on July 20, 2023.

118. "Riptide" by Vance Joy
vance joy riptide music video
"Riptide" was released in 2013.

Vance Joy/YouTube

"Riptide" was certified diamond on July 27, 2023.

119. "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish
billie eilish bad guy music video
"Bad Guy" was released in 2019.

Billie Eilish/YouTube

"Bad Guy" was certified diamond on July 31, 2023.

120. "Body Like a Back Road" by Sam Hunt
sam hunt body like a back road lyrics video
"Body Like a Back Road" was released in 2017.

Sam Hunt/YouTube

"Body Like a Back Road" was certified diamond on August 1, 2023.

121. "In da Club" by 50 Cent
50 cent in da club music video
"In da Club" was released in 2003.

50 Cent/YouTube

"In da Club" was certified diamond on November 1, 2023.

122. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa
dua lipa levitating music video
"Levitating" was released in 2020.

Dua Lipa/YouTube

"Levitating" was certified diamond on November 6, 2023.

123. "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi Someone You Loved music video
"Someone You Loved" was released in 2018.

Lewis Capaldi/YouTube

"Someone You Loved" was certified diamond on November 8, 2023.

124. "Young Dumb & Broke" by Khalid
khalid young dumb and broke
"Young Dumb & Broke" was released in 2017.

Khalid/YouTube

"Young Dumb & Broke" was certified diamond on December 6, 2023.

125. "Heaven" by Kane Brown
kane brown heaven
"Heaven" was released in 2017.

Kane Brown/YouTube

"Heaven" was certified diamond on December 7, 2023.

126. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
the killers mr brightside music video
"Mr. Brightside" was released in 2004.

The Killers/YouTube

"Mr. Brightside" was certified diamond on January 12, 2024.

127. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
journey steve perry
"Don't Stop Believin'" was released in 1981.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

"Don't Stop Believin'" was certified diamond on January 26, 2024.

128. "Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris
usher yeah
"Yeah!" was released in 2004.

Usher/YouTube

"Yeah!" was certified diamond on February 9, 2024.

129. "In The End" by Linkin Park
linkin park in the end music video
"In The End" was released in 2000.

Linkin Park/YouTube

"In The End" was certified diamond on February 27, 2024.

130. "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young
brett young in case you didn't know music video
"In Case You Didn't Know" was released in 2017.

Brett Young/YouTube

"In Case You Didn't Know" was certified diamond on March 19, 2024.

131. "Diamonds" by Rihanna
rihanna diamonds music video
"Diamonds" was released in 2012.

Rihanna/YouTube

"Diamonds" was certified diamond on April 22, 2024.

132. "Wow." by Post Malone
post malone wow music video
"Wow." was released in 2018.

Post Malone/YouTube

"Wow." was certified diamond on April 23, 2024, becoming Post Malone's ninth diamond single.

Malone holds the record for the most among any artist in history.

133. "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel
frozen let it go
"Let It Go" was released in 2013.

DisneyMusicVevo/YouTube

"Let It Go" was certified diamond on May 13, 2024.

134. "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj
jessie j ariana grande bang bang music video
"Bang Bang" was released in 2014.

Jessie J/YouTube

"Bang Bang" was certified diamond on May 23, 2024.

135. "Needed Me" by Rihanna
rihanna needed me music video
"Needed Me" was released in 2016.

Rihanna/YouTube

"Needed Me" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024.

136. "Work" by Rihanna
rihanna work music video
"Work" was released in 2016.

Rihanna/YouTube

"Work" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024. The song was originally released with a Drake feature, but he is not credited for the certification on the RIAA's website.

137. "Umbrella" by Rihanna
rihanna umbrella music video
"Umbrella" was released in 2007.

Rihanna/YouTube

"Umbrella" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024.

138. "Stay" by Rihanna
rihanna stay music video
"Stay" was released in 2012.

Rihanna/YouTube

"Stay" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024, becoming Rihanna's seventh diamond single.

She holds the record among female artists, second only to Post Malone for the all-time record — despite her last album being released over eight years ago.

Rihanna reacted to the historic news on X, writing, "ain't no back n forth."

139. "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer
pitbull give me everything music video
"Give Me Everything" was released in 2011.

Pitbull/YouTube

"Give Me Everything" was certified diamond on June 6, 2024.

140. "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals
glass animals heat wave music video
"Heat Waves" was released in 2020.

Glass Animals/YouTube

"Heat Waves" was certified diamond on June 6, 2024.

141. "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd
the weeknd save your tears music video
"Save Your Tears" was released in 2020.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"Save Your Tears" was certified diamond on June 20, 2024.

142. "Die For You" by The Weeknd
the weeknd die for you music video
"Die For You" was released as a single in 2017.

