Direct Answer to Your Question
Sia did not sing the hit recording of “Diamonds” because that song was written and recorded by Barbadian artist Rihanna, with production by starGate and Sandy Vee. Sia is sometimes associated with the song due to widespread online misattribution, confusion stemming from her powerful vocal style, or mistaken memory of her writing or demoing material for other projects. This evergreen explainer clarifies the song’s origins, credits, and why Sia is not the singer on the official release.
The Song in Question
“Diamonds” is a 2012 global single from Barbadian singer Rihanna’s seventh studio album, Unapologetic. It served as the album’s lead single and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Co-written by Sia, the song is often subject to confusion about vocal performance, which we address below with verified credits.
Key Credits and Roles
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Artist on Recording | Rihanna | Official label release, RIAA and BPI certifications |
| Songwriters | Sia Furler, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm | ASCAP/BMI/EMA publishing credits |
| Producers | StarGate (Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen) and Sandy Vee | Album liner notes and official press materials |
| Lead Vocal Producer | Kuk Harrell (for Rihanna’s vocals) | Recording industry credits and interviews |
| Peak Chart Performance | #1 on Billboard Hot 100 and multiple international charts | Billboard, Official Charts Company |
Why the Confusion Exists
Misattribution arises because Sia co-wrote the song and is known for powerful, soulful vocals in her own catalog. Online clips, karaoke edits, and fan edits occasionally splice Sia’s voice into the track, creating the impression she performed it. Additionally, Sia has written, performed, and released songs with similarly dramatic, anthemic choruses, reinforcing memory conflation.
Common Misconceptions
- That Sia provided the lead vocal on the studio recording — she did not;
- That Sia is the artist of the song — Rihanna is the credited artist;
- That Sia only contributed backing vocals — she was a co-writer, not a vocalist on the track.
Sia’s Actual Involvement
Sia’s contribution was as a songwriter, not as a performing vocalist on the released recording. She has, however, recorded her own version in other contexts, such as live sessions and compilation appearances, which can add to public confusion. Below is a concise comparison of roles within the song’s lifecycle.
Roles Compared
| Role Type | Sia | Rihanna |
|---|---|---|
| Songwriting | Yes | No |
| Lead Vocal Performance (Studio) | No | Yes |
| Production | No | Executive credited; performed vocals |
| Commercial Release Artist | No | Yes |
Public Recordings and Live Performances
While Sia did not sing “Diamonds” on the original recording, she has performed it live on rare occasions, typically in stripped-down piano or small ensemble settings. These performances are distinct from the studio version and are labeled as covers. If you heard a “Sia version,” it was a rendition, not the original chart-topping release associated with Rihanna.
Summary and Key Takeaways
To answer directly: Sia did not sing “Diamonds” because the track is vocally performed by Rihanna, while Sia served as co-writer. Confusion arises from her songwriting credit and vocal style, occasionally compounded by unofficial edits or live cover uploads. Understanding the division of songwriting versus performance clears up most misattributions. For verified credits, consult official label metadata, liner notes, and recognized music databases.