Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Updated: 5/20/2026, 7:08:01 PM Wikipedia source
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). Columbia Records released "Single Ladies" as a single on October 8, 2008, as a double A-side alongside "If I Were a Boy", showcasing the contrast between Beyoncé and her aggressive onstage alter ego Sasha Fierce. It explores men's unwillingness to propose or commit. In the song, the female protagonist is in a club to celebrate her single status. "Single Ladies" won three Grammy Awards in 2010, including Song of the Year, among other accolades. Several news media sources named it as one of the best songs of 2008, while some considered it one of the best songs of the decade. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 228 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time in 2021. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for four non-consecutive weeks and received a 11× platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song charted among the top ten within the singles category in several other countries. Globally, it was 2009's seventh best-selling digital single with 6 million copies sold. A black-and-white music video accompanied the single's release. It won several awards, including three at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards winning the top prize Video of the Year. Beyoncé has performed "Single Ladies" on television and during her concert tours. The song and particularly its music video have been widely parodied and imitated. Several notable artists have performed cover versions. Media usage has included placement in popular television shows. In 2026, "Single Ladies" was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its "cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation's recorded sound heritage."
Infobox
A-side
"If I Were a Boy" (double A-side)
Released
October 8, 2008 (2008-10-08)
Recorded
May 2008
Studio
The Boom Boom Room, Burbank, California
Genre
Dance-pop R&B bounce
Length
3:13
Label
Columbia
Composers
Beyoncé Knowles Christopher "Tricky" Stewart Terius "The-Dream" Nash
Lyricists
Knowles Stewart Nash Thaddis Harrell
Producers
Knowles Tricky Stewart The-Dream
Tables
· Critical reception › Recognition
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Organization
Rolling Stone
Country
United States
Accolade
Songs of the Decade (ranked 50)
Year
2009
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Organization
Rolling Stone
Country
United States
Accolade
"Top Songs of 2008" (ranked 1)
Year
2008
Slant
Slant
Organization
Slant
Country
United Kingdom
Accolade
"The 100 Best Singles of the Aughts" (ranked 122)
Year
2010
Pitchfork
Pitchfork
Organization
Pitchfork
Country
United States
Accolade
"The 100 Best Tracks of 2008" (ranked 23)
Year
2008
Time
Time
Organization
Time
Country
United States
Accolade
All Time 100 Songs
Year
2011
Complex
Complex
Organization
Complex
Country
United States
Accolade
The 100 Best Songs of The Complex Decade
Year
2012
The Village Voice
The Village Voice
Organization
The Village Voice
Country
United States
Accolade
Pazz + Jop 2008 (ranked 3)
Year
2008
| Organization | Country | Accolade | Year | Source |
| Rolling Stone | United States | Songs of the Decade (ranked 50) | 2009 | |
| Rolling Stone | United States | "Top Songs of 2008" (ranked 1) | 2008 | |
| Slant | United Kingdom | "The 100 Best Singles of the Aughts" (ranked 122) | 2010 | |
| Pitchfork | United States | "The 100 Best Tracks of 2008" (ranked 23) | 2008 | |
| Time | United States | All Time 100 Songs | 2011 | |
| Complex | United States | The 100 Best Songs of The Complex Decade | 2012 | |
| The Village Voice | United States | Pazz + Jop 2008 (ranked 3) | 2008 |
· Accolades
2009
2009
Year
2009
Organization
BET Awards
Award
Video of the Year
Result
Won
Viewers Choice Award
Viewers Choice Award
Year
Viewers Choice Award
Organization
Nominated
MOBO Awards
MOBO Awards
Year
MOBO Awards
Organization
Best Video
Award
Won
MTV Europe Music Awards
MTV Europe Music Awards
Year
MTV Europe Music Awards
Organization
Best Video
Award
Won
MTV Video Music Awards
MTV Video Music Awards
Year
MTV Video Music Awards
Organization
Video of the Year
Award
Won
Best Female Video
Best Female Video
Year
Best Female Video
Organization
Nominated
Best Pop Video
Best Pop Video
Year
Best Pop Video
Organization
Nominated
Best Editing in a Video
Best Editing in a Video
Year
Best Editing in a Video
Organization
Won
Best Direction
Best Direction
Year
Best Direction
Organization
Nominated
Best Special Effects
Best Special Effects
Year
Best Special Effects
Organization
Nominated
Best Art Direction
