Aaliyah's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Aaliyah.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001) was a highly influential American singer, actress, dancer, and model. Known as the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop," she significantly impacted contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop music. Her career, though tragically short, left a lasting legacy on music and popular culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 16, 1997: "One in a Million" certified double platinum

On June 16, 1997, Aaliyah's album "One in a Million" was certified double platinum by the RIAA, signifying shipments of two million copies.

1998: Academy Awards Performance and "Are You That Somebody?" Release

In 1998, Aaliyah performed "Journey to the Past" at the Academy Awards and released the song "Are You That Somebody?" for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack, earning her first Grammy nomination.

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2000: "Try Again" Tops Billboard Hot 100

In 2000, Aaliyah served as an executive producer of the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, contributing four songs. "Try Again" topped the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on airplay, leading to a physical release. The music video won multiple awards.

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2001: Tribute at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards

At the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, Aaliyah was honored by Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine and her brother, Rashad, who all paid tribute to her memory.

February 2002: Aaliyah Album Certified Double Platinum

In February 2002, Aaliyah's self-titled album was certified double Platinum by the RIAA, following her death.

2003: VH1's The Greatest Series Ranking

In 2003, Aaliyah was ranked as one of "The Top 40 Women of the Video Era" in VH1's The Greatest series. Also, in 2003 in memory of Aaliyah, the Entertainment Industry Foundation created the Aaliyah Memorial Fund to donate money raised to charities she supported.

2008: BET's Top 25 Dancers of All Time Ranking

In 2008, Aaliyah was ranked at number 18 on BET's "Top 25 Dancers of All Time".

December 2009: Billboard's Top Artists of the Decade Ranking

In December 2009, Billboard ranked Aaliyah at number 70 on its Top Artists of the Decade. Her album, Aaliyah, was ranked at number 181 on the magazine's Top 200 Albums of the Decade in December 2009.