Barbie Girl#Charts

{{Quote box|width=30em|align=right|quote=Rene came up with the original lyric Come on Barbie, Let's go party! and we wanted to put voices to the dolls and imagine what they would say to each other.|source=—Lene Nystrøm talking to Music Week about the song{{cite magazine|first=Stephen|last=Jones|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-08-30.pdf|title=Aqua — Europop Success Looks To UK|magazine=Music Week|date=30 August 1997|page=14|accessdate=18 August 2022}}}}

The lyrics of the song "Barbie Girl" are about Barbie and Ken, the dolls made by Mattel. Both the song and its music video feature Lene Nystrøm as Barbie and René Dif as Ken. As such, the lyrics drew the ire of Barbie's corporate owners, and a lawsuit was filed by Mattel.

A footnote on the back of the Aquarium CD case precisely stated that "The song 'Barbie Girl' is a social comment and was not created or approved by the makers of the doll."{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-06-ca-29293-story.html|title=Mattel Protests the Image Portrayed in 'Barbie Girl'|work=Los Angeles Times|last=Crowe|first=Jerry|date=6 September 1997|access-date=3 February 2019}} "Barbie Girl" is written in the key of C-sharp minor,{{Cite web|last1=Johnny|first1=Mosegaard|last2=Claus|first2=Norreen|last3=Lene|first3=Nystrom|last4=Karsten|first4=Dahlgaard|last5=Soren|first5=Rasted|last6=Rene|first6=Dif|date=22 October 2000|title=Barbie Girl|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0027024|access-date=8 June 2021|website=Musicnotes.com}} using major chords and an upbeat tempo to create an effect band member Søren Rasted calls "the plus and minus".{{cite news |last1=Frey |first1=Angelica |title='Critics wanted us to be a one-hit-wonder': back in Barbie world with Aqua |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/07/one-hit-wonder-barbie-world-with-aqua |access-date=22 September 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=7 August 2023}} The song has a tempo of 130 beats per minute.{{Cite web |title=BPM and key for Barbie Girl by Aqua {{!}} Tempo for Barbie Girl |url=https://songbpm.com/@aqua/barbie-girl |access-date=22 August 2022 |website=Song BPM}}

"Barbie Girl" was released the same year as the pitch correction software Auto-Tune, although it was not yet available when the song was recorded and mastered. Rasted said that Nystrøm naturally portrayed the high-pitched Barbie voice in the studio.{{cite web | url=https://collider.com/barbie-girl-not-in-barbie-movie/ | title=Why We Won't Hear "Barbie Girl" in Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' | website=Collider | date=18 April 2023 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.looper.com/1026400/aqua-breaks-their-silence-about-barbie-girls-exclusion-from-greta-gerwigs-upcoming-film/|title=Aqua Breaks Their Silence About Barbie Girl's Exclusion From Greta Gerwig's Upcoming Film|first=Max|last=Miller|date=26 September 2022|website=Looper}}

"Barbie Girl" received critical acclaim. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that "with her squeaky, high-pitched delivery, Lene Grawford Nystrøm fronts this giddy pop/dance ditty as if she were Barbie, gleefully verbalizing many of the twisted things people secretly do with the doll." He noted that "at the same time, she effectively rants about the inherent misogyny of Barbie with a subversive hand", adding that René Dif is an "equally playful and biting presence, as he embodies male counterpart Ken with an amusing leer."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1997/Billboard-1997-08-16.pdf|first=Larry|last=Flick|title=Single Reviews: New & Noteworthy|magazine=Billboard|date=16 August 1997|access-date=6 February 2020|page=62|author-link=Larry Flick}} Scottish Daily Record stated, "Love them or hate them, you have to admit Aqua's silly doll song is pure pop and the video is great, too"."Chart Slot; Top 10 Singles". Daily Record. 9 January 1998. David Browne from Entertainment Weekly described it as a "dance-floor novelty that alludes to the secret, less-than-wholesome life of every little girl's fave doll."{{cite magazine|first=David|last=Browne|url=https://ew.com/article/1997/10/17/album-review-aquarium/|title=Album Review: 'Aquarium'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=17 October 1997|access-date=28 February 2020|author-link=David Browne (journalist)}} Another EW editor, Jeremy Helligar, commented, "There must be something in that Northern European water. Like recent tunes by their Swedish-pop counterparts Ace of Base and the Cardigans, these Danish newcomers' frothy debut is fun, fun, fun—but oh so disposable."{{cite magazine|first=Jeremy |last=Helligar |title=Barbie Girl |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=15 August 1997 |access-date=11 November 2020 |url=https://ew.com/article/1997/08/15/barbie-girl/}}