The Weeknd/YouTube

"Die For You" was certified diamond on June 20, 2024, becoming The Weeknd's seventh diamond single.

He is now tied with Rihanna for the second-most in history — trailing only Post Malone, who holds the record with nine.

143. "Drowning" by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie featuring Kodak Black
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie drowning music video
"Drowning" was released in 2017.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie/YouTube

"Drowning" was certified diamond on June 25, 2024.

144. "E.T." by Katy Perry
katy perry e.t. music video
"E.T." was released as a single in 2011.

Katy Perry/YouTube

"E.T." was certified diamond on July 1, 2024.

145. "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry
katy perry teenage dream
"Teenage Dream" was released in 2010.

Katy Perry/YouTube

"Teenage Dream" was certified diamond on July 1, 2024, becoming Katy Perry's sixth diamond single.

She is now tied with Bruno Mars for the third-most in history.

"Teenage Dream" was released as a single from Perry's 2010 album of the same name, along with "Firework," "California Gurls," and "E.T" — the first and only album to have four diamond-certified songs on its tracklist.

146. "Chandelier" by Sia
Chandelier sia music video
"Chandelier" was released in 2014.

Sia/YouTube

"Chandelier" was certified diamond on July 3, 2024.

147. "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
ac/dc thunderstruck music video
"Thunderstruck" was released in 1990.

AC/DC/YouTube

"Thunderstruck" was certified diamond on July 8, 2024.

148. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi Livin' on a Prayer music video
"Livin' on a Prayer" was released in 1986.

Bon Jovi/YouTube

"Livin' on a Prayer" was certified diamond on July 23, 2024.

149. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
jay-z alicia keys empire state of mind music video
"Empire State of Mind" was released in 2009.

Jay-Z/YouTube

"Empire State of Mind" was certified diamond on July 24, 2024.

150. "Middle Child" by J. Cole
J. Cole Middle Child music video
"Middle Child" was released in 2019.

J. Cole/YouTube

"Middle Child" was certified diamond on July 24, 2024.

151. "When It Rains It Pours" by Luke Combs
Luke Combs when it rains it pours music video
"When It Rains It Pours" was released in 2017.

Luke Combs/YouTube

"When It Rains It Pours" was certified diamond on August 14, 2024.

152. "Hurricane" by Luke Combs
Luke Combs hurricane music video
"Hurricane" was released in 2016.

Luke Combs/YouTube

"Hurricane" was certified diamond on August 14, 2024.

153. "No One" by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys No One music video
"No One" was released in 2007.

Alicia Keys/YouTube

"No One" was certified diamond on August 16, 2024.

154. "Happier" by Marshmello featuring Bastille
Happier music video marshmello bastille
"Happier" was released in 2018.

Marshmello/YouTube

"Happier" was certified diamond on August 19, 2024.

155. "Goosebumps" by Travis Scott
Travis Scott in the "Goosebumps" music video.
"Goosebumps" was released in 2016.

Travis Scott/YouTube

"Goosebumps" was certified diamond on August 28, 2024.

156. "No Guidance" by Chris Brown featuring Drake
drake chris brown no guidance
"No Guidance" was released in 2019.

Chris Brown/YouTube

"No Guidance" was certified diamond on November 12, 2024, becoming Drake's sixth diamond-certified song.

He's tied with Bruno Mars and Katy Perry for the third-most in history, trailing The Weeknd (seven), Rihanna (seven), and Post Malone (nine).

157. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
Iris Goo Goo Dolls music video
"Iris" was released in 1998.

Goo Goo Dolls/YouTube

"Iris" was certified diamond on November 15, 2024.

158. "Starships" by Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj in the "Starships" music video.
"Starships" was released in 2012.

Nicki Minaj/YouTube

"Starships" was certified diamond on November 18, 2024.

159. "Lovely" by Billie Eilish and Khalid
lovely billie eilish khalid
"Lovely" was released in 2018.

Billie Eilish/YouTube

"Lovely" was certified diamond on November 18, 2024.

160. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
Kurt Cobain in Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was released in 1991.

Nirvana/YouTube

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was certified diamond on December 6, 2024.

161. "No Role Modelz" by J. Cole
J. Cole performs at the 2014 Osheaga Music and Art Festival.
"No Role Modelz" was released in 2014.

Mark Horton/WireImage

"No Role Modelz" was certified diamond on December 10, 2024.

162. "Hey Ya!" by Outkast
Hey Ya! Outkast music video
"Hey Ya!" was released in 2003.

Outkast/YouTube

"Hey Ya!" was certified diamond on December 13, 2024.

163. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" by Beyoncé
Beyoncé in the "Single Ladies" music video.
"Single Ladies" was released in 2008.

Beyoncé/YouTube

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" was certified diamond on December 17, 2024.

