document_title: List of best-selling music artists

question_text: who is the top selling rapper of all time

text: List of best-selling music artists

text: Definitions

text: All artists included on this list, which have begun charting on official albums or singles charts have their available claimed figures supported by at least 20% in certified units. That is why Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, Scorpions, Charles Aznavour, Bing Crosby, Gloria Estefan, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, The Jackson 5, Dionne Warwick, the Spice Girls, Luciano Pavarotti, Dolly Parton, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrea Bocelli and others have not been included on this list. The more recent the artist, the higher the required percentage of certified units, so artists such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Flo Rida, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Adele, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Nicki Minaj are expected to have their claimed figures supported by over 75% in certified units. The certified units are sourced from available online databases of local music industry associations. All certified units are converted from Gold/Platinum/Diamond certification awards based on criteria provided by certifying bodies. The certified sales percentage varies according to the first year that an artist appeared in the charts.[a]

text: The requirements of certified sales are designed to avoid inflated sales figures, which are frequently practiced by record companies for promotional purposes.[1][2] The claimed figures are referenced from online articles created by highly reliable sources. For clarity, the sources used, say the term "records" (singles, albums, videos) and not "albums". However, if all available sources for an artist or band say "albums", such sources are only used if the certified album units of the said artist meet the required percentage amount. This list uses claimed figures that are closest to artists' available certified units: inflated claimed figures that meet the required certified units amount but are unrealistically high, are not used.

text: The claimed figures are upgraded only when there is a significant progress in artists' certified sales. In other words, the available certified sales for each artist should get relatively closer to already listed claimed figure in order for higher figures to replace the listed ones.

text: The certified sales of the newer artists may sometimes be higher than their listed claimed figures. This is because Recording Industry Association of America and almost all other certifying bodies count streaming towards Gold and Platinum thresholds required for Digital Single Award certification.[3][4][5] For this reason, some singles and even albums get over certified by hundreds of thousands of units. The over certified figures, however, are often in millions of units for RIAA certifications, one such example is Rihanna's single "We Found Love", which is certified at nine times Platinum by the RIAA, yet during the time of the certification, it had sold 5.4 million downloads.[6][7]

text: The certified sales for some artists/bands who have multi-disc albums can be higher than their listed claimed figures due to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) counting each unit within set as one unit toward certification.

text: Artists by reputed sales

text: 250 million or more records

text:
The Beatles

Elvis Presley

Michael Jackson

Madonna

Elton John

Led Zeppelin

Pink Floyd

text:
To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value: each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and smallest at the bottom.[8][9]

text:
Artist
Country / Market
Period active
Release year of first charted record
Genre
Total certified units
(from available markets)[b]
Claimed sales

The Beatles
United Kingdom
1960–1970[10]
1962[10]
Rock / Pop[10]
7002271100000000000♠

Total available certified units: 271.1 million [show]

US: 212.250 million[11]
JPN: 4.950 million[b][12]
UK: 18.045 million[b][13]
GER: 8 million[b][14]
FRA: 3.890 million[b][15][16]
CAN: 14.455 million[b][17]
AUS: 3.060 million[b][18][19]
ITA: 355,000[b][20]
BRA: 550,000[b][21]
SWE 485,000[b][22]
SPA: 1.250 million[b][23][24]
SWI: 350,000[b][25]
BEL: 265,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 1.606 million[b][28][29]
DEN: 260,000[b][30][31]
AUT: 500,000[b][32]
POL: 175,000[b][33]
NZ: 660,000[b][34][35]

600 million[36][37]
500 million[38]

Elvis Presley
United States
1954–1977[39]
1954[39]
Rock and roll / Pop / Country[39]
7002212200000000000♠

Total available certified units: 212.2 million [show]

US: 188.650 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12]
UK: 12.905 million[b][13]
GER: 1.2 million[b][14]
FRA: 2.590 million[b][15][16]
CAN: 2.925 million[b][17]
AUS: 1.587 million[b][18]
ITA: 105,000[b][20]
BRA: 125,000[b][21]
SWE 380,000[b][22]
SPA: 300,000[b][23][40][41]
MEX: 105,000[b][42][43]
SWI: 185,000[b][25]
BEL: 115,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 110,000[b][28]
DEN: 120,000[b][44][45][46]
AUT: 205,000[b][32]
FIN: 213,945[b][47]
NZ: 117,500[b][34][35]

600 million[48][49]
500 million[50]

Michael Jackson
United States
1964–2009[51]
1971[51]
Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B[51]
7002184600000000000♠

Total available certified units: 184.6 million [show]

US: 104.5 million[11]
JPN: 4.650 million[b][12][52]
UK: 27.545 million[13]
GER: 11.275 million[14]
FRA: 11.375 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 4.670 million[17]
AUS: 6.670 million[b][18][19][54][55][56]
ITA: 1.170 million[b][20]
BRA: 280,000[b][21]
SWE: 1.230 million[b][22][57]
SPA: 1.995 million[b][23][24][40][41][58]
MEX: 3.670 million[b][42]
SWI: 910,000[b][25]
BEL: 365,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 124,000[b][28][29]
DEN: 1.224 million[b][59][60][61]
AUT: 1.197 million[b][32]
POL: 530,000[b][33]
FIN: 384,127[47]
NZ: 902,500[34][35]

350 million[62][63]
300 million[64][65]

Madonna
United States
1979–present[66]
1982[66]
Pop / Dance / Electronica[66]
7002170600000000000♠

Total available certified units: 170.6 million [show]

US: 85.675 million[11]
JPN: 6.450 million [b][12][52]
UK: 28.845 million[13]
GER: 12.4 million[14]
FRA: 12.795 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 6.030 million[17]
AUS: 4.717 million[b][18][67][68]
ITA: 465,000[b][20]
BRA: 3.440 million[b][21]
SWE: 1.070 million[b][22][57]
SPA: 2.815 million[23][24][40][41][58]
MEX: 510,000[b][42]
SWI: 1.080 million[b][25]
BEL: 690,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 1.098[28][29]
DEN: 407,000[b][59][60][69][70][71][72]
AUT: 602,500[b][32]
POL: 530,000[b][33]
FIN: 652,686[47]
NZ: 417,500[34][35]

300 million[73][74]
275 million[75]

Elton John
United Kingdom
1964–present[76]
1969[76]
Pop / Rock[76]
7002169000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 169 million [show]

US: 117.850 million[11]
JPN: 1.1 million [b][12]
UK: 22.395 million[b][13]
GER: 7.9 million[b][14]
FRA: 4.825 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 5.975 million[b][17]
AUS: 2.837 million[b][18]
BRA: 835,000[b][21]
SWE: 740,000[b][22]
SPA: 1.2 million[b][23][24][41][58]
MEX: 100,000[b][42]
SWI: 1.313 million[b][25]
BEL: 390,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 128,000[28][29]
DEN: 150,000[b][45][60][77]
AUT: 765,000[b][32]
POL: 150,000[b][33]
FIN: 163,481[47]
NZ: 255,000[b][34][35]

300 million[78][79]
250 million[80][81]

Led Zeppelin
United Kingdom
1968–1980[82]
1969[82]
Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock[82]
7002139690000099999♠

Total available certified units: 139.7 million [show]

US: 114.1 million[11]
JPN: 400,000 [b][12]
UK: 9.330 million[b][13]
GER: 3.775 million[b][14]
FRA: 2.310 million[b][15][16][83]
CAN: 4.710 million[17]
AUS: 2.8 million[b][18][84][85]
ITA: 345,000[b][20]
BRA: 820,000[b][21]
SPA: 450,000[b][24][41][58]
SWI: 211,000[b][25]
ARG: 360,000[b][28]
POL: 120,000[b][33]

300 million[86][87]
200 million[88][89]

Pink Floyd
United Kingdom
1965–1996, 2014[90][91]
1967[90]
Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock[90]
7002118900000000000♠

Total available certified units: 118.9 million [show]

US: 78 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[b][92]
UK: 11.320 million[b][13]
GER: 7.5 million[b][14]
FRA: 6.360 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 6.790 million[b][17]
AUS: 2.932 million[b][18][19]
ITA: 1.685 million[b][20]
BRA: 540,000[b][21]
SWE: 220,000[b][22][57]
SPA: 625,000[b][23][24][40][58]
SWI: 390,000[b][25]
BEL: 115,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 582,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 460,000[b][32]
POL: 590,000[b][33]
NZ: 787,500[b][34][35]

250 million[93][94]
200 million[95][96]

text: The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

text: 200 million to 249 million records

text:
Rihanna

Mariah Carey

Celine Dion

Queen

Whitney Houston

AC/DC

The Rolling Stones

text:
To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.[8][9]

text:
Artist
Country / Market
Period active
Release-year of first charted record
Genre
Total certified units
(from available markets)[b]
Claimed sales

Rihanna
Barbados
United States
2005–present[97]
2005[97]
R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip-hop[97]
7002228900000000000♠

Total available certified units: 228.9 million [show]

US: 168.55 million[11]
JPN: 1.4 million[12][52]
UK: 30.3 million[13]
GER: 4.675 million[14]
FRA: 1.525 million[16]
CAN: 2.840 million[17]
AUS: 9.220 million[18]
ITA: 1.450 million[b][20]
BRA: 555,000[21]
SWE: 2.480 million[22][57]
SPA: 1.450 million[23]
MEX: 410,000[42][98]
SWI: 840,000[25]
BEL: 660,000[27]
DEN: 1.117[59][60][61][69][77][99][100][101]
AUT: 135,000[32]
POL: 500,000[33]
IRE: 240,000[102]
NZ: 667,500[34][35]

230 million[103][104]

Mariah Carey
United States
1988–present[105]
1990[105]
R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip-hop[105]
7002136900000000000♠

Total available certified units: 136.9 million [show]

US: 92.6 million[11]
JPN: 14.5 million [b][12][52][106]
UK: 10.020 million[13]
GER: 3.750 million[14]
FRA: 4.690 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 4.1 million[17]
AUS: 3.515 million[b][18][107]
ITA: 200,000[b][20]
BRA: 835,000[21]
SWE: 425,000[22]
SPA: 1 million[23][24][41][58]
SWI: 515,000[25]
BEL: 150,000[b][26][27]
DEN: 130,000[61][108]
AUT: 200,000[32]
POL: 100,000[b][33]
NZ: 240,000[b][34]

200 million[109][110]
175 million[111][112]

Celine Dion
Canada
1981–present[113]
1981[113]
Pop[113]
7002125000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 125 million [show]

US: 56.550 million[11]
JPN: 7.150 million[b][12][114][115]
UK: 13.555 million[13]
GER: 8 million[14]
FRA: 15.685 million[15][16][53][83]
CAN: 12.245 million[17]
AUS: 3.302 million[b][18][19]
BRA: 505,000[b][21]
SWE: 1.105 million[b][22]
SPA: 1 million[41][58]
SWI: 1.685 million[b][25]
BEL: 1.885 million[b][26][27]
ARG: 340,000[28]
DEN: 370,000[b][45][116][117][118]
AUT: 440,000[b][32]
POL: 680,000[b][33]
FIN: 356,183[47]
NZ: 192,500[34][35]

200 million[119][120]
175 million[121][122]

Queen
United Kingdom
1971–present[123]
1973[123]
Rock[123]
7002120900000000000♠

Total available certified units: 120.9 million [show]

US: 61 million[11]
JPN: 2.850 million[b][12][52][124]
UK: 28.815 million[b][13]
GER: 11.525 million[b][14]
FRA: 4.495 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 1.870 million[b][17]
AUS: 2.167 million[b][18][19]
ITA: 505,000[b][20]
BRA: 970,000[b][21]
SWE: 190,000[b][22]
SPA: 1.720 million[b][23][24][40][41]
SWI: 1.256 million[b][25]
BEL: 100,000[b][26][27]
DEN: 160,000[61]
ARG: 1.080 million[b][28][29]
AUT: 900,000[b][32]
POL: 810,000[b][33]
FIN: 366,152[47]
NZ: 275,000[b][34][35]

200 million[125][126]
170 million[127]

Whitney Houston
United States
1977–2012[128]
1984[128]
R&B / Soul / Pop[128]
7002113600000000000♠

Total available certified units: 113.6 million [show]

US: 76.275 million[11]
JPN: 4.3 million[b][12][129]
UK: 14.605 million[13]
GER: 5.6 million[b][14]
FRA: 2.275 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 3.430 million[17]
AUS: 1.580 million[b][18][19][130]
ITA: 140,000[b][20]
BRA: 1.025[b][21]
SWE: 1.035 million[b][22]
SPA: 1.260 million[23][24][40][41]
SWI: 845,000[b][25]
BEL: 215,000[b][26][27]
DEN: 140,000[60][61]
AUT: 535,000[b][32]
POL: 180,000[b][33]
FIN: 247,222[47]

200 million[131][132]
170 million[133][134]

AC/DC
Australia
1973–present[135]
1975[135]
Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll[135]
7002113500000000000♠

Total available certified units: 113.5 million [show]

