Mattel’s Tribute Barbie Doll Sells Out on Launch

On January 16, Mattel paid tribute to the R&B legend. Aaliyah with a special edition Barbie dolland within hours of his release he was exhausted. Launched on what would have been Aaliyah’s 46th birthday, the collectible is a heartfelt tribute to the star, whose influence continues to resonate in music and pop culture today.

Aaliyah’s rise to fame in the 1990s was meteoric. With hits like “Back and Forth” and “At Your Best,” she became the voice of a generation, blending smooth R&B with a progressive sound that would shape the genre for years to come. Tragically, her life was cut short in 2001, at the age of 22, when she died in a plane crash in the Bahamas after completing the music video for “Rock the Boat.” Yet his music and impact have only grown in importance over time, and the release of this film Barbie doll highlights his lasting legacy.

Wearing a black faux leather ensemble inspired by Aaliyah’s look in the “One in a Million” music video, the doll perfectly captures her bold yet timeless style. The outfit features a crop top, zipped vest, and statement sunglasses, paying homage to Aaliyah’s effortlessly cool fashion choices. Designed in collaboration with Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad Haughton, this Barbie doll serves not only as a collectible but also as a personal tribute to a sister who, as Rashad recalls, spent hours playing with her own dolls Barbie, imagining her future fame.

“I vividly remember my sister playing with her favorite Barbie dolls for hours when we were kids. She made them sing, dance and do small concerts. It’s clear to me now that she was imagining dreams that would come true when she embarked on a career in entertainment at just fifteen years old,” Rashad explained in a Mattel press release. “Inspiring confidence, self-belief and accepting who you really are is what Barbie is all about. My sister would be thrilled to see her legacy celebrated in this way, allowing fans to dream big and believe they can be anything their heart desires.

Barbie Aaliyah is part of Mattel’s Barbie Music Collector Series, a collection that has previously honored music legends like Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan and Tina Turner. However, Aaliyah’s inclusion carries particular weight. As Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, said: “Mattel is honored to induct the legendary Aaliyah, an artist who redefined the R&B genre and left an indelible mark on the music scene for years. 90, as our latest winner in the Barbie Signature Music series. Thirty years after the release of her iconic debut single, “Back and Forth,” we invite fans to celebrate Aaliyah’s remarkable legacy.

“We hope that Aaliyah Barbie will remind her loyal fans and Barbie collectors around the world that, like Aaliyah, they can unlock their limitless potential and achieve anything they want by embracing their passion and drive,” added Shepherd.

The Aaliyah Barbie doll, retailing at $55, was launched through Mattel Creations, an exclusive platform for limited-edition items. It went on sale Wednesday at 9 p.m. PT (midnight Thursday ET) and was only available to members of a subscription Barbie collectors group. By the time the news circulated on the Internet, the doll was quickly sold out – a testament to the artist’s lasting impact and the deep affection his fans have for him. Those who missed the pre-orders will have another chance to grab the doll when it arrives. Target stores on January 26. It is also available on Amazon UK for international collectors.

Aaliyah’s influence is considerable: she remains an icon of style, talent and grace. For those who grew up with her music or discovered her later, Aaliyah Barbie is more than a collectible. It’s a tribute to a woman who blazed her own trail, empowered millions, and continues to inspire those who believe in the power of dreams. As her brother said, this doll is a symbol of Aaliyah’s legacy — and a reminder to fans everywhere that they, too, can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Barbie Aaliyah is more than just a collectible; it’s a powerful tribute to one of music’s most enduring icons. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on X/Twitter @CelebMix — we’d love to hear how you celebrate Aaliyah’s legacy!