164. "Halo" by Beyoncé
Beyoncé in the "Halo" music video.
"Halo" was released in 2008.

Beyoncé/YouTube

"Halo" was certified diamond on December 17, 2024.

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The cast of 'The Holiday': Then and now

kate winslet in the holiday and today
"The Holiday" is one of Kate Winslet's most beloved movies.

Columbia Pictures/C Flanigan/Getty Images

  • "The Holiday" came out over 18 years ago, on November 29, 2006.
  • It tells the story of two women from England and Los Angeles who switch homes for the holidays.
  • Eli Wallach who played Arthur Abbott died in 2014, but many of the film's actors are still working.

"The Holiday" came out 18 years ago and remains many people's favorite Christmas movie

In the film, single women Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) switch homes over the holidays. Many of the movie's actors are still working, though Eli Wallach, who played Arthur Abbott, died in 2014. Diaz, who announced in 2014 that she was retiring from acting after a lengthy career in film and television, will soon return to the big screen in the coming Netflix movie "Back in Action," costarring Jamie Foxx

"The Holiday" has become a classic since its 2006 release, grossing more than $205 million worldwide, despite a modest opening of just over $12 million compared to its $85 million budget, Box Office Mojo reported.

Here's what the cast of "The Holiday" is up to today.

Kate Winslet played Iris, a woman who decides to spend the holidays in Los Angeles after her ex-boyfriend announces he's engaged to another woman.
kate winslet the holiday
Kate Winslet in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

After receiving the heartbreaking news, Iris is depressed and distraught. However, after getting a request from Los Angeles movie trailer executive Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz, to switch homes for the holidays, everything starts to look up for Iris. 

While in Los Angeles, she befriends an elderly neighbor who wrote for many old Hollywood movies and gains self-confidence. She also meets a film score writer, played by Jack Black. Their adorable friendship turns romantic at the end of the movie.

Kate Winslet is still one of the most famous actresses in the world.
kate winslet at wimbledon in july 2022
Kate Winslet in July 2022.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

After "The Holiday," Winslet starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "Revolutionary Road," for which she won a Golden Globe award for best actress in a leading role. She also won an Academy Award for best actress in a leading role for "The Reader" in 2009.

More recently, Winslet starred alongside "Little Women" star Saoirse Ronan in "Ammonite," a period drama released in 2020, and multiple television series, including "Lee." Winslet also received an Emmy Award in 2021 for her role on HBO's "Mare of Easttown."

Winslet also starred in "Avatar: The Way of Water," the highly anticipated sequel to James Cameron's "Avatar," which was released in 2022.

Cameron Diaz plays Amanda, a workaholic Los Angeles movie executive who is emotionally stunted after her parents' divorce.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

After breaking up with her unfaithful boyfriend and switching homes with Iris for the holidays, Amanda enters a whirlwind romance with Iris' brother, Graham. They fall head over heels for each other but recognize their relationship will be complicated if they're living on opposite sides of the world. 

Amanda leaves to go back to Los Angeles but finds herself crying over the idea of leaving Graham. In the end, they decide they'll try to make it work.

Cameron Diaz went on to star in movies like "The Other Woman" and "Bad Teacher."
cameron diaz in september 2022
Cameron Diaz in September 2022.

Todd Owyoung/NBC/Getty Images

In addition to her decades-long acting career, Cameron Diaz has also worked as a producer and an author. The star announced her retirement from acting in 2014. 

"I got a peace in my soul, because I finally was taking care of myself," Diaz told Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast in August 2020. "It's a strange thing to say; I know a lot of people won't understand it; I know you understand it, but it's so intense to work at that level and be that public and put yourself out there."

Diaz and her husband, Benji Madden, announced the birth of their first child, Raddix, in 2019.

After an eight-year hiatus from Hollywood, Diaz returned to acting to star alongside Jamie Foxx in the upcoming Netflix movie "Back in Action."

Jude Law plays Graham, Iris' older brother and Amanda's love interest.
jude law the holiday
Jude Law in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

Graham is a widower and explains that he never introduces anyone to his two children, or even tells the women he sees that they exist. He prefers to be seen as a young, single guy with no attachments or complications.

However, this changes when he meets Amanda and they fall in love.

Jude Law is known for his performances in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Cold Mountain."
Jude Law
Jude Law in 2020.

MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

Law also co-starred with Robert Downey Jr. in the Sherlock Holmes films and Keira Knightley in "Anna Karenina."

In 2016, Law starred in the title role in HBO's "The Young Pope." The actor has also played prominent roles in "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" and "Captain Marvel."

His most recent acting credits include appearing again as Albus Dumbledore in "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" and as Captain Hook in "Peter Pan & Wendy."