US: 79.7 million[11]
UK: 4.4 million[13]
GER: 10.3 million[b][14]
FRA: 4.180 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.490 million[b][17]
AUS: 7.470 million[b][18]
ITA: 750,000[b][20]
SWE: 350,000[b][22][57]
SPA: 1.355 million[b][23][24][40][41][58]
SWI: 894,000[b][25]
BEL: 100,000[b][27]
ARG: 594,000[b][28][29]
DEN: 135,000[60][61][136]
AUT: 380,000[b][32]
FIN: 321,169[47]
NZ: 140,000[b][34][35]

200 million[137][138]
150 million[139][140]

The Rolling Stones
United Kingdom
1962–present[141]
1963[141]
Rock / Blues rock [141]
7001972000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 97.2 million [show]

US: 74.750 million[11]
JPN: 950,000[b][12]
UK: 8.510 million[b][13]
GER: 3.2 million[b][14]
FRA: 3.370 million[b][15][16][53]
AUS: 417,500[b][18]
CAN: 3.025 million[b][17]
ITA: 180,000[b][20]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]
SWE: 310,000[b][22]
SPA: 690,000[b][23][24][40][41][58]
SWI: 238,000[b][25]
BEL: 120,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 718,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 300,000[b][32]
POL: 140,000[b][33]
NZ: 190,000[b][34][35]

200 million[142][143]

ABBA
Sweden
1972–1982[144]
1972[144]
Pop / Disco[144]
7001607000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 60.7 million [show]

US: 12.7 million[11]
JPN: 1.5 million[b][52][145][146]
UK: 18.970 million[b][13]
GER: 10.450 million[b][14]
FRA: 2.750 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 2.785 million[b][17]
AUS: 6.127 million[b][18][147]
BRA: 275,000[b][21][57]
SWE: 800,000[b][22]
SPA: 1.005 million[b][23][40]
MEX: 260,000[b][42]
SWI: 600,000[b][25]
BEL: 380,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 238,000[b][28][29]
DEN: 600,000[b][148][149][150]
AUT: 175,000[b][32]
POL: 150,000[b][33]
FIN: 656,319[47]
NZ: 297,500[b][35][151][152]

200 million[153][154]
100 million[155][156]

text: 120 million to 199 million records

text:
Taylor Swift

Garth Brooks

Eminem

Eagles

Bruno Mars

U2

Kanye West

text:
Artist
Country / Market
Period active
Release-year of first charted record
Genre
Total certified units
(from available markets)[b]
Claimed sales

Taylor Swift
United States
2006–present[157]
2006[157]
Country / Country pop / Pop / Pop-rock[157]
7002181600000000000♠

Total available certified units: 181.6 million [show]

US: 157 million[11]
JPN: 2.850 million[12][52]
UK: 8.9 million[13]
GER: 950,000[14]
FRA: 250,000[16]
CAN: 4.580 million[17]
AUS: 5.495 million[18]
ITA: 285,000[b][20]
BRA: 170,000[21]
SWE: 180,000[57]
MEX: 450,000[42][43][98]
DEN: 140,000>[61]
NZ: 375,000[34][35]

175 million[158]

Garth Brooks
United States
1989–present[159]
1989[159]
Country[159]
7002146000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 156 million [show]

US: 149.4 million[11]
UK: 520,000[13]
CAN: 5.730 million[17]
AUS: 280,000[b][18]
IRE: 120,000[b][102]

160 million[160]

Eminem
United States
1996–present[161]
1999[161]
Hip-hop[161]
7002132190000099999♠

Total available certified units: 132.2 million [show]

US: 86.1 million[11]
JPN: 2.9 million [12][52]
UK: 21.425 million[13]
GER: 3.450 million[14]
FRA: 3.170 million[16][83]
CAN: 3.770 million[17]
AUS: 5.702 million[18]
ITA: 615,000[b][20]
BRA: 200,000[21]
SWE: 830,000[22][57]
SPA: 290,000[23][58]
MEX: 365,000[42]
SWI: 805,000[25]
BEL: 475,000[26][27]
DEN: 556,000[b][59][162]>[61]
AUT: 325,000[32]
POL: 250,000[33]
FIN: 124,547[47]
IRE: 285,000[b][102]
NZ: 562,500[34][35]

155 million[163]

Eagles
United States
1971–1980, 1994–present[164]
1972[164]
Rock[164]
7002129400000000000♠

Total available certified units: 129.4 million [show]

US: 108.9 million[11]
JPN: 600,000[b][12]
UK: 7.835 million[b][13]
GER: 925,000[b][14]
FRA: 2.040 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 4.2 million[b][17]
AUS: 3.395 million[b][18][165]
SWE: 140,000[b][22]
SPA: 500,000[b][23][24]
SWI: 290,000[b][25]
DEN: 185,000[b][60]>[61]
FIN: 124,749[47]
NZ: 352,500[b][34][35]

150 million[166]

U2
Ireland
1976–present[167]
1980[167]
Rock[167]
7002106900000000000♠

Total available certified units: 106.9 million [show]

US: 53.1 million[11]
JPN: 1.450 million[b][12]
UK: 18.620 million[13]
GER: 5.125 million[14]
FRA: 5.075 million[15][16]
CAN: 7.115 million[17]
AUS: 4.412 million[b][18][19][168]
ITA: 855,000[b][20]
BRA: 2.675 million[b][21]
SWE: 515,000[b][22]
SPA: 2.295 million[23][24][40][41][58]
MEX: 835,000[b][42]
SWI: 696,000[b][25]
BEL: 750,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 806,000[28][29]
DEN: 473,000[b][59][60][61][77][169]
AUT: 515,000[b][32]
POL: 360,000[b][33]
FIN: 235,460[47]
IRE: 316,000[b][102]
NZ: 765,000[34][35]

150 million[170]

Billy Joel
United States
1964–present[171]
1971[171]
Pop / Rock[171]
7002102600000000000♠

Total available certified units: 102.6 million [show]

US: 87.950 million[11]
JPN: 2 million[b][12][172]
UK: 5.655 million[b][13]
GER: 1.250 million[b][14]
FRA: 925,000[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 3.275 million[b][17]
AUS: 1.267[b][18][19]
AUT: 125,000[b][32]
NZ: 162,500[b][34]

150 million[173]

Phil Collins
United Kingdom
1980–2011, 2015–present[174]
1981[174]
Rock / Progressive rock / Adult contemporary[174]
7001878000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 87.8 million [show]

US: 39.850 million[11]
JPN: 800,000[b][12]
UK: 15.250 million[13]
GER: 13.8 million[14]
FRA: 6.410 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 3.375 million[17]
AUS: 1.522[b][18][19]
BRA: 1.370 million[b][21]
SWE: 245,000[b][22]
SPA: 2.150 million[23][24][41][58]
SWI: 973,000[b][25]
BEL: 305,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 1.044 million[28][29]
AUT: 440,000[b][32]
FIN: 182,581[47]
NZ: 122,500[34][35]

150 million[175]

Aerosmith
United States
1970–present[176]
1973[176]
Hard rock[176]
7001847000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 84.7 million [show]

US: 70.250 million[11]
JPN: 2.7 million[b][12][52]
UK: 3.230 million[13]
GER: 2 million[b][14]
FRA: 225,000[15][16][53]
CAN: 3.950 million[b][17]
AUS: 225,000[b][18][177]
ITA: 100,000[b][20]
BRA: 600,000[b][21]
SWE: 260,000[b][22]
SPA: 200,000[b][23][41]
MEX: 230,000[b][42]
SWI: 145,000[b][25]
ARG: 338,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 125,000[b][32]
POL: 100,000[b][33]
FIN: 101,722[47]

150 million[178]

Frank Sinatra
United States
1935–1995[179]
1939[179]
Pop / Swing[179]
7001373009999900000♠

Total available certified units: 37.3 million [show]

US: 28.2 million[b][11]
UK: 5.445 million[b][13]
GER: 1 million[b][14]
FRA: 600,000[b][15]
CAN: 650,000[b][17]
AUS: 245,000[b][18]
BRA: 350,000[b][21]
SWE: 130,000[b][22]
SPA: 500,000[b][24][41][58]
ARG: 188,000[b][28][29]

150 million[180]

Barbra Streisand
United States
1960–present[181]
1963[181]
Pop / Adult contemporary[181]
7001974000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 97.4 million [show]

US: 82.450 million[11]
UK: 5.765 million[b][13]
GER: 750,000[b][14]
FRA: 3.150 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 2.650 million[b][17]
AUS: 2.047 million[b][18]
SWE: 120,000[22][57]
SPA: 150,000[b][58]
FIN: 186,501[b][47]
NZ: 137,500[b][34]

145 million[182]

Bruno Mars
United States
2004–present[183]
2010[183]
Pop rock / R&B[183]
7002121200000000000♠

Total available certified units: 121.2 million [show]

US: 86.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.2 million[12][52]
UK: 13.5 million[13]
GER: 3.4 million[14]
FRA: 1.850 million[16]
CAN: 5.240 million[17]
AUS: 4.970 million[18]
ITA: 710,000[b][20]
SWE: 440,000[22][57]
SPA: 470,000[23]
MEX: 780,000[42][43]
SWI: 405,000[25]
BEL: 345,000[27]
DEN: 365,000[b][61][184]
AUT: 180,000[32]
NZ: 532,500[34]
PHL: 330,000[185]

130 million[186]

Kanye West
United States
1996–present[187]
2004[187]
Hip-hop / Electronic / Pop rock[187]
7002102800000000000♠

Total available certified units: 102.8 million [show]

US: 87.750 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[188]
UK: 10.680 million[13]
GER: 300,000[14]
CAN: 1.180 million[17]
AUS: 2.135 million[18]
ITA: 145,000[b][20]
SWE: 160,000[57]
DEN: 424,000[60][61][69][189]

121 million[190]

Bruce Springsteen
United States
1972–present[191]
1973[191]
Rock[191]
7002101500000000000♠

Total available certified units: 101.5 million [show]

US: 76.150 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[b][12]
UK: 7.145 million[13]
GER: 4.325 million[b][14]
FRA: 1.887 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 3.2 million[b][17]
AUS: 3.362 million[b][18]
ITA: 575,000[b][20]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]
SWE: 810,000[b][22][57]
SPA: 1.730 million[b][23][24][40][41][58]
SWI: 400,000[b][25]
DEN: 155,000[b][59][61][69][192]
AUT: 290,000[b][32]
FIN: 449,800[47]
IRE: 189,500[b][102]
NZ: 375,000[34][35]

120 million[193]

Bee Gees
United Kingdom
Australia[194][195]
1963–2003
2009–2012[196]
1963[196]
Pop / Disco[196]
7001683000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 68.3 million [show]

US: 42.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12][197][198]
UK: 9.065 million[b][13]
GER: 6.675 million[b][14]
FRA: 3.4 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 3.215 million[b][17]
AUS: 1.187 million[b][18]
BRA: 350,000[b][21]
SPA: 450,000[b][24][40][58]
SWI: 415,000[b][25]
ARG: 188,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 125,000[b][32]
POL: 100,000[b][33]
NZ: 380,000[b][34][35]

120 million[199]

text: 100 million to 119 million records

text:
Justin Bieber

Katy Perry

Adele

Lady Gaga

Jay-Z

Metallica

B'z

text:
To ensure the high level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.[8][9]

text:
Artist
Country / Market
Period active
Release-year of first charted record
Genre
Total certified units
(from available markets)[b]
Claimed sales

Lady Gaga
United States
2005–present[200]
2008[200]
Pop / Dance / Electronic[200]
7001992000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 99.2 million [show]

US: 68.5 million[11]
JPN: 5.4 million[12][52]
UK: 10.985 million[13]
GER: 2.9 million[14]
FRA: 1.58 million[16]
CAN: 2.4 million[17]
AUS: 2.890 million[18]
ITA: 840,000[b][20]
BRA: 470,000[21]
SWE: 680,000[22][57]
SPA: 410,000[23]
MEX: 390,000[42][98]
SWI: 445,000[25]
BEL: 270,000[27]
DEN: 340,000[60][61][101]
AUT: 182,500[32]
POL: 130,000[33]
IRE: 165,000[102]
NZ: 277,500[34][35]

114 million[201]

Metallica
United States
1981–present[202]
1983[202]
Heavy metal / Thrash metal[202]
7001943000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 94.3 million [show]

US: 73.3 million[11]
JPN: 900,000[b][12]
UK: 3.335 million[13]
GER: 3.525 million[14]
FRA: 940,000[15][16]
CAN: 3.805 million[17]
AUS: 2.637 million[b][18][19][203]
ITA: 180,000[b][20]
BRA: 380,000[b][21]
SWE: 675,000[b][22]
SPA: 420,000[23][41][58]
MEX: 430,000[b][42][98]
SWI: 560,000[b][25]
BEL: 335,000[b][26][27]
DEN: 180,000[61][60]
ARG: 874,000[28][29]
AUT: 340,000[b][32]
POL: 735,000[b][33]
FIN: 530,676[47]
NZ: 315,000[34][35]

