In a move that merges nostalgia, cultural reverence, and a dash of collector’s frenzy, the late Detroit R&B sensation Aaliyah has been transformed into a Barbie. Yes, Babygirl’s unmistakable energy now exists in the form of 11.5 inches of sleek, doll-sized homage.
Mattel dropped the Aaliyah Barbie on Thursday, a deliberate nod to what would have been her 46th birthday, and in true superstar fashion, it sold out faster than you can say “One in a Million.”
The doll hit MattelCreations.com at the stroke of midnight, retailing for $64.99—a price tag that also came with a yearlong membership to Barbie Club 59, a portal to exclusive deals and insider access for the true Barbie devotees. But blink and you’d miss it: the doll was gone in 30 minutes.
For those unwilling to brave the secondhand auction jungle, there’s a glimmer of hope. According to Mattel, the Aaliyah Barbie might still pop up at select Target locations or on their website—an elusive find worthy of a treasure hunt.
Decked out in a black-on-black ensemble with those signature low-slung pants and a pair of slick sunglasses, the doll is pure Aaliyah. The outfit is as much a tribute to her iconic street-meets-chic style as it is to her status as an emblem of effortless cool.
The website accompanying the release adds a fitting epitaph: “Our Aaliyah doll honors the life and sound of the chart-topping, record-breaking American musician affectionately known as ‘Babygirl.’”
It’s not the first time Mattel has celebrated a music icon. Aaliyah now joins the ranks of Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, and Stevie Nicks in Barbie’s glittering hall of fame. But this isn’t just about a doll; it’s about the resonance of Aaliyah’s legacy, a voice silenced too soon yet still rippling through pop culture.
After all, it was only in 2021 that her music finally made its way to streaming platforms, allowing a new generation to immerse themselves in her hypnotic grooves and celestial vocals.
There’s something poetic about immortalizing Aaliyah as a Barbie. A cultural icon immortalized in a cultural artifact. It’s not just a doll on a shelf; it’s a reminder of a life—tragically short, undeniably radiant. Mattel’s plastic tribute encapsulates the enduring allure of an artist who has inspired generations, both through her music and her inimitable style.
And while you can’t buy her music at midnight and have it vanish within minutes, there’s no denying that Aaliyah remains the quintessential dream girl—irreplaceable, unforgettable, and now, unboxed in the annals of pop history.
Last modified: January 17, 2025