Jack Black plays Miles, a funny and down-to-earth film score writer who befriends Iris and Arthur, her elderly neighbor.
jack black the holiday
Jack Black in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

Miles is originally introduced as one of Amanda's ex-boyfriend's friends and his friendship with Iris grows throughout the movie. They connect by watching old Hollywood movies, many of which were written by Arthur.

Their friendship turns romantic after they decide to help prepare Arthur for an event in his honor. Miles breaks up with his actress girlfriend Maggie, who has said she's been filming on location but has instead been cheating on him. In the end, Miles asks Iris if she will be his date on New Year's Eve and she says yes.

Jack Black is still working as an actor and musician.
jack black
Jack Black in November 2022.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

After "The Holiday," Black starred in films like "Tropic Thunder," "Gulliver's Travels," and "Goosebumps." He also held starring roles in the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise and in the two most recent "Jumanji" movies. 

In 2018, Black was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Most recently, he starred as Satan in the 2024 holiday comedy "Dear Santa" and reprised his role as Po in "Kung Fu Panda 4." He also voiced the role of Bowser in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."

In addition to his acting career, Black is the lead singer of the band "Tenacious D." The band, which formed 30 years ago, continues to tour, although their 2024 tour was cut short in light of a comment Black's bandmate, Kyle Gass, made about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in July. Gass apologized for the remark, and Black told Variety in August, "We'll be back."

He also runs the YouTube channel Jablinski Games.

Eli Wallach played Arthur Abbott, a legendary Hollywood screenwriter.
Eli Wallach in "The Holiday"
Eli Wallach in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

After befriending his new next-door neighbor Iris and Miles, he attends an event celebrating his achievements in the film industry. 

Eli Wallach passed away in 2014 at the age of 98.
Eli Wallach at the premiere of "The Holiday"
Eli Wallach attends the premiere of "The Holiday" in 2006.

E. Charbonneau/WireImage/Getty Images

Wallach's prolific acting career spanned more than six decades, with his most notable film appearances including roles in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "The Godfather: Part III," "How to Steal a Million," and "The Misfits," which is most commonly known as Marilyn Monroe's last completed film.

"The Holiday" was one of Wallach's final film appearances.

Rufus Sewell plays Jasper, Iris' ex-boyfriend.
Rufus Sewell
Rufus Sewell in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

After leading Iris on for years, Jasper gets engaged and announces it in front of his and Iris' entire office at a Christmas party. Iris tells Jasper she is going on holiday to get over him.

However, instead of leaving her alone, Jasper asks Iris for notes on his manuscript while she's on vacation. He also shows up in Los Angeles unannounced to tell Iris he's afraid of losing her but is still engaged. Finally, Iris breaks it off.

The British actor continues to star in movies and TV shows, including Netflix's "The Diplomat."
Rufus Sewell
Rufus Sewell in 2019.

Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

Sewell has appeared in "The Man in the High Castle" and "Victoria," and he guest-starred in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" as a stubborn but genius artist.

His most recent acting credits include roles in "Kaleidoscope" and "The Trouble with Jessica," and he stars alongside Keri Russell in Netflix's "The Diplomat," which is in its second season.

Edward Burns plays the small role of Amanda's ex-boyfriend, Ethan.
Edward Burns the holiday
Edward Burns in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

After a rip-roaring fight in one of the first scenes of the movie, Ethan tells Amanda he has cheated on her with his secretary but blames it on the fact that he doesn't feel connected to Amanda. He also points out that she doesn't "even shed a tear" during their breakup. 

Edward Burns is also known for his roles in "27 Dresses," "Newlyweds," and "Friends with Kids."
Edward Burns
Edward Burns in 2019.

James Devaney/GC Images/Getty Images

In recent years, Burns has directed and produced several of the projects he's acted in, including "27 Dresses," "Public Morals," "Summertime," "Beneath the Blue Suburban Skies," and "Bridge and Tunnel." 

He is married to model Christy Turlington — they wed in 2003. They have two children, Grace and Finn.

Shannyn Sossamon plays Maggie, Miles' actress girlfriend.
maggie the holiday
Shannyn Sossamon in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

Not much about Maggie is known other than the fact she's beautiful, likes to talk on the phone while Miles is listening to classical music in the car, and she cheats on him while pretending to be acting on location.

In the end, Maggie tries to win Miles back, but they break up.

Shannyn Sossamon is still a working actress.
Shannyn Sossamon
Shannyn Sossamon in 2019.

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Her most recent television credits included roles in "Mistresses," "Wayward Pines," and "Sleepy Hollow." She's also acted in several indie movies.

As of 2020, Sossamon was working on a project called "The Maude Room," a short-form variety show that she described as "a little picture show theater."

"What I wanted to do is to create a space that's like film school in a way. I'm doing mostly everything myself, holding the camera and doing all the post [production], and I'm loving it," she told Refinery 29 in September 2020.