110 million[204]

Justin Bieber
Canada
United States
2008–present[205]
2009[205]
Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop[205]
7002132000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 132 million [show]

US: 87.5 million[11]
JPN: 750,000 [12][52]
UK: 17.085 million[13]
GER: 3.3 million[14]
FRA: 1.2[16]
CAN: 5.620 million[17]
AUS: 4.725 million[18]
ITA: 1.795 million[20]
BRA: 810,000[21]
SWE: 1.820 million[22][57]
SPA: 880,000[23]
MEX: 2.910 million[42][43][98]
BEL: 450,000[27]
DEN: 2.075 million[61]
POL: 370,000[33]
AUT: 140,000[32]
NZ: 615,000[34]

100 million[206]

Katy Perry
United States
2001–present[207]
2008[207]
Pop[207]
7002129300000000000♠

Total available certified units: 129.3 million [show]

US: 97.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[12][52]
UK: 12.550 million[13]
GER: 2.750 million[14]
FRA: 825,000[16]
CAN: 6.160 million[17]
AUS: 5.090 million[18]
ITA: 780,000[b][20]
BRA: 625,000[21]
SWE: 520,000[22][57]
SPA: 180,000[23]
MEX: 900,000[42][98]
SWI: 160,000[25]
BEL: 135,000[27]
DEN: 235,000[59][61]
AUT: 247,500[32]
NZ: 360,000[34][35]

100 million[208]

Adele
United Kingdom
2006–present[209]
2008[209]
Pop, soul[209]
7002104700000000000♠

Total available certified units: 104.7 million [show]

US: 61 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[12]
UK: 20.550 million[13]
GER: 4.7 million[14]
CAN: 6.120 million[17]
AUS: 3.955 million[18]
ITA: 1.570 million[b][20]
BRA: 1.310 million[21]
SWE: 240,000[22][57]
SPA: 800,000[23]
MEX: 1.490 million[42][43]
SWI: 510,000[25]
BEL: 795,000[27]
DEN: 597,500[59][61]
POL: 300,000[b][33]
FIN: 151,639[47]
NZ: 577,500[34]

100 million[210]

Jay-Z
United States
1996–present[211]
1996[211]
Hip-hop[211]
7001981000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 98.1 million [show]

US: 82.7 million[11]
JPN: 1.050 million[52]
UK: 9.320 million[13]
GER: 1.550 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[16]
CAN: 1.6 million[17]
AUS: 1.260[18]
ITA: 180,000[b][20]
SWE: 130,000[22][57]

100 million[212]

B'z
Japan
1988–present[213]
1988[213]
Rock / Pop rock / Hard rock[213]
7001857000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 85.7 million [show]

JPN: 85.75 million[b][12][52][106]

100 million[214]

Bon Jovi
United States
1983–present[215]
1983[215]
Hard rock / Glam metal[215]
7001840000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 84 million [show]

US: 49.9 million[11]
JPN: 4.400 million[b][12][52]
UK: 9.490 million[13]
GER: 5.650 million[14]
FRA: 825,000[15][16][53]
CAN: 4.735 million[17]
AUS: 3.030 million[b][18][216][217]
ITA: 110,000[b][20]
BRA: 435,000[b][21]
SWE: 365,000[b][22][57]
SPA: 1.620 million[23][24][40][41][58]
MEX: 250,000[b][42]
SWI: 1.275 million[b][25]
AUT: 725,000[b][32]
BEL: 165,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 358,000[28][29]
POL: 110,000[b][33]
FIN: 422,500[47]
NZ: 210,000[34][35]

100 million[218]

Linkin Park
United States
1996–present[219]
2000[219]
Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock[219]
7001823000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 82.3 million [show]

US: 61.6 million[11]
JPN: 1.550 million[12][52]
UK: 6.205 million[13]
GER: 5.850 million[14]
FRA: 1.025[16]
CAN: 1.330 million[17]
AUS: 1.485 million[18]
ITA: 515,000[b][20]
BRA: 595,000[21]
SWE: 165,000[22][57]
SPA: 175,000[23]
MEX: 225,000[42]
SWI: 425,000[25]
BEL: 140,000[27]
DEN: 175,000[59][61]
AUT: 252,500[32]
POL: 220,000[33]
FIN: 120,469[47]
NZ: 252,500[34][35]

100 million[220]

Beyoncé
United States
1997–present[221]
2002[221][222]
R&B / Pop[221]
7001810000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 81 million [show]

US: 56.150 million[11]
JPN: 1.7 million [12][52]
UK: 13.885 million[13]
GER: 1.550 million[14]
FRA: 560,000[16][83]
CAN: 1.395 million[17]
AUS: 2.975 million[18]
ITA: 260,000[b][20]
BRA: 390,000[21]
SWE: 120,000[22][57]
SPA: 1.030 million[b][23][223]
MEX: 110,000[42]
SWI: 165,000[25]
BEL: 115,000[27]
DEN: 312,500[60][61][69][101][224][225]
POL: 100,000[33]
NZ: 210,000[34][35]

100 million[226]

Lil Wayne
United States
1996–present[227]
1999[227]
Hip-hop[227]
7001799000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 79.9 million [show]

US: 77.7 million[11]
UK: 1.460 million[13]
CAN: 280,000[17]
AUS: 525,000[18]

100 million[228]

Britney Spears
United States
1998–present[229]
1998[229]
Pop / Dance / Dance-pop[229]
7001785000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 78.5 million [show]

US: 44.2 million[11]
JPN: 2.1 million[12][129]
UK: 10.150 million[13]
GER: 5.050 million[14]
FRA: 3.732 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 3.680 million[17]
AUS: 3.130 million[18]
ITA: 175,000[b][20]
BRA: 380,000[21]
SWE: 1.010 million[22][57]
SPA: 990,000[23][41][58]
MEX: 1.175 million[b][42]
SWI: 485,000[25]
AUT: 365,000[32]
BEL: 935,000[26][27]
ARG: 248,000[28][29]
DEN: 187,500[b][59][60][230][231]
POL: 210,000[33]
FIN: 143,627[47]
NZ: 240,000[34][35]

100 million[232]

Rod Stewart
United Kingdom
1964–present[233]
1969[233]
Rock / Pop[233]
7001778000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 77.8 million [show]

US: 43.650 million[11]
JPN: 450,000[b][12]
UK: 18.330 million[b][13]
GER: 3.8 million[b][14]
FRA: 1.8 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 4.055 million[b][17]
AUS: 2.610 million[b][18][19]
BRA: 980,000[b][21]
SWE: 440,000[b][22]
SPA: 290,000[b][23][24][40]
SWI: 100,000[b][25]
ARG: 524,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 100,000[b][32]
POL: 220,000[b][33]
IRE: 195,000[b][102]
NZ: 280,000[b][34][35]

100 million[234]

Fleetwood Mac
United Kingdom
United States
1967–present[235]
1968[235]
Rock / Pop[235]
7001761009999900000♠

Total available certified units: 76.1 million [show]

US: 51.250 million[11]
UK: 13.585 million[b][13]
GER: 3.5 million[b][14]
FRA: 800,000[b][15][16]
AUS: 2.767 million[b][18][19]
CAN: 2.950 million[b][17]
SPA: 300,000[b][41][58]
SWI: 100,000[b][25]
BEL: 100,000[b][27]
NZ: 572,500[b][35][236][237]

100 million[238]

Guns N' Roses
United States
1985–present[239]
1987[239]
Hard rock / Heavy metal[239]
7001743000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 74.3 million [show]

US: 48.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.7 million[b][12]
UK: 6.150 million[13]
GER: 4.1 million[14]
FRA: 1 million[16]
CAN: 3.520 million[17]
AUS: 2.410[b][18][19][165]
ITA: 685,000[b][20]
BRA: 1.9 million[b][21]
SWE: 485,000[22]
SPA: 450,000[23][24][40]
MEX: 760,000[b][42]
SWI: 365,000[b][25]
BEL: 165,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 1.248 million[b][28][29]
AUT: 365,000[32]
POL: 160,000[b][33]
IRE: 105,000[b][102]
NZ: 270,000[34][35]

100 million[240]

George Strait
United States
1981–present[241]
1984[241]
Country[241]
7001728000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 72.8 million [show]

US: 72.150 million[11]
CAN: 705,000[17]

100 million[242]

Backstreet Boys
United States
1993–present[243]
1995[243]
Pop[243]
7001720000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 72 million [show]

US: 41.5 million[11]
JPN: 5.4 million[12][52][244]
UK: 4.875 million[13]
GER: 7 million[14]
FRA: 325,000[15][16]
CAN: 3.430 million[17]
AUS: 1.4 million[b][18]
BRA: 1.625 million[21]
SWE: 655,000[22]
SPA: 1.850 million[41][58]
MEX: 1.475 million[b][42]
SWI: 415,000[25]
BEL: 425,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 740,000[28]
AUT: 325,000[32]
POL: 300,000[33]
FIN: 171,390[47]
NZ: 132,500[34]

100 million[245]

Neil Diamond
United States
1966–present[246]
1966[246]
Pop / Rock[246]
7001683000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 68.3 million [show]

US: 55.9 million[11]
UK: 7.130 million[b][13]
GER: 1 million[b][14]
FRA: 400,000[b][15]
CAN: 1.725 million[b][17]
AUS: 1.945 million[b][18]
SPA: 100,000[b][40]
NZ: 127,500[b][34][35]

100 million[247]

Prince
United States
1976–2016[248]
1978[248]
Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock[248]
7001642000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 64.2 million [show]

US: 48.950 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12]
UK: 7.045 million[13]
GER: 2.4 million[14]
FRA: 2.110 million[15][16]
CAN: 1 million[17]
AUS: 1.120[b][18][19]
SWE: 100,000[22]
SPA: 700,000[b][24][40][41][58]
SWI: 250,000[b][25]
AUT: 125,000[b][32]
NZ: 177,500[b][34]

100 million[249]

Kenny Rogers
United States
1958–present[250]
1975[250]
Country / Pop[250]
7001601000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 61.4 million [show]

US: 54.050 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[b][251]
UK: 2.520 million[13]
CAN: 4.6 million[17]
AUS: 100,000[b][252][253]
SPA: 100,000[b][40]

100 million[254]

Paul McCartney
United Kingdom
1960–present[255]
1970[255]
Rock[255]
7001606000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 60.6 million [show]

US: 41.450 million[11]
JPN: 500,000[b][12]
UK: 12.365 million[b][13]
GER: 1.525 million[b][14]
FRA: 1.305 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 1.955 million[b][17]
AUS: 465,000[b][18][19]
SWE: 210,000[b][57][256]
SPA: 640,000[b][24][40]
DEN: 210,000[b][60][257]

100 million[258]

Janet Jackson
United States
1982–present[259]
1982[259]
R&B / Pop[259]
7001521000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 52.1 million [show]

US: 39.750 million[11]
JPN: 1.6 million [b][12]
UK: 4.760 million[13]
GER: 1.4 million[14]
FRA: 1.475 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 1.460 million[17]
AUS: 1.155[b][18][19]
SWE: 105,000[b][22]
SPA: 150,000[41][58]
SWI: 170,000[b][25]
BEL: 125,000[b][26]

100 million[260]

Julio Iglesias
Spain
1968–present[261]
1968[261]
Latin[261]
7001510000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 51 million [show]

US: 11 million[11]
JPN: 800,000[b][262]
UK: 1.620 million[b][13][262]
GER: 250,000[b][14]
FRA: 6.1 million[15][16][53][262]
CAN: 1.5 million[17]
AUS: 540,000[b][18][262]
ITA: 400,000[b][20][262]
NLD:950,000[b][262]
BRA: 12.475 million[b][21][262]
SWE: 290,000[b][22][262]
SPA: 8.7 million[b][23][24][40][41][58][262]
MEX: 2.975 million[b][42][262]
BEL: 125,000[b][262]
ARG: 3.220 million[b][28][262]
FIN: 131,636[b][47]

100 million[263]

Chicago
United States
1967–present[264]
1969[264]
Rock / Pop[264]
7001483000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 48.3 million [show]

US: 44.150 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[b][12][265]
UK: 1.490 million[b][13]
GER: 250,000[b][14]
FRA: 100,000[b][15]
CAN: 1.865 million[17]
SPA: 100,000[b][24]

100 million[266]

The Carpenters
United States
1969–1983[267]
1969[267]
Pop[267]
7001460000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 46 million [show]

US: 34.6 million[11]
JPN: 2.9 million[b][12][115][268]
UK: 7.950 million[b][13]
GER: 250,000[b][14]
CAN: 275,000[b][17]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]

100 million[269]

Bob Dylan
United States
1959–present[270]
1963[270]
Folk / Rock[270]
7001453000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 45.3 million [show]

US: 35.6 million[11]
UK: 6.025 million[b][13]
GER: 625,000[b][14]
FRA: 800,000[b][15][16]
CAN: 1.5 million[b][17]
AUS: 480,000[b][18]
SWI: 175,000[b][25]
NZ: 105,000[b][34]