Best Art Direction
Year
Best Art Direction
Organization
Nominated
Best Cinematography in a Video
Best Cinematography in a Video
Year
Best Cinematography in a Video
Organization
Nominated
Best Choreography in a Video
Best Choreography in a Video
Year
Best Choreography in a Video
Organization
Won
Kids' Choice Awards
Kids' Choice Awards
Year
Kids' Choice Awards
Organization
Favorite Song
Award
Won
Soul Train Music Awards
Soul Train Music Awards
Year
Soul Train Music Awards
Organization
Song of the Year
Award
Won
The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award
The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award
Year
The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award
Organization
Nominated
Teen Choice Awards
Teen Choice Awards
Year
Teen Choice Awards
Organization
Choice R&B Track
Award
Won
TRL Awards
TRL Awards
Year
TRL Awards
Organization
Nokia Playlist Generation Award
Award
Won
2010
2010
Year
2010
Organization
ASCAP Pop Music Awards
Award
Most Performed Songs
Result
Won
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
Year
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
Organization
Award Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Award
Won
Grammy Awards
Grammy Awards
Year
Grammy Awards
Organization
Song of the Year
Award
Won
Best R&B Song
Best R&B Song
Year
Best R&B Song
Organization
Won
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Year
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Organization
Won
| Year | Organization | Award | Result |
| 2009 | BET Awards | Video of the Year | Won |
| Viewers Choice Award | Nominated | ||
| MOBO Awards | Best Video | Won | |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Video | Won | |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Video of the Year | Won | |
| Best Female Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Pop Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Editing in a Video | Won | ||
| Best Direction | Nominated | ||
| Best Special Effects | Nominated | ||
| Best Art Direction | Nominated | ||
| Best Cinematography in a Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Choreography in a Video | Won | ||
| Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Song | Won | |
| Soul Train Music Awards | Song of the Year | Won | |
| The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award | Nominated | ||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice R&B Track | Won | |
| TRL Awards | Nokia Playlist Generation Award | Won | |
| 2010 | ASCAP Pop Music Awards | Most Performed Songs | Won |
| ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards | Award Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | |
| Grammy Awards | Song of the Year | Won | |
| Best R&B Song | Won | ||
| Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | Won |
· Charts › Weekly charts
Australia (ARIA)
Australia (ARIA)
Chart (2008–2010)
Australia (ARIA)
Peak
position
5
Australia Urban (ARIA)
Australia Urban (ARIA)
Chart (2008–2010)
Australia Urban (ARIA)
Peak
position
2
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
Chart (2008–2010)
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
Peak
position
11
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)
Chart (2008–2010)
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)
Peak
position
34
Brazil (Hot 100 Airplay)
Brazil (Hot 100 Airplay)
Chart (2008–2010)
Brazil (Hot 100 Airplay)
Peak
position
1
Bulgaria (BAMP)
Bulgaria (BAMP)
Chart (2008–2010)
Bulgaria (BAMP)
Peak
position
5
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)
Chart (2008–2010)
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)
Peak
position
2
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)
Peak
position
2
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)
Peak
position
1
CIS Airplay (TopHit)
CIS Airplay (TopHit)
Chart (2008–2010)
CIS Airplay (TopHit)
Peak
position
17
Croatia International Airplay (HRT)
Croatia International Airplay (HRT)
Chart (2008–2010)
Croatia International Airplay (HRT)
Peak
position
2
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)
Chart (2008–2010)
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)
Peak
position
13
Denmark (Tracklisten)
Denmark (Tracklisten)
Chart (2008–2010)
Denmark (Tracklisten)
Peak
position
21
European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)
European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)
Peak
position
20
France (SNEP) Download Chart
France (SNEP) Download Chart
Chart (2008–2010)
France (SNEP) Download Chart
Peak
position
43
Germany (Official German Charts)
with "If I Were a Boy"
Germany (Official German Charts)