However, the project has yet to be released.

Miffy Englefield played Graham's eldest daughter, Sophie.
miffy englefield the holiday
Miffy Englefield in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

Sophie appeared in adorable scenes alongside her younger sister, Olivia.

Englefield, 6, was living with her dad when filming started and had only recently become permanently housed after being homeless, the actor told Vulture in 2020.

Englefield hasn't acted in anything since her early teens.
Miffy Englefield
Miffy Englefield in 2021.

Miffy Englefield/@miffz_/Instagram

According to her Instagram page, Englefield, now 25, lives in West Sussex, England. In April 2020, she welcomed her first child. 

"She has the largest and most loving family with the most ridiculous mix of beautiful people around her," she wrote in an Instagram post at the time. The former actor's account has since been set private. "We cannot wait for you all to meet her once the world begins to return to a more normal state."

Englefield, who now has dark hair and tattoos, said in a 2019 Instagram story that she struggled to find acting gigs because of her new look, People reported.

"As an adult, I've found that casting directors aren't overly seeking people who 'look like me' to play roles, even though body modifications aren't rare these days and are the most common they have ever been," she said.

Englefield has also shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to work on "The Holiday" on her TikTok page.

In a 2022 TikTok video, she answered frequently asked questions about starring in the film and said she hasn't stayed in touch with any of her costars, but that "they were all so lovely."

Emma Pritchard played Olivia, Graham's youngest daughter.
emma pritchard the holiday
Emma Pritchard in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

One of Pritchard's character's most notable scenes is the one where she and Sophie beg their father to "do Mr. Napkin Head." Graham hilariously places a napkin and his glasses over his face, much to the delight of his daughters and Amanda.

Pritchard, seen in another moment from the film, has not appeared in any projects since "The Holiday."
emma pritchard the holiday
Emma Pritchard in "The Holiday."

Columbia Pictures

Pritchard has kept a low profile and does not have any public social media accounts.

Read the original article on Business Insider

20 things you probably didn't know about 'Home Alone'

home alone surprised
Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone."

Fox

  • It's been over 30 years since "Home Alone" debuted, but it's still beloved around the holidays. 
  • Fans may not know that Macaulay Culkin improvised one of the film's most iconic moments.
  • The cast almost looked a little different, and Culkin's brother also made a guest appearance.

The holidays wouldn't be the same without the "Home Alone" franchise.

Few people can resist the shenanigans of a young Macaulay Culkin as he finds himself left behind to defend the house while his family heads to Paris for Christmas break.

Here are some fun facts you may not know about "Home Alone."

It took weeks to find the right house for the film.
home alone
John Hughes called the winning house "perfect."

Fox

It took several weeks for the director Chris Columbus and his crew to find the McCallister house for "Home Alone."

Ultimately, they chose a house in Winnetka, Illinois, because they thought it was both warm and menacing.

"I took some pictures and sent them over to John, and I remember John saying: 'This is perfect. This is exactly how I imagined the house,'" he told Entertainment Weekly.

Warner Brothers initially had the rights for the screenplay.
home alone dinner fox
Production for the film was stalled at one point.

Fox

Though the film was ultimately produced by Hughes Entertainment and presented by 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers initially had rights to the project.

According to an article in Chicago magazine, a budget dispute occurred three weeks before the production of "Home Alone" was set to start.

"The question was, 'Do we lay everyone off?'" the associate producer Mark Radcliffe told the publication. "John [Hughes] said to just hold tight."

Luckily, 20th Century Fox acquired the rights to the film and production continued as planned.

Culkin and his on-screen mom shared a sweet moment years later.
home alone
Catherine O'Hara played the mother in "Home Alone."

Fox

Per Us Weekly, during a 2015 interview on "Watch What Happens Live," Catherine O'Hara told Andy Cohen that she and Culkin had a sweet interaction at an art event.

"I haven't seen him for years and years, but I saw him two years ago — a year and a half ago? — at a Martin Mull art opening, and he was coming out, and he went, 'Mommy!' And I said, 'Baby!'" she recalled.

She added that her husband made them take a picture and that she was happy to see him.

The film held a cinematic record for nearly 30 years.
home alone
There's no denying people loved "Home Alone."

Fox

Forbes reported that until 2017, "Home Alone" had the highest single-territory total for a live-action comedy, with $285.7 million.

The film held this impressive record for 27 years, until the Chinese film "Never Say Die" surpassed it in 2017 (without accounting for inflation).

Regardless, "Home Alone" is still one of the highest-grossing live-action comedies in the US.

Culkin's younger brother appeared in the movie.
Home alone
Kieran Culkin played his brother's on-screen cousin.

Fox

In his first acting credit, Culkin's younger brother Kieran appeared as Kevin's cousin, Fuller, in "Home Alone."