100 million[271]

Dire Straits
United Kingdom
1977–1995[272]
1978[272]
Rock [272]
7001447000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 44.7 million [show]

US: 15.5 million[11]
UK: 11.1 million[13]
GER: 3.750 million[14]
FRA: 5.3 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.575 million[17]
AUS: 2.190 million[b][18][19]
ITA: 385,000[b][20]
BRA: 175,000[b][21]
SWE: 360,000[b][22]
SPA: 1.380 million[b][23][24][40][41]
SWI: 1 million[b][25]
BEL: 100,000[b][26][27]
AUT: 300,000[b][32]
FIN: 471,530[47]
NZ: 155,000[b][35]

100 million[273]

Def Leppard
United Kingdom
1977–present[274]
1979[274]
Hard rock / Heavy metal[274]
7001418009999900000♠

Total available certified units: 41.8 million [show]

US: 35.650 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12]
UK: 1.960 million[13]
FRA: 200,000[15]
CAN: 2.995 million[17]
AUS: 385,000[19][275]
SWE: 150,000[b][22]
MEX: 200,000[b][42]
SWI: 125,000[b][25]

100 million[276]

Cher
United States
1964–present[277]
1965[277]
Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk[277]
7001405000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 40.5 million [show]

US: 21.9 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[b][12]
UK: 6.450 million[b][13]
GER: 4.175 million[b][14]
FRA: 1.525 million[b][16][53]
CAN: 1.340 million[b][17]
AUS: 1.530 million[b][18][278]
ITA: 300,000[b][279]
BRA: 125,000[b][21]
SWE: 850,000[b][22][57]
SPA: 600,000[b][41][58][279]
MEX: 200,000[b][42]
SWI: 295,000[b][25]
BEL: 275,000[b][26]
ARG: 106,000[b][28][262]
DEN: 300,000[b][279][280]
AUT: 250,000[b][32]
POL: 100,000[b][33]
NZ: 150,000[34][281]

100 million[282]

Genesis
United Kingdom
1967–1999
2006–present[283]
1969[283]
Progressive rock / Pop rock[283]
7001399000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 39.9 million [show]

US: 21.650 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[b][12]
UK: 7.325 million[b][13]
GER: 5.875 million[b][14]
FRA: 3.460 million[b][15][16]
CAN: 805,000[b][17]
SWE: 100,000[b][22]
SPA: 250,000[b][23][24][40]
SWI: 400,000[b][25]

100 million[284]

James Taylor
United States
1968–present[285]
1970[285]
Rock / Pop[285]
7001355000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 35.5 million [show]

US: 34.650 million[11]
UK: 655,000[b][13]
CAN: 100,000[b][17]
AUS: 100,000[b][18]

100 million[286]

Olivia Newton-John
Australia
1966–present[287]
1966[287]
Pop[287]
7001347000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 34.7 million [show]

US: 27 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[b][12]
UK: 3.950 million[b][13]
GER: 250,000[b][14]
CAN: 3.025 million[b][17]
AUS: 380,000[b][18][19]

100 million[288]

Stevie Wonder
United States
1961–present[289]
1962[289]
Funk / R&B / Soul[289]
7001346000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 34.6 million [show]

US: 21.650 million[11]
JPN: 1.050 million[b][12]
UK: 8.285 million[b][13]
GER: 500,000[b][14]
FRA: 1.4 million[b][15][53]
CAN: 1.550 million[17]
SPA: 250,000[b][40]

100 million[290]

Tina Turner
United States
1955–present[291]
1975[291]
Rock / Pop[291]
7001328009999900000♠

Total available certified units: 32.8 million [show]

US: 12.7 million[11]
UK: 8.145 million[13]
GER: 6.050 million[14]
FRA: 1.135 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 1.560 million[17]
AUS: 480,000[b][18][19]
SWE: 330,000[b][22]
SPA: 700,000[b][23][24][40][41]
SWI: 565,000[b][25]
BEL: 190,000[b][26][27]
AUT: 630,000[b][32]
POL: 120,000[b][33]
FIN: 241,954[47]

100 million[292]

Linda Ronstadt
United States
1967–present[293]
1968[293]
Rock / Folk / Country[293]
7001325000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 32.5 million [show]

US: 31.5 million[11]
UK: 435,000[b][13]
FRA: 100,000[b][15]
CAN: 500,000[b][17]

100 million[294]

Donna Summer
United States
1968–2012[295]
1974[295]
Pop / Disco / R&B[295]
7001308000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 30.8 million [show]

US: 24.5 million[11]
UK: 3.735 million[b][13]
FRA: 900,000[b][15][16]
CAN: 1.550 million[b][17]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]
SPA: 100,000[b][41]

100 million[296]

The Beach Boys
United States
1961–present[297]
1962[297]
Rock / Pop / Surf Rock[297]
7001305000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 30.5 million [show]

US: 25.6 million[11]
UK: 3.410 million[b][13]
GER: 250,000[b][14]
FRA: 400,000[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 100,000[b][17]
AUS: 492,500[b][18][19]
SPA: 250,000[b][40][41]

100 million[298]

David Bowie
United Kingdom
1962–2016[299]
1967[299]
Art rock / Glam rock / Pop[299]
7001299000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 29.9 million [show]

US: 11.7 million[11]
JPN: 200,000[b][12]
UK: 11.745 million[b][13]
GER: 525,000[b][14]
FRA: 2.380 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 2.215 million[b][17]
AUS: 565,000[b][18]
ITA: 345,000[b][20]
SPA: 170,000[b][23][24][40]
NZ: 142,500[b][34]

100 million[300]

The Who
United Kingdom
1964–present[301]
1965[301]
Rock / Hard rock[301]
7001269000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 26.9 million [show]

US: 22.150 million[11]
UK: 3.905 million[b][13]
FRA: 300,000[b][15]
CAN: 425,000[b][17]
ITA: 125,000[b][20]

100 million[302]

Barry White
United States
1972–2003[303]
1973[303]
R&B / Soul[303]
7001217000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 21.7 million [show]

US: 16.5 million[11]
UK: 3.665 million[b][13]
FRA: 1.1 million[b][15][16]
CAN: 150,000[b][17]
SPA: 200,000[b][58]
BEL: 150,000[b][27]

100 million[304]

text: 80 million to 99 million records

text:
Coldplay

Shania Twain

Nicki Minaj

Flo Rida

Ayumi Hamasaki

Van Halen

Red Hot Chili Peppers

text:
Artist
Country / Market
Period active
Release-year of first charted record
Genre
Total certified units
(from available markets)[b]
Claimed sales

Coldplay
United Kingdom
1996–present[305]
1999[305]
Alternative rock, Pop rock, Pop[305]
7001782000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 78.2 million [show]

US: 29.6 million[11]
JPN: 750,000[12][52]
UK: 23.685 million[13]
GER: 4.150 million[14]
FRA: 3.030[16]
CAN: 3.445 million[17]
AUS: 3.655 million[18]
ITA: 2.660 million[b][20]
BRA: 340,000[21]
SWE: 670,000[22][57]
SPA: 1.030 million[23]
MEX: 1.890 million[42][43][98]
SWI: 510,000[25]
BEL: 735,000[27]
ARG: 528,000[28][29]
DEN: 639,000[59][61]
AUT: 197,500[32]
POL: 220,000[b][33]
IRE: 210,000[b][102]
NZ: 345,000[34]

90 million[306]

Shania Twain
Canada
1993–present[307]
1993[307]
Country pop[307]
7001757000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 75.7 million [show]

US: 54.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12]
UK: 6.795 million[13]
GER: 1.750 million[14]
FRA: 975,000[16][53]
CAN: 6.880 million[17]
AUS: 2.360 million[b][18]
BRA: 475,000[21]
SWE: 330,000[22]
SPA: 100,000[58]
MEX: 100,000[b][42]
SWI: 310,000[25]
BEL: 250,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 120,000[28]
AUT: 115,000[32]
NZ: 402,500[34][35]

90 million[308]

Santana
United States
1966–present[309]
1969[309]
Rock[309]
7001618000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 61.8 million [show]

US: 47.475 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[b][12]
UK: 2.980 million[b][13]
GER: 2.4 million[b][14]
FRA: 3.510 million[b][15][16][53]
CAN: 1.660 million[b][17]
AUS: 855,000[b][18]
BRA: 375,000[b][21]
SWE: 125,000[b][22]
SPA: 450,000[b][41][58]
MEX: 405,000[b][42]
SWI: 375,000[b][25]
BEL: 190,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 158,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 145,000[b][32]
POL: 205,000[b][33]
NZ: 135,000[b][34][35]

90 million[310]

Lionel Richie
United States
1968–present[311]
1981[311]
Pop / R&B[311]
7001404000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 40.4 million [show]

US: 28.650 million[11]
UK: 6.355 million[b][13]
GER: 1.050 million[b][14]
FRA: 1.4 million[b][15][16]
CAN: 2.380 million[b][17]
AUS: 260,000[b][18][312]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]
SPA: 150,000[24][40]
SWI: 145,000[b][25]

90 million[313]

Earth, Wind & Fire
United States
1969–present[314]
1971[314]
Funk / R&B / Soul[314]
7001356000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 35.6 million [show]

US: 31.8 million[11]
JPN: 500,000[b][12][315][316]
UK: 2.525 million[13]
FRA: 500,000[15][16]
CAN: 360,000[17]

90 million[317]

Johnny Cash
United States
1954–2003[318]
1956[318]
Country/ Rock and roll/ Gospel[318]
7001307000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 30.7 million [show]

US: 25.7 million[11]
UK: 3.660 million[b][13]
GER: 400,000[b][14]
CAN: 490,000[b][17]
AUS: 522,500[b][18]

90 million[319]

Nicki Minaj
United States
2008–present[320]
2010[320]
Hip hop, Pop[320]
7001715000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 71.5 million [show]

US: 58 million[11]
JPN: 350,000[52]
UK: 7.1 million[13]
GER: 800,000[14]
FRA: 225,000[16]
CAN: 480,000[17]
AUS: 2.835 million[18]
ITA: 375,000[20]
BRA: 250,000[21]
SWE: 400,000[22][57]
SPA: 100,000[23]
MEX: 150,000[42][98]
SWI: 180,000[25]
DEN: 130,000[61]
NZ: 187,500[34]

85 million[321]

R.E.M.
United States
1980–2011[322]
1983[322]
Alternative rock[322]
7001426000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 42.6 million [show]

US: 21.150 million[11]
UK: 8.765 million[13]
GER: 4.275 million[14]
FRA: 1.450 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.650 million[17]
AUS: 1.030[b][18][19]
ITA: 175,000[b][20]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]
SWE: 500,000[b][22]
SPA: 1.1 million[23][24][41][58]
SWI: 450,000[b][25]
BEL: 108,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 158,000[b][28][29]
DEN: 155,000[b][59][60]
AUT: 350,000[b][32]
IRE: 127,500[b][102]
NZ: 105,000[34]

85 million[323]

Flo Rida
United States
2007–present[324]
2007[324]
Hip-hop, Hip house, EDM[324]
7001698000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 69.8 million [show]

US: 49 million[11]
JPN: 650,000[b][12][52]
UK: 7.960 million[13]
GER: 3 million[14]
FRA: 225,000[16]
CAN: 2.810 million[17]
AUS: 3.535 million[b][18]
ITA: 330,000[b][20]
SWE: 780,000[22]
SPA: 140,000[58]
MEX: 330,000[b][42]
SWI: 420,000[25]
DEN: 205,000[b][61]
AUT: 180,000[32]
NZ: 247,500[34][35]

80 million[325]

Ayumi Hamasaki
Japan
1998–present[326]
1998[326]
J-pop / Pop / dance / electronic[326]
7001643000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 64.3 million [show]

JPN: 64.3 million[12][52][106]

80 million[327][328]

Van Halen
United States
1978–present[329]
1978[329]
Hard rock / Heavy metal[329]
7001643000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 64.3 million [show]

US: 57.8 million[11]
JPN: 1.3 million[b][12][129]
UK: 740,000[13]
GER: 1.5 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[15]
CAN: 2.450 million[17]
BRA: 200,000[b][21]

80 million[330]

Red Hot Chili Peppers
United States
1983–present[331]
1987[331]
Funk rock / Alternative rock[331]
7001578000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 57.8 million [show]

US: 32.250 million[11]
JPN: 2.6 million[b][12][52]
UK: 9.995 million[13]
GER: 2.650 million[14]
FRA: 1.420 million[16]
CAN: 2.020 million[17]
AUS: 2.590 million[b][18][19]
ITA: 455,000[b][20]
BRA: 515,000[b][21]
SWE: 390,000[b][22]
SPA: 640,000[23][41][58]
MEX: 150,000[b][42]
SWI: 405,000[b][25]
BEL: 170,000[b][27]
ARG: 406,000[28][29]
DEN: 227,000[b][59][60][69][332]
AUT: 247,500[b][32]
POL: 245,000[b][33]
FIN: 171,951[47]
NZ: 285,000[34][35]

