Barbie doll of Aaliyah sells out on late R&B star’s birthday
Interest in the Barbie doll of Aaliyah is truly “One in a Million” — and it shows, as the doll has already sold out.
The doll was released Thursday, which would have been the late R&B star’s 46th birthday. As of Thursday afternoon, the collector’s item was listed as sold out on the Mattel website.
The Barbie Instagram account said Thursday about the latest addition to the Barbie Music Series, “Today on Aaliyah’s birthday, Barbie honors the Princess of R&B’s unmatched legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent.”
“A rising star who left an unforgettable mark on pop culture, the Aaliyah Barbie doll remembers her iconic style, keeping her influence alive across generations,” the post said.
Inspired by her outfit in the “One in a Million” music video, photos show the doll in a sleeveless faux leather vest, a black faux leather crop top and silver-studded pants. It also features her iconic black aviator sunglasses and armbands to complete the look.
Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah’s brother, who collaborated closely with Mattel to bring the doll to life, said he was “blown away” by the result. He told TODAY.com that his sister would have loved the edgy ensemble, noting that her favorite color was “all black.”
“It’s still tight-fitting; it’s still a little bit sexy. But it’s pants, so it brings that power and that confidence and expression,” Haughton said. “It really just checked all the boxes of what my sister represents and also what Barbie represents, which is empowerment and expression.”
The drop was initially available to Mattel’s Barbie Club 59 members for $55. Target is set to release the doll for $55.99 on Jan. 26, offering fans another chance to get their hands on the hot property.
Other dolls in the music series include those of Gloria Estefan, Tina Turner and Stevie Nicks.
Aaliyah’s sophomore album, “One in a Million,” was certified double platinum within a year of its release in August 1996. She also received Grammy nominations for hits like “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again.”
She died at age 22 on Aug, 25, 2001, in a plane crash in the Bahamas. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, also killing eight other people on board.
Mattel said in the doll’s listing: “Aaliyah’s smooth vocals and innovative sound helped shape ’90s R&B, and her influence on music and fashion continues to be felt today. Our tribute to ‘Babygirl’s’ life and sound will take any collection to the top of the charts.”