The brothers appeared together on-screen again in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."

The film was written in just over a week.
home alone
John Hughes was able to write the screenplay incredibly fast.

FOX

John Hughes, who also wrote 1980s blockbusters like "The Breakfast Club," "Pretty in Pink," and "Sixteen Candles," crafted the first draft of the screenplay for "Home Alone" in just nine days.

According to the same Chicago magazine article — which was written by his son, James — the film was written after a family trip to Europe in response to his father's severe traveler's anxiety.

"I was going away on vacation,'" Hughes told Time magazine in 1990, "and making a list of everything I didn't want to forget. I thought, 'Well, I'd better not forget my kids.' Then I thought, 'What if I left my 10-year-old son at home? What would he do?'"

Culkin has said he has trouble watching the film.
Macalay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin has said he doesn't watch the film very often.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

In a 2018 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Culkin said he couldn't watch "Home Alone" without remembering a bunch of personal context. 

"When I'm watching it, I'm seeing like — I'm remembering that day on set. You know, like, how I was hiding my Pepsi behind the couch," he said. "I can't watch it the same way other people can."

In the same interview, he referred to the film as "background radiation at Christmastime."

Columbus was supposed to direct a different Hughes-written Christmas classic.
Chris Columbus Slaven Vlasic Getty
Chris Columbus had said he didn't want to work with Chevy Chase on "Christmas Vacation."

Slaven Vlasic/Getty

Columbus was originally working on "Christmas Vacation" — which was also written by Hughes — but he eventually called the writer to tell him he couldn't work with the actor Chevy Chase.

"John was very understanding. About two weeks later, I got two scripts at my in-laws' house in River Forest. One was 'Home Alone,' with a note from John asking if I wanted to direct," he told the publication. "I thought, 'Wow, this guy is really supporting me when no one else in Hollywood was going to.'"

John Candy improvised most of his scenes in "Home Alone."
home alone john candy
Candy played Gus Polinski in "Home Alone."

Fox

Columbus told Business Insider's Jason Guerrasio in 2020 that the legendary comedic actor John Candy came on set ready to improvise.

"He was on the movie for only one day, but it resulted in so much great improvisation. None of that stuff was in the script," he said. "The funeral-parlor story, that was all improvised at 4:30 in the morning. We could barely keep a straight face on set just listening to John."

Hughes was particular about his script, but Columbus added one of the film's most touching moments.
home alone ending scene
Chris Columbus added the ending scene with Old Man Marley.

Fox

Beyond Candy's cameo, Hughes didn't allow for a ton of improvisation or tweaks to his script, but Columbus had a sweet vision for the character of Old Man Marley that he was able to sneak into the film.

Though the scene in the church was always in the script, the director added to the conversation between Kevin and Marley. 

"I added the moment when Marley talked about not being able to see his granddaughter. I also added the very end of the movie when Kevin sees that Marley is reunited with his granddaughter," Columbus told BI. "That is probably my proudest addition to the movie."

Robert De Niro was considered for the role of Harry.
robert de niro home alone
Robert De Niro could've had Joe Pesci's iconic role.

Toby Melville/Reuters; Fox

Before Joe Pesci took on the role of Harry in "Home Alone," the production team had its eyes on Robert De Niro.

However, Columbus said, the actor never seriously considered taking the role. 

"It was talked about a little internally, but when Pesci said yes, I was stunned," he told BI.

Culkin improvised one of the most iconic "Home Alone" moments.
home alone surprised
Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone."

Fox

Kevin's reaction to putting on aftershave is arguably one of the best-known scenes of the film — and it's since become one of the most iconic moments in movie history.

However, Culkin apparently didn't do it the way Columbus told him to. 

"If you put something on your face that burns, most people move their hands right away. So my direction to him was when you pat your face, move your hands and scream. And I think it was the first take, he kept his hands on his cheeks," the director told BI.

He added, "It's funny, the iconic moment from 'Home Alone' was an accident."

The BB-gun effect was achieved with animation.
home alone bb gun
The movie didn't have a huge budget for special effects.

Fox

When "Home Alone" came out in 1990, CGI wasn't the norm on film sets. Since the movie was already working on a tight budget, the production team had to get creative with special effects. 

During the scene in which Kevin shoots Marv in the head with a BB gun, the pellet is actually animated. 

"We paid a guy living in his mother's basement in Chicago $600 to hand-paint that BB going into Marv's head. So that was an animated effect. A guy with a paintbrush in a basement for six frames hand-painted a BB," Columbus told  BI.

He continued: "This was an $18 million film, so, for our budget, I'm pretty happy how it turned out."

The film has fooled many people into believing "Angels With Filthy Souls" is real.
home alone angels with filthy souls fox
"Angels With Filthy Souls" was created for "Home Alone."

