Hear Sia sing Rihanna's Diamonds

Sia was at the Norweigan-American Achievement Award ceremony last night. It doesn't look like the most showbiz event of all time. In fact, I've been to more glitzy lectures. But that's not why we're here.

Taking to the stage with Stargate, Sia explained how she wrote Diamonds for Rihanna in 22 minutes, and recorded the demo in 26. That's under an hour, folks. Could you write a global number one in your lunch break? Exactly.

Tor Erik Hermansen, one half of Stargate, commented: "She had her coat on and her bag in her hand, and a car waiting downstairs to take her to the airport!" (thanks to @bananasmc for the quote)

A bit of her speech has made it onto YouTube. But even better, Sia then performed the song... It's really interesting to hear how her vocal inflections are almost exactly the same as the "official" version. Did Rihanna impersonate Sia, or has Sia become so familiar with the single that she's essentially covering Rihanna covering her demo?

Sia - Diamonds

Tweet