with "If I Were a Boy"
Chart (2008–2010)
Germany (Official German Charts)
with "If I Were a Boy"
Peak
position
3
Global Dance Tracks(Billboard)
Global Dance Tracks(Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
Global Dance Tracks(Billboard)
Peak
position
4
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)
Chart (2008–2010)
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)
Peak
position
14
Ireland (IRMA)
Ireland (IRMA)
Chart (2008–2010)
Ireland (IRMA)
Peak
position
4
Israel (Media Forest)
Israel (Media Forest)
Chart (2008–2010)
Israel (Media Forest)
Peak
position
2
Italy (FIMI)
Italy (FIMI)
Chart (2008–2010)
Italy (FIMI)
Peak
position
10
Japan (Japan Hot 100)
Japan (Japan Hot 100)
Chart (2008–2010)
Japan (Japan Hot 100)
Peak
position
25
Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay)
Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay)
Chart (2008–2010)
Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay)
Peak
position
3
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Chart (2008–2010)
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Peak
position
8
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Chart (2008–2010)
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Peak
position
12
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
Chart (2008–2010)
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
Peak
position
2
Norway (VG-lista)
Norway (VG-lista)
Chart (2008–2010)
Norway (VG-lista)
Peak
position
19
Portugal Digital Song Sales (Billboard)
Portugal Digital Song Sales (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
Portugal Digital Song Sales (Billboard)
Peak
position
10
Russia Airplay (TopHit)
Russia Airplay (TopHit)
Chart (2008–2010)
Russia Airplay (TopHit)
Peak
position
38
Russia Airplay (TopHit)
Dave Audé remix
Russia Airplay (TopHit)
Dave Audé remix
Chart (2008–2010)
Russia Airplay (TopHit)
Dave Audé remix
Peak
position
48
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)
Chart (2008–2010)
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)
Peak
position
20
South Korea (Gaon)
South Korea (Gaon)
Chart (2008–2010)
South Korea (Gaon)
Peak
position
47
Scotland Singles (OCC)
Scotland Singles (OCC)
Chart (2008–2010)
Scotland Singles (OCC)
Peak
position
5
Spain (Promusicae)
Spain (Promusicae)
Chart (2008–2010)
Spain (Promusicae)
Peak
position
10
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
Chart (2008–2010)
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
Peak
position
40
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
Chart (2008–2010)
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
Peak
position
40
UK Singles (OCC)
UK Singles (OCC)
Chart (2008–2010)
UK Singles (OCC)
Peak
position
7
UK R&B (OCC)
UK R&B (OCC)
Chart (2008–2010)
UK R&B (OCC)
Peak
position
1
US Billboard Hot 100
US Billboard Hot 100
Chart (2008–2010)
US Billboard Hot 100
Peak
position
1
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)
Peak
position
21
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
Peak
position
1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
Peak
position
1
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)
Peak
position
1
US Pop 100 (Billboard)
US Pop 100 (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
US Pop 100 (Billboard)
Peak
position
2
US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)
US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)
Chart (2008–2010)
US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)
Peak
position
2
| Chart (2008–2010) | Peak position |
| Australia (ARIA) | 5 |
| Australia Urban (ARIA) | 2 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 11 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) | 34 |
| Brazil (Hot 100 Airplay) | 1 |
| Bulgaria (BAMP) | 5 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 2 |
| Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard) | 2 |
| Canada Hot AC (Billboard) | 1 |
| CIS Airplay (TopHit) | 17 |
| Croatia International Airplay (HRT) | 2 |
| Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100) | 13 |
| Denmark (Tracklisten) | 21 |
| European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard) | 20 |
| France (SNEP) Download Chart | 43 |
| Germany (Official German Charts) with "If I Were a Boy" | 3 |
| Global Dance Tracks(Billboard) | 4 |
| Hungary (Rádiós Top 40) | 14 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 4 |
| Israel (Media Forest) | 2 |
| Italy (FIMI) | 10 |
| Japan (Japan Hot 100) | 25 |
| Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay) | 3 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 8 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 12 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 2 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 19 |