Fox

Kevin uses a black-and-white movie called "Angels With Filthy Souls" to aid in his defense plan against the Wet Bandits, and many people — including Seth Rogen and Chris Evans — were shocked when they learned it wasn't a real film. 

The scene was created specifically for "Home Alone," but there's a reason it looks so real. 

"'Home Alone' is one of the last films shot with an old carbon-arc lighting system that was popular back in the 1940s through 1960s for Technicolor films," Columbus told BI.

He explained that they used the same technique for "Angels With Filthy Souls."

"That richness of black and white made it look like a movie from that era, and I think that's why some people think it's a real movie," he added.

"Home Alone" was written with Culkin in mind after another Hughes hit.
uncle buck
Culkin in "Uncle Buck."

Universal

A year before "Home Alone," Culkin starred alongside Candy in Hughes' "Uncle Buck."

After watching the actor play Miles Russell, Hughes was inspired to write a film with a young boy at its helm.

Once the idea started taking shape, he thought Culkin would be great in the role. 

Production of the film took place at a familiar high school in the suburbs of Chicago.
ferris bueller high school
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was filmed at New Trier Township High School.

Paramount Pictures

The production team shared stories about working at New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois.

Hughes liked to make his movies in the Chicagoland area, so they set up their production offices in the same building where some of his other classics, such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Uncle Buck," were shot.

They also ended up building the interior sets for the McCallisters' house in the school's gym, and they inventively built the set for the Murphys' house — which floods at the end of the film — in the swimming pool.

Candy reportedly made less than the pizza boy for his cameo in "Home Alone."
john candy home alone
Candy was on set for only one day.

Fox

Candy filmed all his scenes during one 23-hour day on set, but he didn't get much in return as far as compensation.

The actor did the cameo as a favor to Hughes, and he received "scale" pay — the minimum pay rate that a studio agrees to.

In the end, Candy ended up making less than Danny Warhol (aka Dan Charles Zukoski), who played the pizza boy.

The crew dropped everything on the second day of filming to shoot the final scene in the snow.
home alone snow
They shot the scene where Kevin reunites with his mom on the second day.

Fox

"Home Alone" was shot in Chicago in February, and the crew was hoping for snow.

Fake snow can eat away at a budget, so when a snowstorm rolled in on the second day on set, everyone jumped at the chance to film the "money shot" where Kevin wakes up on Christmas morning and reunites with his family.

To enhance the natural flurries, the crew used potato flakes to make it look as if snow was blowing around — which was said to be effective but left them with a whole heap of rotting starch when the snow melted a few days later.

The stunts were real — and one was even named in honor of "Home Alone."
home alone stunt
The stuntpeople had to do all of the falls themselves.

Fox

Though Culkin, Pesci, and Daniel Stern weren't responsible for all of the falls and hits their characters took throughout the film, their stunt doubles did them for real. 

They didn't use any special-effect tricks, and there weren't any pads built into the ground, so the film crew was under a lot of pressure to get the shots right on the first take. 

Pesci's stunt double for the film, Troy Brown, said on the docuseries that for his first fall on the icy stairs, he "just launched myself as far and as high as I could." 

The film's wild stunts had a long-lasting impact.

"Now when someone does a fall where they get a lot of air, and they fall on their back, they'd call it the 'Home Alone,'" the director of photography Julio Macat said on an episode of "The Movies That Made Us."

Columbus went on to direct another Christmas hit.
christmas chronicles 2 netflix
Kurt Russell in "The Christmas Chronicles 2."

Netflix

"Home Alone" was only the third feature-length film that Columbus directed, but he's since gone on to direct popular movies like "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

In addition to taking on some fantasy classics, Columbus directed Netflix's "The Christmas Chronicles 2" (2020), marking his return to holiday films.

An earlier version of this story was published in November 2018, and it was most recently updated on December 11, 2024.

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Read the original article on Business Insider

A Native American photographer took powerful portraits of members of every tribe across the US

A Native American man in a traditional headdress.
Matika Wilbur took intimate portraits of Native people across America.

Matika Wilbur

  • Matika Wilbur photographed members of every federally recognized Native American tribe.
  • She named the series Project 562 for the number of recognized tribes at the time.
  • She published a book of her photos titled "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."

Photographer Matika Wilbur was on assignment in South America when her grandmother appeared to her in a dream and told her to go capture her own people.

Wilbur, who is Native American, listened.

She embarked on a yearslong project photographing members of every federally recognized Native tribe in North America. In 2023, she published her collection of photos in a book titled "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."

Wilbur spoke with Business Insider about her project, her photos, and the importance of agency in Native American representation.

Take a look at Wilbur's powerful portraits.