80 million[333]

Foreigner
United States
United Kingdom
1976–present[334]
1977[334]
Rock / Hard Rock[334]
7001496000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 49.6 million [show]

US: 45.1 million[11]
UK: 1.300 million[13]
GER: 1.5 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[15][16]
CAN: 700,000[17]
AUS: 105,000[b][18]
SWI: 125,000[b][25]

80 million[335]

The Doors
United States
1965–1973[336]
1967[336]
Psychedelic rock[336]
7001469000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 46.9 million [show]

US: 36.6 million[11]
UK: 2.040 million[b][13]
GER: 1.750 million[b][14]
FRA: 1.9 million[b][15][16]
CAN: 2.780 million[b][17]
AUS: 1.022 million[b][18]
ITA: 130,000[b][20]
BRA: 100,000[21]
SPA: 300,000[b][40][58]
SWI: 125,000[b][25]
ARG: 150,000[b][28]
AUT: 100,000[b][32]

80 million[337]

George Michael
United Kingdom
1981–2016[338]
1984[338]
Pop[338]
7001457000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 45.7 million [show]

US: 19.8 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12]
UK: 12.850 million[13]
GER: 2.4 million[14]
FRA: 3.217 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 1.770 million[17]
AUS: 2.205 million[b][18][19]
BRA: 350,000[b][21]
SWE: 310,000[b][22]
SPA: 850,000[23][24][40][41][58]
SWI: 335,000[b][25]
BEL: 215,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 118,000[28][29]
DEN: 380,000[59][61][69][339]
AUT: 140,000[b][32]
POL: 340,000[b][33]
NZ: 140,000[34][35]

80 million[340]

Reba McEntire
United States
1975–present[341]
1987[341]
Country / Country Pop[341]
7001427000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 42.7 million [show]

US: 41.9 million[11]
CAN: 850,000[17]

80 million[342]

Meat Loaf
United States
1968–present[343]
1977[343]
Rock / Hard rock[343]
7001415000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 41.5 million [show]

US: 23.6 million[11]
UK: 9.665 million[13]
GER: 2.350 million[14]
CAN: 3.260 million[17]
AUS: 2.382 million[b][18][19]
SWE: 100,000[b][22]
SWI: 115,000[b][25]
AUT: 100,000[b][32]

80 million[344]

Tom Petty
United States
1976–2017[345]
1977[345]
Rock[345]
7001346000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 34.6 million [show]

US: 31.250 million[11]
UK: 1 million[13]
GER: 500,000[14]
CAN: 1.7 million[17]
SWE: 200,000[b][22]

80 million[346]

Johnny Hallyday
France
1957–2017[347]
1960[347]
Rock / Pop[347]
7001247000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 24.7 million [show]

FRA: 24.035 million[b][15][16][53][83][348]
SWI: 268,000[b][25]
BEL: 430,000[b][26][27]

80 million[349]

text: 75 million to 79 million records

text:
Journey

The Black Eyed Peas

Maroon 5

Kenny G

Usher

Tupac Shakur

Robbie Williams

text:
Artist
Country / Market
Period active
Release-year of first charted record
Genre
Total certified units
(from available markets)[b]
Claimed sales

The Black Eyed Peas
United States
1995–present[350]
1998[350]
Hip-hop / R&B / Dance[350]
7001556000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 55.6 million [show]

US: 29.4 million[11]
JPN: 1.250 million[12][52]
UK: 10.8 million[13]
GER: 2.250 million[14]
FRA: 2.650 million[16]
CAN: 2.7 million[17]
AUS: 3.270 million[18]
ITA: 365,000[b][20]
BRA: 255,000[21]
SWE: 300,000[22][57]
SPA: 460,000[b][23]
MEX: 390,000[b][42]
SWI: 460,000[25]
BEL: 460,000[27]
DEN: 161,000[b][61][69][101][351][351][352]
IRE: 135,000[b][102]
NZ: 340,000[34][35]

76 million[353]

Journey
United States
1973–present[354]
1975[354]
Rock / Soft rock[354]
7001620000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 62 million [show]

US: 59.7 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[b][12][355]
UK: 1.360 million[13]
CAN: 725,000[17]

75 million[356]

Maroon 5
United States
1994–present[357]
2002[357]
Pop rock / Funk rock / Dance-pop[357]
7001583000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 58.3 million [show]

US: 33.2 million[11]
JPN: 1.750[12][52]
UK: 9.160 million[13]
GER: 1.150[14]
FRA: 675,000[16]
CAN: 3.525 million[17]
AUS: 2.835 million[18]
ITA: 685,000[b][20]
BRA: 380,000[21]
SWE: 650,000[22][57]
SPA: 210,000[b][23]
MEX: 3.365[42]
DEN: 462,500[b][61][60][59]
NZ: 300,000[34]

75 million[358]

Kenny G
United States
1982–present[359]
1984[359]
Smooth jazz[359]
7001519000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 51.9 million [show]

US: 48.1 million[11]
JPN: 700,000[b][12]
UK: 360,000[13]
CAN: 950,000[17]
BRA: 1.350 million[b][21]
SPA: 450,000[24][41]

75 million[360]

Usher
United States
1991–present[361]
1994[361]
R&B / Pop[361]
7001514000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 51.4 million [show]

US: 37.435 million[11]
JPN: 750,000 [12][52]
UK: 8.125 million[13]
GER: 1.150[14]
FRA: 210,000[16]
CAN: 1.190 million[17]
AUS: 2.112 million[18]
SWE: 105,000[22][57]
SWI: 170,000[25]
DEN: 117,500[b][61][60]
NZ: 150,000[34]

75 million[362]

Tupac Shakur
United States
1991–1996[363]
1991[363]
Hip hop[363]
7001513000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 51.3 million [show]

US: 46.2 million[11]
UK: 3.435 million[13]
GER: 500,000[14]
CAN: 820,000[17]
AUS: 395,000[18]

75 million[364]

Robbie Williams
United Kingdom
1990–present[365]
1996[365]
Pop rock[365]
7001505000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 50.5 million [show]

US: 500,000[11]
UK: 27.350 million[13]
GER: 9.475 million[14]
FRA: 2.695 million[16][53]
CAN: 250,000[17]
AUS: 2.905 million[18]
ITA: 385,000[b][20]
SWE: 445,000[22][57]
SPA: 440,000[b][23][58]
MEX: 1.595 million[b][42]
SWI: 983,000[25]
BEL: 600,000[26][27]
ARG: 462,000[28][29]
DEN: 631,500[b][59][60][61][69][77]
AUT: 917,500[32]
POL: 140,000[33]
FIN: 235,743[47]
IRE: 135,000[b][102]
NZ: 445,000[34]

75 million[366]

Enya
Ireland
1982–present[367]
1987[367]
New-age / Celtic[367]
7001500000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 50 million [show]

US: 26.5 million[11]
JPN: 4.6 million[b][12]
UK: 5.250 million[13]
GER: 4.2 million[14]
FRA: 775,000[15][16]
CAN: 1.540 million[17]
AUS: 1.505[b][18][19]
BRA: 1.650 million[b][21]
SWE: 390,000[22]
SPA: 1.760 million[23][41]
MEX: 125,000[b][42]
SWI: 370,000[b][25]
BEL: 460,000[b][27]
ARG: 390,000[28]
DEN: 100,000[b][30][368][369][370]
AUT: 185,000[b][32]
POL: 120,000[b][33]
NZ: 135,000[34]

75 million[371]

Alabama
United States
1972–present[372]
1980[372]
Country / Pop rock[372]
7001480000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 48 million [show]

US: 46.8 million[11]
CAN: 1.2 million[17]

75 million[373]

Nirvana
United States
1987–1994[374]
1989[374]
Grunge / Alternative rock[374]
7001457000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 45.7 million [show]

US: 26.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.3 million[b][12]
UK: 5.770 million[13]
GER: 1.250 million[14]
FRA: 2.5 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.970 million[17]
AUS: 1.257[b][18][203][375]
ITA: 375,000[b][20]
BRA: 725,000[b][21]
SWE: 380,000[22]
SPA: 450,000[23][24][41]
MEX: 475,000[b][42]
SWI: 190,000[25]
BEL: 350,000[b][26][27]
ARG: 522,000[28][29]
AUT: 230,000[b][32]
POL: 300,000[b][33]
NZ: 215,000[34][35]

75 million[376]

Bryan Adams
Canada
1979–present[377]
1979[377]
Rock[377]
7001446000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 44.6 million [show]

US: 21 million[11]
JPN: 600,000[b][12]
UK: 8.675 million[13]
GER: 3.850 million[14]
FRA: 650,000[15][16][53]
CAN: 5.120 million[17]
AUS: 2.010 million[b][18][378]
BRA: 100,000[b][21]
SWE: 440,000[b][22]
SPA: 450,000 [b][24][41][58]
SWI: 805,000[b][25]
BEL: 250,000[b][26][27]
DEN: 105,000[b][60][61]
AUT: 375,000[b][32]
FIN: 183,444[47]

75 million[379]

Bob Marley
Jamaica
1962–1981[380]
1975[380]
Reggae[380]
7001389000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 38.9 million [show]

US: 21.850 million[11]
JPN: 200,000[b][12]
UK: 7.4 million[13]
GER: 1.750 million[14]
FRA: 4.735 million[16]
CAN: 600,000[17]
AUS: 350,000[381][382]
ITA: 250,000[b][20]
SWE: 120,000[b][22]
SPA: 450,000[b][24][40][41][58]
SWI: 303,000[b][25]
ARG: 376,000[b][28][29]
AUT: 125,000[b][32]
NZ: 427,500[b][34][35]

75 million[383]

The Police
United Kingdom
1977–1986
2007–2008[384]
1978[384]
Pop / Rock[384]
7001388009999900000♠

Total available certified units: 38.8 million [show]

US: 23.150 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[b][12]
UK: 8.160 million[13]
GER: 1.775 million[14]
FRA: 3.340 million[15][16][53]
CAN: 875,000[17]
AUS: 407,500[b][18]
ITA: 100,000[b][20]
BRA: 140,000[b][21]
SPA: 300,000[b][24][40]
MEX: 100,000[b][42]
BEL: 115,000[b][385][386][387]
ARG: 228,000[b][28][29]

75 million[388]

Barry Manilow
United States
1973–present[389]
1973[389]
Pop / Soft rock[389]
7001365000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 36.5 million [show]

US: 33.3 million[11]
UK: 2.825 million[13]
CAN: 400,000[b][17]

75 million[390]

Kiss
United States
1972–present[391]
1974[391]
Hard rock / Heavy metal[391]
7001278000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 27.8 million [show]

US: 26 million[11]
CAN: 1.495 million[b][17]
UK: 100,000[13]
AUS: 130,000[b][18]
ARG: 112,000[b][392]

75 million[393]

Aretha Franklin
United States
1956–present[394]
1961[394]
Soul / Jazz / Blues / R&B[394]
7001247000000000000♠

Total available certified units: 24.7 million [show]

US: 23.5 million[11]
UK: 840,000[b][13]
FRA: 275,000[b][15][16]
CAN: 150,000[b][17]

75 million[395]


document_title: Boiling chip

question_text: why do we add boiling chips to the mixture in the flask during distillation

root

text: Boiling chip

text: A boiling chip, boiling stone, or anti-bumping granule is a tiny, unevenly shaped piece of substance added to liquids to make them boil more calmly. Boiling chips are frequently employed in distillation and heating. When a liquid becomes superheated, a particle of dust or a stirring rod can cause flash boiling. This very rapid boiling can be extremely violent and cause reagents to splatter, possibly causing severe burns, ruining experiments, and damaging equipment. Boiling chips work by providing nucleation sites so the liquid boils smoothly without becoming superheated or bumping.[1][2]

tag: p

text: Use[edit]

text: Boiling chips should not be added to liquid that is already near its boiling point, as this could also induce flash boiling.[3]

text: The structure of a boiling chip traps liquid while in use, meaning that they cannot be re-used in laboratory setups. They also don't work well under vacuum; if a solution is boiling under vacuum, it's best to constantly stir it instead.[4][5]

text: Materials[edit]

text: Boiling chips are typically made of a porous material, such as alumina, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, porcelain or carbon, and often have a nonreactive coating of PTFE. This ensures that the boiling chips will provide effective nucleation sites, yet are chemically inert. In less demanding situations, like school laboratories, pieces of broken porcelainware or glassware are often used.[6][7]


document_title: Cinco de Mayo

question_text: where did the first us cinco de mayo celebration take place

text: Cinco de Mayo

text: Background[edit]

text: Events leading to the Battle of Puebla[edit]

text: Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the Second French intervention in Mexico, which took place in the aftermath of the 1846–48 Mexican–American War and the 1858–61 Reform War. The Reform War was a civil war that pitted Liberals (who believed in separation of church and state, and freedom of religion) against Conservatives (who favored a tight bond between the Catholic Church and the Mexican state).[9] These wars nearly bankrupted the Mexican Treasury. On July 17, 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez issued a moratorium in which all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years.[3][10]  In response, Britain,  France, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, at the time ruled by Napoleon III, decided to use the opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico that would favor French interests, the Second Mexican Empire. The empire was part of an envisioned "Latin America" (term used to imply cultural kinship of the region with France) that would rebuild French influence in the American continent and exclude Anglophone American territories.