| Portugal Digital Song Sales (Billboard) | 10 |
| Russia Airplay (TopHit) | 38 |
| Russia Airplay (TopHit) Dave Audé remix | 48 |
| Slovakia (Rádio Top 100) | 20 |
| South Korea (Gaon) | 47 |
| Scotland Singles (OCC) | 5 |
| Spain (Promusicae) | 10 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 40 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 40 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 7 |
| UK R&B (OCC) | 1 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) | 21 |
| US Dance Club Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Pop 100 (Billboard) | 2 |
| US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard) | 2 |
· Charts › Weekly charts
France (SNEP)
France (SNEP)
Chart (2011)
France (SNEP)
Peak
position
68
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
| France (SNEP) | 68 |
· Charts › Year-end charts
Australia (ARIA)
Australia (ARIA)
Chart (2008)
Australia (ARIA)
Position
74
Australia Urban (ARIA)
Australia Urban (ARIA)
Chart (2008)
Australia Urban (ARIA)
Position
22
Germany (Official German Charts)
with "If I Were a Boy"
Germany (Official German Charts)
with "If I Were a Boy"
Chart (2008)
Germany (Official German Charts)
with "If I Were a Boy"
Position
71
Japan Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Japan Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Chart (2008)
Japan Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Position
62
UK Singles (OCC)
UK Singles (OCC)
Chart (2008)
UK Singles (OCC)
Position
175
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
Chart (2008)
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
Position
75
| Chart (2008) | Position |
| Australia (ARIA) | 74 |
| Australia Urban (ARIA) | 22 |
| Germany (Official German Charts) with "If I Were a Boy" | 71 |
| Japan Adult Contemporary (Billboard) | 62 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 175 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 75 |
References
- "Digital Music Sales Around The World"http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/DMR2010.pdf
- Library of Congresshttps://newsroom.loc.gov/news/national-recording-registry-inducts-sounds-of-taylor-swift--beyonc---the-go-go-s--vince-gill--weezer/s/bc258688-e655-4ffb-9f91-f32b94956f36
- I Am... Sasha Fierce
- Peoplehttps://people.com/celebrity/inside-story-the-making-of-beyoncs-single-ladies/
- Peoplehttps://web.archive.org/web/20120126020631/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20194030,00.html
- Billboardhttps://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267200/beyonce-the-billboard-qa
- "Britney? Beyonce? Who Is MTV News' Woman Of The Year? The Countdown Begins Today!"https://web.archive.org/web/20100813065741/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1601276/20081212/spears_britney.jhtml
- "Beyonce's Very Different New Videos: One Has Dancing, One Has Relationship Problems"https://web.archive.org/web/20121103114517/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596842/beyonce-releases-two-very-different-new-music-videos.jhtml
- I Am ... Sasha Fierce Shineshttps://web.archive.org/web/20120209055707/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597718/beyonces-i-sasha-fierce-album-preview.jhtml
- "Beyoncé Releases Two Tracks From I Am ... , Inspired By Jay-Z And Etta James"https://web.archive.org/web/20120619051814/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596573/beyonce-releases-two-tracks-from-i.jhtml
- Peoplehttps://web.archive.org/web/20110108195011/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20231737,00.html
- Radio & Recordshttps://web.archive.org/web/20081014182950/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10%2F13%2F2008&Format=9
- Radio & Recordshttps://web.archive.org/web/20081014035723/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10%2F13%2F2008&Format=5
- FMQBhttps://web.archive.org/web/20051031190339/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239
- "If I Were a Boy – Single"https://music.apple.com/au/album/if-i-were-a-boy-single/294909898
- "If I Were a Boy – Single"https://music.apple.com/nz/album/if-i-were-a-boy-single/294909898
- "If I Were a Boy [Single]"https://www.amazon.de/dp/B001HZUTNU
- Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U7YK2Q
- "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Dance Remixes – EP"https://music.apple.com/se/album/single-ladies-put-ring-on/303646947
- "Beyoncé: 'Single Ladies'"http://www.digitalspy.com/music/singlesreviews/a142722/beyonce-single-ladies.html