Kevin Courtney from Irish Times named it Single of the Week, calling it "a supreme slice of cheese which out-hums even the mighty Whigfield" and saying that Aqua had "hit the perfect wally beat, and this awful tune is set to dominate the dance-floor and do kinky things to it."Courtney, Kevin (17 October 1997). "Single Of The Week". Irish Times. British magazine Music Week gave the song five out of five and also named it Single of the Week, concluding, "Bleached and blonde this bouncy Europop tune may be, but dumb it isn't. Its mix of perky vocals, barbed lyrics and infectious energy has already brought it success in Scandinavia and the US. The video is irresistible." A reviewer from People Magazine called it "the year's best novelty record, a cartoonish anthem you'll need surgery to remove from your head."{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-aquarium-vol-48-no-18/ |title=Picks and Pans Review: Aquarium |magazine=People |date=3 November 1997 |access-date=13 November 2020}} James Hyman from the RM Dance Update gave the song top score, declaring it as "a Balearic-tinged Euro pop smash hit". He added, "My niece refuses to go to bed unless the video is played several times over; I think that speaks for itself with regard to ongoing single success."

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called "Barbie Girl" "one of those inexplicable pop culture phenomena" and "insanely catchy", describing it as a "bouncy, slightly warped Euro-dance song that simultaneously sends up femininity and Barbie dolls."{{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Aquarium – Aqua |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/aquarium-mw0000595470 |access-date=9 October 2016 |publisher=AllMusic}} Insider stated that the song is "sugary sweet" and "totally catchy", viewing it as one of the best songs of the 90s.{{cite web |title=Best songs from the '90s |url=https://www.insider.com/best-songs-90s-2019-4 |access-date=31 December 2023 |publisher=Insider}} In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue wrote that "this song is fun, undoubtedly catchy, and bouncy, with the personas of Barbie and Ken fitting perfectly with the vocal contrast."{{cite web |date=28 August 2015 |title=Review: "Aquarium" by Aqua (CD, 1997) |url=https://poprescue.com/2015/08/28/pop-rescue-aquarium-aqua-cd-1997/ |access-date=27 March 2020 |publisher=Pop Rescue}} The song ranked number 88 in a VH1 countdown, "VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders".{{cite web |title=VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders |url=https://www.listchallenges.com/vh1-the-greatest-100-greatest-one-hit-wonders |access-date=16 January 2022 |publisher=List Challenges}} In 2017, Billboard ranked it number nine in their list of "The 100 Greatest Pop Songs of 1997", writing, "'Barbie Girl' was like the cartoon rendering of Jill Sobule's more obviously snarky 'Supermodel', so over-the-top in its kitschiness that you could be forgiven for not noticing its impressive self-awareness."{{cite magazine|first=Andrew|last=Unterberger|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/greatest-pop-songs-1997-7849063/|title=The 100 Greatest Pop Songs of 1997: Critic's Picks|magazine=Billboard|date=29 June 2017|access-date=7 November 2024}} Same year, BuzzFeed ranked it number 76 in their list of "The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s".{{cite web |last1=Stopera |first1=Matt |last2=Galindo |first2=Brian |date=11 March 2017 |title=The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/jump-to-the-rhythm-jump-jump-to-the-rhythm-jump |access-date=31 March 2020 |publisher=BuzzFeed}} In October 2023, Billboard ranked "Barbie Girl" number 220 in their "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time". They praised its "magic moment"; "Put on your best Ken voice — René Dif, not Ryan Gosling — for every "Come on Barbie, let's go party!" shout-along." In 2024, MTV 90s ranked it number two in their list of "Top 50 Rhythms of Eurodance",{{cite web|title=50 Rhythms of Eurodance|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Jhj6bQEIw|publisher=MTV 90s via YouTube|date=July 2024|access-date=14 November 2024}}{{cite web|title=MTV 90s - Top 50 Rhythms of Eurodance|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32310411/|publisher=IMDb|date=2024|access-date=14 November 2024}} while Cosmopolitan featured it in their "60 of the Best '90s Songs for the Ultimate Throwback Playlist".{{cite magazine|first1=Laura|last1=Hanrahan|first2=Allison|last2=Banko|first3=Adrianna|last3=Freedman|first4=Chaise|last4=Sanders|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/g32585720/best-90s-songs/|title=60 of the Best '90s Songs for the Ultimate Throwback Playlist|magazine=Cosmopolitan|date=5 March 2024|access-date=25 February 2025}}