Photographer Matika Wilbur went on a mission to photograph members of every federally recognized Native tribe in North America.
A self portrait of Matika Wilbur. A woman stands next to a van on the edge of a cliff.
Matika Wilbur.

Matika Wilbur

Wilbur herself is Swinomish and Tulalip.

She drove hundreds of thousands of miles and photographed members of different Native American tribes for Project 562.
A group of Native American people photographed by Matika Wilbur.
The Walkers on their "Journey for Existence."

Matika Wilbur

When Wilbur began her project in 2012, there were 562 federally recognized Native American tribes. Now, there are 574. 

The project has grown from a photo series to a documentary project to a full-blown archive of Native people, their communities, and their stories.
Chief Bill James, Lummi Nation. A man poses for a portrait in front of a canoe and water.
Chief Bill James, Lummi Nation.

Matika Wilbur

"We're always redrafting the language to describe this project," Wilbur told Business Insider.

Wilbur photographed her subjects on black-and-white film using a method called the Zone System.
A young member of Navajo Nation photographed by Matika Wilbur.
Bahazhoni Tso, Navajo Nation.

Matika Wilbur

The Zone System creates more dynamic range in the images.

She's drawn to peer portraiture with simple landscape backdrops.
A Native woman photographed by Matika Wilbur. She looks up at the sky with her hands extended at her sides.
Dr. Mary Evelyn Belgarde, Pueblo of Isleta and Ohkay Owingeh.

Matika Wilbur

"I figured that that was sort of irresponsible when I started this project, to travel all over the country and not show the landscape," Wilbur said.

She let her subjects choose where and how they'd like to be photographed, giving them agency over how they'd be represented.
A Native American man in a cowboy hat and red bandana poses for a portrait.
Leon Grant, Omaha.

Matika Wilbur

"Sometimes I'll be in the Grand Canyon and I'd rather take somebody's picture at Havasupai Falls because it's magnificent and there's this incredible blue-green water coming out of the ground ... and they want to be photographed on their front porch because they love where they live," she said. "I'll do what they want to do because people should be represented in a way that is important to them, especially in Indian Country."

"We've been photographed so many times by non-Indians and we've had our stories told so many times by people outside our community, and they get the story wrong," Wilbur said.
Tulalip tribe members Darkfeather, Bibiana, and Eckos Ancheta pose for a portrait.
Darkfeather, Bibiana, and Eckos Ancheta from the Tulalip tribe.

Matika Wilbur

In the above portrait, Wilbur photographed three members of the Tulalip tribe: Darkfeather, Bibiana, and Eckos Ancheta.

"We aim to correct that narrative through honest individual agency and storytelling," she said.
A Native American from the Dine' tribe woman poses for a portrait.
Jaclyn Roessel, Dine' (Navajo Nation).

Matika Wilbur

Dine' (Navajo Nation) member Jaclyn Roessel posed for one of Wilbur's portraits.

Wilbur asked people questions about themselves and their lives as she took their pictures.
Northern Cheyenne tribe members, a young woman and her grandmother, pose for a portrait.
Jennie Parker and granddaughter Sharlyce, Northern Cheyenne.

Matika Wilbur

Their conversations touched on family, love, heartbreak, moments that shaped them, and their hopes for the future.

She also asked about their Native American identities.
Rupert Steele of the Goshute tribe poses in a headdress.
Rupert Steele, Goshute.

Matika Wilbur

"I find that people have really interesting things to say when you ask them what it means to be whatever their tribe is, and then when you ask them what it means to be an 'Indian,'" she said. "I'm fascinated by that."

Sometimes her subjects wore traditional Native clothing, while others wore everyday outfits.
Ailee Fregoso of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe poses in her traditional dress.
Ailee Fregoso, Cheyenne River Sioux.

Matika Wilbur

Ailee Fregoso of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe showed off her colorful fringed shawl.

Wilbur published her work in a book called "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."
Rosebud Quintana of the Northern Ute and Dine tribes poses for a portrait.
Rosebud Quintana, Northern Ute and Dine.

Matika Wilbur

The book, published in 2023, became a New York Times bestseller.

What began as a photo series has become an archive rich with history, culture, language, and resilience.
Kumu Ka'eo Izon of the Kanaka Maoli tribe poses for a portrait.
Kumu Ka'eo Izon, Kanaka Maoli.

Matika Wilbur

Wilbur also cohosts the podcast All My Relations, in which she and Adrienne Keene — a professor who is also Native American — discuss their relationships to land, ancestors, and other Native peoples.

Wilbur values the connections she's made throughout the creative process.
A Native American woman laughs while holding her baby.
Myra Masiel Zamora, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.

Matika Wilbur

"I didn't know that strangers can become family relatively quickly," she said. "It's such a whirlwind of a journey."

Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2022 and 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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