The Aaliyah Barbie doll sold out on the Detroit-raised star’s birthday

On January 17, 2025By Littum

ONE Barbie doll of the beloved Detroit-raised singer Aaliyah went on sale on Thursday to mark the late star’s birthday – and immediately sold out.

The doll was supposed to be available for a day while supplies last as part of the brand’s music line, but was already listed as sold out when Detroiters woke up Thursday, according to Mattel Creations’ website.

The $55 doll features the star – Aaliyah Haughton – in a faux leather outfit inspired by her “One in a Million” music video. It was offered exclusively on the Mattel site to the brand’s Barbie Club 59 members. According to Mattel, the doll should also be available through Target for one-day sales.

The R&B singer and budding music star would have turned 46 on Thursday.

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Detroit’s west side, she burst onto the music scene with her first single topping the Hot 100 Billboard charts at just 15 years old.

Her second album “One in a Million” went double platinum in a year, and she was nominated for Grammy awards for her songs “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again.” She was also linked to the careers of Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and, controversially, R. Kelly.

She died at age 22 in 2001 in a plane crash in the Bahamas along with eight other people after filming her “Rock the Boat” music video.

“Aaliyah’s smooth vocals and innovative sound helped shape ’90s R&B, and her influence on music and fashion continues to be felt today,” the Mattel listing states. “Our tribute to ‘Babygirl’s’ life and sound will bring any collection to the top of the charts.”

Other dolls in the musical-themed series include that of Tina Turner and Stevie Nicks.