Katy Perry was crowned Wednesday as the new RIAA Gold & Platinum Program's top digital artist of all time. The singer is the first to surpass the 70 million mark on digital downloads with 72 million downloads and on-demand streams to her name, putting her ahead of Rihanna by 20 million.

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RIAA Chairman and CEO, Cary Sherman, described Perry as a "force to be reckoned with" in the digital music industry during the ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

"She embodies all that makes a true global superstar: the musical talent, the extraordinary drive and genuine charisma, and an intrinsic connection with her fans," said Sherman. The award, according to Sherman, confirms Perry's deep commitment to her music, the very reason that has "propelled her to this historic milestone."

The "Birthday" singer's incredible feat was accomplished through 18 hit songs that go all the way back to her 2008 single "I Kissed A Girl."

In total, Perry has hauled 56 multiplatinum awards, including 18 gold and 16 platinum over a career that spans only six years. Her albums "Teenage Dream" and "One of the Boys" also received multiplatinum and platinum awards, respectively.

The Recording Industry Association of America is a music industry group that awards gold and platinum certifications to artists and musicians in the US. It added digital sales to its tracking in 2004 when online music downloads emerged as the mainstream method of buying records, according to CNN. RIAA included video streaming and on-demand streams from websites like Youtube, Yahoo! Music and MTV.com in the count last year.

Notably, Perry is still just the most awarded digital act. The Beatles, by far, has the most gold and platinum records sold.

Tagskaty perry, 72 million digital singles, Rihanna, top digital artist of all time, top digital act, RIAA