text: French invasion and Mexican victory[edit]

text: Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat.[11]  Moving on from Veracruz towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance from the Mexicans close to Puebla, at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe.[12]  The French army of 8,000 [13][14][note 1] attacked the poorly equipped Mexican army of 4,000.[15][note 2]  On May 5, 1862,[16] the Mexicans decisively defeated the French army.[17][18][19] The victory represented a significant morale boost to the Mexican army and the Mexican people at large[20][21]  and helped establish a sense of national unity and patriotism.[22]

text: Events after the battle[edit]

text: The Mexican victory, however, was short-lived.  A year later, with 30,000 troops, the French were able to defeat the Mexican army, capture Mexico City, and install Emperor Maximilian I as ruler of Mexico.[23]  The French victory was itself short-lived, lasting only three years, from 1864 to 1867.[23]  By 1865, "with the American Civil War now over, the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French".[23]  Upon the conclusion of the American Civil War, Napoleon III, facing a persistent Mexican guerilla resistance, the threat of war with Prussia, and "the prospect of a serious scrap with the United States", retreated from Mexico starting in 1866.[24] The Mexicans recaptured Mexico City, and Maximilian I was apprehended and executed, along with his Mexican generals Miguel Miramón and Tomás Mejía Camacho in Cerro de las Campanas, Querétaro.[10][23] "On June 5, 1867, Benito Juárez finally entered Mexico City where he installed a new government and reorganized his administration."[10]

text: Significance[edit]

text: The Battle of Puebla was significant, both nationally and internationally, for several reasons. First, although considerably outnumbered, the Mexicans defeated a much-better-equipped French army. "This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years."[25][26][note 3] Second, since the Battle of Puebla, some have argued that no country in the Americas has subsequently been invaded by any other European military force.[27][note 4]  Historian Justo Sierra has written in his Political Evolution of the Mexican People that, had Mexico not defeated the French in Puebla on May 5, 1862, France would have gone to the aid of the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War and the United States' destiny would have been different.[28][29]

text: History of the holiday[edit]

text: United States[edit]

text: According to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture about the origin of the observance of Cinco de Mayo in the United States, the modern American focus on that day first started in California in 1863 in response to the resistance to French rule in Mexico.[30] "Far up in the gold country town of Columbia (now Columbia State Park) Mexican miners were so overjoyed at the news that they spontaneously fired off rifle shots and fireworks, sang patriotic songs and made impromptu speeches."[31]

text: A 2007 UCLA Newsroom article notes that, "the holiday, which has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863, is virtually ignored in Mexico."[30] TIME magazine reports that "Cinco de Mayo started to come into vogue in 1940s America during the rise of the Chicano Movement."[21] The holiday crossed over from California into the rest of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s but did not gain popularity until the 1980s when marketers, especially beer companies, capitalized on the celebratory nature of the day and began to promote it.[32][33]  It grew in popularity and evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, first in areas with large Mexican-American populations, like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and San Jose.[34]

text: In a 1998 study in the Journal of American Culture it was reported that there were more than 120 official US celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in 21 different states. An update in 2006 found that the number of official Cinco de Mayo events was 150 or more, according to José Alamillo, a professor of ethnic studies at Washington State University in Pullman, who has studied the cultural impact of Cinco de Mayo north of the border.[35]  Los Angeles' Fiesta Broadway has been billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world, which it most certainly was at its peak in the 1990s when it attracted crowds of 500,000 or more.  In recent years attendance has seen a dramatic decrease.[36][37]

text: On June 7, 2005, the United States Congress issued a concurrent resolution calling on the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.[38] To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate students about its historical significance. Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Examples include baile folklórico and mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Ángeles, near Olvera Street. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on alcoholic beverages,[39][40] foods, and music.[41][42] According to Nielsen, in 2013 more than $600 million worth of beer was purchased in the United States for Cinco de Mayo, more than for the Super Bowl or St. Patrick’s Day.[43]

text: Mexico[edit]

text: On May 9, 1862, President Juárez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday regarded as "Battle of Puebla Day" or "Battle of Cinco de Mayo".[44][45][46][47][48]

text: Today, the commemoration of the battle is not observed as a national holiday in Mexico (i.e. not a statutory holiday).[49] However, all public schools are closed nationwide in Mexico on May 5.[50][51] The day is an official holiday in the State of Puebla, where the Battle took place, and also a full holiday (no work) in the neighboring State of Veracruz.[52][53]

text: In Puebla, historical reenactments, parades, and meals take place to commemorate the battle. Parade participants dress as French and Mexican soldiers to reenact the battle.[54] Every year the city also hosts the Festival Internacional de Puebla, which gathers national and international artists, traditional musicians and dancers.[54] As well as the Festival Internacional del Mole, with an emphasis on the city's iconic mole poblano.[54]

text: In Mexico City, military commemoration is occasionally held at the Campo Marte.[55] A street, Avenida Cinco de Mayo,  in the Historic Center of Mexico City was named after the battle in 1862 by Benito Juárez.

text: Elsewhere[edit]

text: Events tied to Cinco de Mayo also occur outside Mexico and the United States. As in the United States, celebrations elsewhere also emphasize Mexican cuisine, culture and music. For example, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, holds a "Cinco de Mayo Street Festival",[56][57] some Canadian pubs play Mexican music and serve Mexican food and drink,[58] and a sky-diving club near Vancouver holds a Cinco de Mayo skydiving event.[59]  In the Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean, there is an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitar competition,[60] and at Montego Bay, Jamaica, there is a Cinco de Mayo celebration.[61] The city of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, holds an annual Mexican Festival[62] to honor the day, and celebrations are held in London[63] and New Zealand.[64]  Other celebrations of the day can also be found in Cape Town, South Africa,[65] Lagos, Nigeria,[66] and in Paris.[67]  Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Japan in Osaka and in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park Event Space as a celebration of Latin American culture.[68][69][70]


document_title: The Flash (season 4)

question_text: when does the flash season 4 episode 11

question_tokens: when does the flash season 4 episode 11

text: The Flash (season 4)

text: Episodes[edit]

text:
No.
overall
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)

70
1
"The Flash Reborn"
Glen Winter
Story by : Andrew Kreisberg
Teleplay by : Todd Helbing & Eric Wallace
October 10, 2017 (2017-10-10)
T27.13401
2.84[1]

Iris has been aiding Team Flash in Central City for six months, but refuses to grieve Barry. A flying samurai with superpowers appears in Central City, threatening to destroy the city if the real Flash does not face him. Cisco reveals he has formulated a way to bring back Barry without destabilizing the Speed Force and tracks down Caitlin for help. Against Iris' orders, Team Flash successfully returns Barry, who rambles random statements and continually writes symbols on the walls. Wally engages the samurai, but is defeated. Cisco deciphers Barry's writings and finds an apparently meaningless sentence. In an attempt to recover Barry's memories, Iris gives herself up to the samurai. The plan works and Barry speeds away, rescuing Iris and defeating the samurai, who is revealed to be an android. Caitlin rejoins Team Flash, but is revealed to have been working for a mobster called Amunet, while also continuing to prevent the Killer Frost personality from emerging. The "Samuroid" is revealed to have been controlled by the Thinker, whose plan was to draw out the Flash for his next schemes.

71
2
"Mixed Signals"
Alexandra La Roche
Jonathan Butler & Gabriel Garza
October 17, 2017 (2017-10-17)
T27.13402
2.54[2]

When Barry, Joe, and Cisco report to a crime scene, they discover remnants of a mysterious code. Cisco presents Barry with a technologically advanced suit, intended to facilitate his activities. He tests it out, trying to save someone from a haywire car, caused by metahuman Ramsey Deacon. Gypsy arrives on Earth-1 for a date with Cisco, who is forced to cancel it so as to focus on Deacon. Acting on a suggestion from Caitlin, Iris signs her and Barry up for couples therapy to sort out their relationship. Deacon kidnaps a witness, who was previously a member of a tech team who sold him out of his idea. Barry and Wally go to save him, but Deacon uses his abilities to send Barry's suit haywire. On Iris's instructions, Barry throws lightning at himself, shorting out his suit. He then incapacitates Deacon, who is locked up in the meta wing of Iron Heights, revealed to be part of the Thinker's plan. Cisco finally goes out with Gypsy. Wondering how Deacon gained his powers being absent during the particle accelerator incident, Barry and Joe learn from Deacon that there are "others".

72
3
"Luck Be a Lady"
Armen V. Kevorkian
Sam Chalsen & Judalina Neira
October 24, 2017 (2017-10-24)
T27.13403
2.62[3]

In flashbacks, the Thinker observes Becky Sharpe, a woman with seemingly unending bad luck, and determines that she will be easily manipulated. In the present, Becky robs a bank, and gets away when Barry slips on marbles. Harry arrives from Earth-2, and tells Wally that Jesse has decided to break up in order to focus on her vigilantism. Cisco deduces that Becky is a metahuman with the power of favorable luck while inducing misfortune to others. Barry realizes that the portal he used to escape the Speed Force exposed an entire busload of people, including Becky and Deacon, to transformative dark matter. Harry informs Cisco that Jesse has expelled him from her crime-fighting team due to his attitude. Becky's powers expand out of control, reactivating the particle accelerator, which Harry deliberately allows, nullifying Becky's powers and leading to her incarceration. Cisco and Harry identify twelve new metahumans created on the bus, and the latter suspects that an unknown party has manipulated events surrounding Barry's return. Wally decides to leave on a journey to find himself. The Thinker is revealed to be spying on S.T.A.R. Labs through the "Samuroid" helmet. Joe learns Cecile is pregnant.

73
4
"Elongated Journey Into Night"
Tom Cavanagh
Sterling Gates & Thomas Pound
October 31, 2017 (2017-10-31)
T27.13404
1.99[4]

Gypsy's father, Breacher, attacks Cisco, vowing to hunt and kill him in 24 hours, allowing the romance should he survive. Team Flash learns that the bus driver was murdered and tracks down another passenger, Ralph Dibny, former corrupt CCPD detective exposed by Barry and currently an infamous private investigator. As two thugs attack Dibny, he is revealed to have the power to stretch. Caitlin stabilizes his powers with a serum. The team learns that Ralph has been blackmailing Mayor Bellows for adultery, with the latter revealed to have hired the thugs. Barry confronts Ralph for his actions while the latter scolds him, claiming to have been a "good cop". He later stops blackmailing Bellows, who still attempts to kill him while Breacher mistakes the former for a Plastoid, the species that invaded Earth-19 previously, and attacks him. Cisco intervenes and saves Ralph, whom Barry, having revealed his alter-ego, convinces to help arrest an escaping Bellows. Admiring Cisco's gallantry, Breacher allows the relationship. Barry recruits Ralph for Team Flash and learns that someone named DeVoe instructed Ralph to watch Bellows. Barry remembers that Abra Kadabra and Savitar both mentioned DeVoe. Meanwhile, Caitlin finds a message on her apartment door.

74
5
"Girls Night Out"
Laura Belsey
Lauren Certo & Kristen Kim
November 7, 2017 (2017-11-07)
T27.13405
2.38[5]

While failing to track DeVoe, Team Flash is visited by Felicity, who joins Iris's bachelorette party. Mocking Cisco's plans for Barry's bachelor party, Ralph takes the men to a strip club, where they learn that Cecile's daughter, Joanie, is working. Joe confronts her, who states she is only doing feminist research. Ralph incites a brawl, leading to the men's arrest until Harry posts bail. Meanwhile, Amunet's enforcer, Norvock, demands Caitlin's return and attacks the women when she refuses. Killer Frost emerges and repels him, later telling Iris that Caitlin accepted Amunet's employment in exchange for the means to control Frost. Learning that Amunet is holding a metahuman she calls "the Weeper", whose tears are a strong narcotic, prisoner and intends to sell him, Iris's party decides to stop her. Though Caitlin refuses to join, she attacks Amunet when seeing her friends in danger. Using a strong magnet, the team robs Amunet's metal shards, leaving her powerless. Iris dissuades Frost from killing Amunet, who promises revenge. Both parties refuse to tell each other about their adventures. Iris asks Caitlin to be her maid of honor while Joe convinces Joanie to tell Cecile about her research. DeVoe captures the Weeper.

75
6
"When Harry Met Harry..."
Brent Crowell
Jonathan Butler & Gabriel Garza
November 14, 2017 (2017-11-14)
T27.13406
2.46[6]

Barry trains Ralph to use his abilities, with Cisco making a stretchable suit for him. Another bus metahuman, a Lakota Sioux Native named Mina Chayton, who can animate statues, starts attacking Central City & stealing pieces of a Black Bison necklace, which she claims belongs to her tribe. When Barry and Ralph catch up to her, she attacks Barry with a caveman statue and attempts a getaway. Ralph chooses to stop her, but a little girl is injured in the process. Ralph regrets his actions, but is comforted by Barry. Chayton escapes CCPD, going after the last necklace piece held at the museum. When Barry and Ralph confront her, she brings a dinosaur skeleton to life. Barry arrests Chayton while Ralph saves a security guard from the skeleton. Later, Ralph reveals he mailed the necklace back to Chayton's tribe, before visiting the little girl in the hospital, using his abilities to entertain her. Meanwhile, Harry, trying to make friends, works with his doppelgangers of alternate Earths, The Council of Wells. They figure out that DeVoe is a man named Clifford DeVoe. Barry and Joe head to DeVoe's house, to find out that he is a middle-aged man in a wheelchair.

76
7
"Therefore I Am"
David McWhirter
Eric Wallace & Thomas Pound
November 21, 2017 (2017-11-21)
T27.13407
2.20[7]

Barry and Joe interrogate DeVoe and his wife to try and get more information. In flashbacks, DeVoe and his wife build a thinking cap to improve his brain capacity, powering it through the particle accelerator explosion. DeVoe's increased brain power accelerates his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, forcing his wife to build him a special chair to keep him alive. Barry discovers the camera in the Samuroid head and goes to DeVoe's house, narrowly avoiding being caught by DeVoe's wife. Barry later confronts DeVoe, who reveals his true identity, leading to Cisco dubbing him "The Thinker". Wally returns to Team Flash from Blue Valley.

77
8
"Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3"
Dermott Downs
Story by : Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim
Teleplay by : Todd Helbing
November 28, 2017 (2017-11-28)
T27.13408
2.82[8]

Barry, Oliver, Sara, Alex, Martin and Jax wake up in a Nazi concentration camp on Earth-X wearing power dampeners. The arriving SS Sturmbannführer is revealed to be the Earth-X doppelgänger of Quentin Lance, who plans to execute them, but they are saved by Citizen Cold (the Earth-X doppelgänger of Leonard Snart) and Ray Terrill. Snart and Terrill take them to the headquarters of the Freedom Fighters, where the team meets the resistance movement's leader, General Schott (Winn Schott's Earth-X doppelgänger). They learn that the only way back to Earth-1 is through a temporal gateway in a research facility, which Schott plans to blow up to strand Dark Arrow (Oliver's Earth-X doppelgänger) on Earth-1. Oliver disguises himself as Dark Arrow to infiltrate the facility and discovers the Nazi doomsday device against parallel Earths is a militarized timeship called Wellenreiter. Barry and Ray battle the Freedom Fighters' Red Tornado to stop it from destroying the gateway while the rest of the team enters the facility to reactivate its portal, during which Stein is shot and gravely wounded. On Earth-1, Thawne prepares to perform surgery on Kara to save Overgirl. Felicity and Iris try to stop him, but are captured.

This episode continues a crossover event that begins on Supergirl season 3 episode 8 and Arrow season 6 episode 8, and concludes on Legends of Tomorrow season 3 episode 8.

78
9
"Don't Run"
Stefan Pleszczynski
Sam Chalsen & Judalina Neira
December 5, 2017 (2017-12-05)
T27.13409
2.22[9]

While out Christmas shopping, Barry is ambushed and kidnapped by DeVoe while Caitlin is kidnapped from Jitters by Amunet. Iris claims they have to look for both of them, despite Wells' claim that they have insufficient time and resources and that they can only afford to search for one. Barry is held in DeVoe's lair. Caitlin is forced by Amunet to perform surgery on a metahuman named Dominic Lanse, who can read minds. They try to escape, but Amunet blocks their exit. Caitlin manages to briefly incapacitate Amunet, and she and Dominic flee the building they are being held in. Once outside, they are rescued by Cisco and Ralph, as Iris has chosen to focus on finding Caitlin. Barry manages to escape from DeVoe. Team Flash celebrates Christmas at the West house and Dominic joins them. Barry gets a security alert from his apartment. When he arrives, he receives a phone call from Dominic, who reveals that Amunet re-kidnapped Dominic and DeVoe has transferred his consciousness into Dominic's body. Barry discovers DeVoe's original body dead on his apartment floor and he realizes DeVoe has framed him for his "murder"; the police arrive, and Barry lets himself get arrested, not wanting to leave Iris again.

79
10
"The Trial of The Flash"
Philip Chipera
Lauren Certo & Kristen Kim
January 16, 2018 (2018-01-16)
T27.13410
2.51[10]

Barry stands trial for the murder of Clifford DeVoe, with Cecile representing him. Cisco and Joe have to leave during the trial for a meta investigation, in which a meta caused people to collapse. Singh reveals to Joe he is appearing as a witness for the prosecution against Barry. The meta is eventually discovered as Neil Borman, who is a meta who produces radiation, which is causing the illness and collapsing. Barry takes him on, but is ill equipped to deal with the situation. Cisco and Killer Frost travel to the scene where Caitlin tries to freeze Borman, who quickly defrosts and incapacitates Caitlin. Barry creates a vacuum seal around Borman to contain the radiation, with Cisco transporting the radiation to the dead Earth-15, draining the meta and defeating him. Barry is eventually found guilty by the jury and is sentenced to life in prison.

80
11
"The Elongated Knight Rises"
Alexandra La Roche
Sterling Gates & Thomas Pound
January 23, 2018 (2018-01-23)
T27.13411
2.12[11]

Barry uses his speed to secretly help the guards contain the other inmates during a prison riot. He also befriends Dave Ratchet, his father's former cellmate. The next day, Barry meets Axel Walker who was later broken out of prison by his mother Zoey Clark, his father's one-time partner Prank. Axel challenges Ralph by threatening to cause chaos in the city. Ralph attempts to stop him but is wounded by Axel and is evacuated by Cisco. Ralph sneaks into the prison to talk to Barry about how scared he is. Barry reassures him that being a hero isn't about not being scared, but about having the ability to rise above your fear. Cisco and Caitlin go to rescue the hostages, but get captured by Axel and Zoey, who intend to kill them. Ralph arrives, and attempts to shield the two from an acid shower, until Wells manages to hack into the shower system to neutralize its acidity. Iris visits Barry in prison, where they reaffirm their love for each other. Ralph and Cisco go to get coffee, where they meet the excitable girl from the wedding. The girl writes in her journal, where she appears to be writing in the language Barry was using when he came out of the Speed Force.

81
12
"Honey, I Shrunk Team Flash"
Chris Peppe
Sam Chalsen & Judalina Neira
January 30, 2018 (2018-01-30)
T27.13412
2.60[12]

Cecile develops telepathic abilities as a result of her pregnancy, combined with dormant dark matter in her cells, which Caitlin assures her should be temporary. In prison, Barry learns that Ratchet is innocent of a robbery-homicide that was actually committed by Sylbert Rundine fifteen years prior. Barry asks the team to look into the case. Rundine turns out to be a bus meta with the ability to shrink and enlarge objects, and he shrinks Cisco and Ralph while escaping. Harry's attempted cure backfires, and Caitlin determines that if they are not re-enlarged within a certain period of time, their bodies will explode. The team confronts Rundine at a warehouse, where Harry tricks him into re-enlarging Ralph and Cisco. Rundine is arrested, but refuses to confess to the earlier crime. Barry gathers that even if Ratchet went free, he would be as unhappy in the city as he is in prison; he wishes to live in a secluded Chinese village called Jiaju, but fears he will never get there. After Joe assures him that he will always do his best, Barry uses his speed to take Ratchet to Jiaju, where he can live out his dream. After discovering Barry is the Flash, the prison's warden, Gregory Wolfe, locks Barry in his private metahuman wing, intending to sell him to Amunet.

82
13
"True Colors"
Tara Nicole Weyr
Jonathan Butler & Gabriel Garza
February 6, 2018 (2018-02-06)
T27.13413
2.28[13]

Wolfe plans to sell Barry and the imprisoned bus metas (Ramsey Deacon, Becky Sharpe, Mina Chaytan, and Sylbert Rundine) to Amunet, so they plan to escape. Cecile discovers Wolfe's plans after reading his mind. Ralph encounters a former colleague and his negative interaction with him prompts the discovery that he can shapeshift. His lack of mastery of the new ability prevents his attempt to foil Amunet's deal with Wolfe. Barry helps the metas escape the power dampeners, but they are cornered by Wolfe and Amunet. DeVoe arrives and again uses his chair to extract the metas' abilities, before transferring his mind into Sharpe's body. He then crushes Wolfe's skull as Marlize looks on in horror; Amunet flees. Ralph uses his shapeshifting ability to appear as the original DeVoe at Barry's appeal, claiming that he was unconscious at Barry's loft but not dead, which clears Barry's name. Team Flash realizes that DeVoe is only stealing powers from metahumans who were on the bus when the dark matter wave was unleashed, which means he will likely target Ralph as well. Back at the DeVoes' house, their marriage continues to deteriorate, and DeVoe drugs his wife with the Weeper's tears to maintain her devotion towards him.

83
14
"Subject 9"
Ralph Hemecker
Mike Alber & Gabe Snyder
February 27, 2018 (2018-02-27)
TBA
2.12[14]

Barry is let go from CCPD, due to his connection with the DeVoe case. The team encounter another bus Metahuman, named Izzy (the Fiddler), with sound wave abilities, amplified by her violin. She manages to use her abilities when DeVoe (inside Sharpe's body) comes to claim her. Barry and Ralph help to train Izzy to refine her abilities, which proves difficult when she gets hurt. Eventually DeVoe shows up once again, using Dominic's and Becky's abilities to make Barry experience a brain aneurysm, while using his original abilities to incapacitate Ralph. DeVoe then once again uses the chair to transfer his mind into Izzy's body and escapes. Both Ralph and Barry comforts each other's losses: Barry being let go from the police force and Ralph losing Izzy to DeVoe. These's losses enforce both Barry's and Ralph's determination to bring Devoe down and save the 3 remaining metas.

84
15
"Enter Flashtime"[15]
Gregory Smith
Todd Helbing & Sterling Gates
March 6, 2018 (2018-03-06)
TBA
TBD

85
16
"Run, Iris, Run"[16]
Harry Jierjian
Eric Wallace
March 13, 2018 (2018-03-13)
TBA
TBD

86
17
TBA
Kevin Smith[17]
Lauren Certo & Kristen Kim[17]
TBA
TBA
TBD

87
18
TBA
Hanelle Culpepper[18]
Jonathan Butler & Gabriel Garza[18]
TBA
TBA
TBD

tag: table

text: Cast and characters[edit]

text: Main[edit]

text:
Grant Gustin as Barry Allen / Flash[19]
Candice Patton as Iris West[19]
Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow / Killer Frost[20]
Carlos Valdes as Cisco Ramon / Vibe[19]
Keiynan Lonsdale as Wally West / Kid Flash[19]
Neil Sandilands as Clifford DeVoe / Thinker[21]
Tom Cavanagh as Harrison "Harry" Wells[19]
Jesse L. Martin as Joe West[19]

tag: ul

text: Recurring[edit]

text:
Danielle Nicolet as Cecile Horton[22]
Kim Engelbrecht as Marlize DeVoe / Mechanic[21]
Jessica Camacho as Cynthia / Gypsy[23][24]
Patrick Sabongui as David Singh[25]
Richard Brooks as Gregory Wolfe[26]
Hartley Sawyer as Ralph Dibny / Elongated Man[27]
Katee Sackhoff as Amunet Black / Blacksmith[28]

text: Guest[edit]

text:
Britne Oldford as Shawna Baez / Peek-a-Boo[29]
Mark Sweatman as Norvok[30]
Dominic Burgess as Ramsey Deacon / Kilg%re[31]
Donna Pescow as Sharon Finkle
Sugar Lyn Beard as Rebecca Sharpe / Hazard[32] and Clifford DeVoe / Thinker
Chelsea Kurtz as Mina Chayton / Black Bison[33]
Violett Beane as Jesse Chambers Wells / Jesse Quick[34]
Danny Trejo as Josh / Breacher[21][24]
Vito D'Ambrosio as Anthony Bellows
Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak[28]
Riley Jade Berglund as Joanie[35]
Matt Afonso as Weeper[36]
Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen / Green Arrow and Dark Arrow[37]
Victor Garber as Martin Stein / Firestorm[37]
Caity Lotz as Sara Lance / White Canary[37]
Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers[37]
Franz Drameh as Jefferson Jackson / Firestorm[37]
Paul Blackthorne as Quentin Lance / Sturmbannführer
Jeremy Jordan as General Schott[37]
Juliana Harkavy as Dinah Drake / Black Canary
Melissa Benoist as Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl and Overgirl[37]
Wentworth Miller as Leonard Snart / Citizen Cold[38]
Russell Tovey as Ray Terrill / The Ray[37]
Frederick Schmidt voices Metallo-X
Kendrick Sampson as Dominic Lanse / Brainstorm[39] and Clifford DeVoe / Thinker
Mark Valley as Anton Slater[40]
Devon Graye as Axel Walker / Trickster[41]
Corinne Bohrer as Zoey Clark / Prank[41]
Bill Goldberg as Dave Ratchet / Big Sir[41]
Derek Mears as Sylbert Rundine / Dwarfstar[42]
Miranda MacDougall as Izzy Bowin / Fiddler[43]
John Wesley Shipp as Jay Garrick[44]
Leonardo Nam as Matthew / Melting Pot[45]
Max Adler as Jaco Birch / Pyro[46]
Anne Dudek as Tracy Brand[47]

text: Production[edit]

text: Development[edit]

text: The series was renewed for a fourth season on January 8, 2017,[48] earlier than usual for the series. Executive producer Andrew Kreisberg said on this, "The great thing about our dear friends at The CW and Mark Pedowitz picking the shows up as early as they did has allowed us to start building the schedules for next season."[49] In May 2017, it was announced that Aaron Helbing would not return as an executive producer for season four, with only Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, Sarah Schechter, and Todd Helbing returning from previous seasons.[50] Todd Helbing and Kreisberg were slated to serve as the season's showrunners.[51][52] In November 2017, Kreisberg was suspended from his role as executive producer and showrunner on The Flash over allegations of sexual harassment.[53][54] By the end of the month, he had been fired, with his name eventually being removed from the credits from all shows he worked on. In addition, Berlanti would take additional responsibilities working with Helbing to co-showrun the season.[55]

text: Writing[edit]

text:
The way I see it is, time is non-linear and everything is happening at once in the Speed Force. In some ways he's had an awakening and he's had a rebirth. Our first episode is called 'Reborn,' and it is a rebirth for Barry, but he's kind of scrambled, too, because he's experienced so much so quick over the course of six months, even though for him it was an eternity. He's not Barry when we see him for the first time.

—Grant Gustin on the rebirth of Barry in season four.[56]

tag: div

text: In March 2017, Kreisberg confirmed that the main villain for the fourth season would not be a speedster, like the previous three seasons.[57] Executive producers Aaron and Todd Helbing also mentioned that there would be less time travel in the season, with Aaron saying, "We like playing with the timelines and the different time periods and future and past. For now, I think we're going to focus on the present."[58] In June 2017, Clifford DeVoe / Thinker was reported to be the main antagonist of the season. He was first hinted in the third season episode "Abra Kadabra" when the titular villain mentions him among the Flash's greatest enemies, and again in the season finale "Finish Line" when Savitar mentions facing DeVoe but states that the Flash has not dealt with him yet.[59] At the series' San Diego Comic-Con panel, the speculation was confirmed, with Todd Helbing saying, "With three Speedsters in a row, this year it's the fastest man alive against the fastest mind alive."[22] He added that the writers were "making a conscious effort this year to get the fun quotient back up".[60]

text: Regarding the possibility of Wally West taking on the mantle of the Flash in Barry's absence, Keiynan Lonsdale said that "It's not something that's on my radar. I feel as though there is so much story to tell and Wally has so much growing to do... We need to see how these character realistically get to where they are headed for."[61] With the action picking up six months after season three, Kid Flash and Vibe are left to protect Central City, with Carlos Valdes saying "the team is sort of clutching at straws to keep the city together,... there is a unanimous feeling amongst the remaining members that it's just not the same without Barry... So in light of that, Cisco does whatever it takes to get his friends back."[62] Valdes also confirmed the return of Cisco's more lighthearted joking manner.[62] Candice Patton explained Iris West's larger role within Team Flash as "a way of distracting herself,"[62] adding that "[Iris] is forced to deal with that anger and resentment and abandonment by kind of focusing on protecting Central City... We're seeing a very different Iris, almost a very hardened Iris."[63] Kreisberg also hinted at some major growth for Iris this season, and noted that "the season premiere is all about Iris and Cisco, not Barry".[64]

text: In July 2017, Sterling Gates, DC Comics comic book writer, joined as a member of the fourth season's writing staff.[65] At the Television Critics Association press tour in August 2017, Pedowitz stated that the fourth season of The Flash is "going to try to find the lightness... of the Barry Allen of the first two seasons,"[66] and said that the show was likely "done with Speedster villains".[67] Later in the month, Kreisberg confirmed the return of Harry Wells from Earth-2, saying that "season 4 for Harry is really realizing what he's missing in his life and what it is he needs to become a better, more complete person, and so he's going to be going on a fairly epic emotional journey this season that is tied to the Thinker's plan," in addition to confirming the introduction of a new version of the Wells character.[68]

text: In September 2017, Helbing noted "There's a lot of love in the air this season," and compared Barry and Iris' reunion to "somebody going off to war for six months and coming back. There's a lot that Iris experienced that Barry didn't when he was gone, and it's really [about] the fun and the emotional component of making up that time when they weren't together." Helbing also explained that the Speed Force "let [Barry] deal with all of the baggage [from the past three seasons]. When he comes out, he's sort of left that all behind."[69] That month, Kreisberg also confirmed that Barry and Iris will be getting married this season,[70] while also revealing that the pair will be going to couples therapy since "[they] keep comically clashing inadvertently because [both are] used to being in charge, and so they wind up going... to work through it." He added, "The two of them with the therapist is some of the funniest stuff we have ever done on this show, but it also leads to a deepening of their relationship."[71]

text: Casting[edit]

text: Main cast members Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Keiynan Lonsdale, Tom Cavanagh, and Jesse L. Martin return from previous seasons as Barry Allen / The Flash, Iris West, Caitlin Snow / Killer Frost, Cisco Ramon / Vibe, Wally West / Kid Flash, Harrison Wells, and Joe West, respectively.[19] Cavanagh will portray Harry Wells from Earth-2 at the start of the season, without ruling out the possibility of introducing another incarnation of the Wells character later on.[62] Teasing the arrival of a new Harrison Wells, Cavanagh said, "We're going to start with Harry and then find a way, I think, to try and get a different version of Wells in there, be it some version of Harry or whatnot as the season's gaps present themselves."[72] Also returning from earlier in the series are Jessica Camacho as Gypsy,[23] and Anne Dudek as Tracy Brand.[47] Tom Felton, who joined the cast as Julian Albert in the third season, was revealed not to be returning to the series, although there is a possibility he could return if the storyline demanded it and Felton's availability permits.[73] Julian's absence will be addressed "pretty quickly — there's a reason why he's no longer with the team," said Helbing.[74] In the season premiere, Julian is revealed to have returned to London.[75] Kreisberg also confirmed that he had put on hold the planned return of Violett Beane as Jesse Quick due to the high number of speedsters on the show, but did not rule out a possible return in the future.[76] Beane eventually appeared as Jesse on the episode "Luck Be a Lady".[34] Britne Oldford, who previously appeared as Shawna Baez / Peek-a-Boo in the first season and the web series The Chronicles of Cisco, reprised her role in the season premiere.[29]

text: In July 2017, Neil Sandilands was announced to be cast as Clifford DeVoe, a metahuman genius who embarks on a seasonlong battle with the Flash in order to fix all that he deems wrong with humanity; while Kim Engelbrecht was announced as The Mechanic, Devoe's right hand and a highly intelligent engineer who designs devices for him; and Danny Trejo as Breacher, a bounty hunter from Earth-19 and the father of Gypsy.[21] Also in June, the series was looking to cast a role that "should put the visual effects department to the test",[77] with the role later revealed to be Ralph Dibny / Elongated Man, a metahuman with the ability to stretch his body to superhuman lengths and sizes.[78] Hartley Sawyer was cast in the recurring role that July as the fast-talking private investigator who after discovering his abilities will help Team Flash solve one of Central City's greatest mysteries.[27] The character was previously mentioned in the first season, as one of the fourteen people who seemingly died as a result of the particle accelerator explosion.[79] The next month, Katee Sackhoff was announced in the recurring role of Amunet Black / Blacksmith, who operates an underground black market of metahuman supervillains.[28]

text: Filming[edit]

text: Filming for the season began on July 4, 2017,[80] in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is set to conclude on April 21, 2018.[81] Kevin Smith will return to direct an episode in January 2018.[82]

text: Music[edit]

text: In August 2017, series composer Blake Neely and Nathaniel Blume began to compose the music for the fourth season.[83]

text: Arrowverse tie-ins[edit]

text: In May 2017, The CW president Mark Pedowitz officially announced plans for a four-show Arrowverse crossover event, crossing over episodes of the television series Supergirl, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Arrow.[84] The crossover will begin with Supergirl and a special airing of Arrow on November 27, 2017, and conclude on The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow on November 28.[85] In August 2017, Berlanti noted that it would be "a big life event for a few different people" that would bring them all together for the crossover, adding "There are many life events that happen."[86] Arrow actress Emily Bett Rickards appears as Felicity Smoak in the fifth episode of the season.[28]

text: Release[edit]

text: Broadcast[edit]

text: The season began airing on October 10, 2017, on The CW in the United States,[87] and on CTV in Canada.[88]

text: Marketing[edit]

text: In July 2017, cast from the series appeared at San Diego Comic-Con International to promote the season, where exclusive footage was shown.[89] During the panel, a trailer for the season was shown, with James Whitbrook at io9 feeling that despite the "grim" tone, there was "some fun signs of the team coming together to protect the city without [Barry],... Sprinkle in a few wacky things, like, say a goddamn Samuroid ripped straight from the comics, and ladies and gents, you've got a good season of The Flash lined up."[90] Ben Pearson with /Film felt seeing Iris West deal with the absence of Barry was "a nice change of pace for that character", but anticipated that "Barry [would] be back two or three episodes in at the latest."[91] Collider.com's Allison Keene also noted Iris "getting an actual storyline" with Barry gone, and similarly presumed that he "[would] be back in the fold by the end of the first episode" alike to Flashpoint in the third season. She added, "There are some new foes, lots of action, plenty of tech — it's great!"[92]

text: Reception[edit]

text: Ratings[edit]

text:
No.
Title
Air date
Rating/share
(18–49)
Viewers
(millions)
DVR
(18–49)
DVR viewers
(millions)
Total
(18–49)
Total viewers
(millions)

1
"The Flash Reborn"
October 10, 2017
1.1/4
2.84[1]
0.7
1.92
1.8
4.77[93]

2
"Mixed Signals"
October 17, 2017
0.9/4
2.54[2]
0.8
1.82
1.7
4.36[94]

3
"Luck Be a Lady"
October 24, 2017
1.0/4
2.62[3]
0.8
1.84
1.8
4.46[95]

4
"Elongated Journey Into Night"
October 31, 2017
0.7/3
1.99[4]
0.7
1.79
1.4
3.79[96]

5
"Girls Night Out"
November 7, 2017
0.9/4
2.38[5]
0.8
1.84
1.7
4.22[97]

6
"When Harry Met Harry..."
November 14, 2017
1.0/4
2.46[6]
0.7
1.83
1.7
4.29[98]

7
"Therefore I Am"
November 21, 2017
0.8/3
2.20[7]
0.8
2.08
1.6
4.28[99]

8
"Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3"
November 28, 2017
1.0/4
2.82[8]
0.7
1.83
1.7
4.64[100]

9
"Don't Run"
December 5, 2017
0.8/3
2.22[9]
0.6
1.45
1.4
3.67[101]

10
"The Trial of The Flash"
January 16, 2018
0.8/3
2.51[10]
0.7
1.55
1.5
4.06[102]

11
"The Elongated Knight Rises"
January 23, 2018
0.7/3
2.12[11]
0.7
1.69
1.4
3.81[103]

12
"Honey, I Shrunk Team Flash"
January 30, 2018
0.9/3
2.60[12]
0.8
1.84
1.7
4.43[104]

13
"True Colors"
February 6, 2018
0.8/3
2.28[13]
0.9
2.00
1.7
4.28[105]

14
"Subject 9"
February 27, 2018
0.7/3
2.12[14]
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD

text: Critical response[edit]

text: The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 7.36/10 based on 13 reviews. The website's consensus reads, "After an unsteady turn in season three, The Flash returns to its roots with a fourth season packed with humor, spectacle, and a whole lot of heart."[106]

text: Reviewing the first two episodes of the season, Allison Keene writing for Collider.com, felt the premiere "wipes the slate clean, fixing a lot of the issues that plagued the end of the last season, and setting up a much more toned-down storyline. Most importantly, it's brought back some fun." She added that with a "streamlined team," the core characters now have time to interact and have meaningful plot lines. On the second episode, Keene described it as "truly a delight" with the show taking "the time to focus on character relationships, and not just romantic relationships" and each character "feeling like a refreshed version of themselves, with new narrative purpose". She also highlighted the setup of the Thinker "as an Alchemy-like villain who manipulates evil metas into the Flash's path as part of some kind of masterplan", saying "The Flash is a series that truly works best as a procedural, with the team finding creative ways to bring down Villains of the Week."[107]

text: Accolades[edit]

text:
Year
Award
Category
Nominee(s)
Result
Ref.

2018
Kids' Choice Awards
Favorite TV Actor
Grant Gustin
Pending
[108]

Favorite TV Show
The Flash
Pending