"Barbie Girl" has sold more than eight million copies worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/aquas-barbie-girl-worst-song-of-the-90s/question-2142553/ |title=Aqua's 'Barbie Girl': Worst Song of the '90s? |website=SodaHead.com |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404035423/http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/aquas-barbie-girl-worst-song-of-the-90s/question-2142553/ |archive-date=4 April 2012}} It went on becoming a huge hit on several continents, remaining the most successful song by the band. It reached number one in more than 10 countries. In Europe, the single peaked at the top position in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100. In the band's native Denmark, the song debuted and peaked at number two. In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number two and reached number one the next week, on 26 October 1997.{{cite web|title="Barbie Girl", UK Singles Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Untouchable |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=6 August 2009 }} It stayed at that position for four weeks and has sold and streamed 2.4 million units in the United Kingdom as of September 2023. Outside Europe, "Barbie Girl" peaked at number-one in Australia and New Zealand, number four in Canada and number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. On the latter, it debuted at that position. It sold 82,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number five on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart.{{cite news |last=Eriksen |first=Jan |date=28 August 1997 |title=Ind på toppen i USA |trans-title=In at the top in the US |language=da |newspaper=BT |location=Copenhagen}}

The accompanying music video for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Danish directors Peder Pedersen and Peter Stenbæk,{{cite web|url=https://imvdb.com/n/aqua|title=Aqua|website=IMVDb}} and depicts the band members in different scenes that a Barbie doll would be in. It has Nystrøm dressed as various Barbie dolls skulking around her swimming pool at home after Dif, dressed as Barbie's love interest Ken, accidentally pulls her arm off. The video was also the number one most requested video in the US, having shot from 30 to number one on the US channel The Box. The video was uploaded to their official YouTube channel in August 2010 and reached 1 billion views in February 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A|title=Aqua – Barbie Girl|date=20 August 2010 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=3 August 2021}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aqua-barbie-girl-oral-history-1319069/|title='People Probably Want to Kill Us': The Oral History of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl'|last=Greene|first=Andy|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=1 April 2022|access-date=7 May 2022}}

{{Main|Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.{{!}}Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.}}

In September 1997, six months after the release of the song by Aqua, Mattel, the toy manufacturer of the Barbie doll line, sued MCA Records, Aqua's North American record label. The company claimed that "Barbie Girl" violated their trademark and turned the doll into a sex-object, and referred to her as a "blonde bimbo".{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424996/19970912/story.jhtml |title=Aqua Now Faces Lawsuit Over 'Barbie Girl' |publisher=MTV News |date=12 September 1997 |access-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070610113238/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424996/19970912/story.jhtml |archive-date = 10 June 2007}} Their case also alleged that the song infringed its copyrights and trademarks on the Barbie doll and that the lyrics had ruined the longtime popularity and reputation of their trademark, impinging on their marketing plan. Aqua and MCA Records claimed that Mattel injected their own meanings into the song's lyrics, contesting Mattel's claims and countersuing for defamation, after Mattel had likened MCA to a "bank robber".{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/27/scotus.barbie/ |title=Supreme Court rejects ugly fight over Barbie doll |publisher=CNN |date=27 January 2003 |access-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070327212706/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/27/scotus.barbie/ |archive-date = 27 March 2007}} The lawsuit filed by Mattel was ultimately dismissed by the lower courts, with this dismissal upheld and a certiorari petition denied by the Supreme Court of the United States.{{cite journal |url=https://openjurist.org/537/us/1171/mattel-inc-v-mca-records-inc-et-al | title=Mattel Inc v. MCA Records et. al | website=OpenJurist| year=2003 | volume=US | issue=537 | page=1171 }}

In 2002, a Court of Appeals ruled that the song was protected as a parodyCampbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., {{Ussc|510|569|1994}} under the trademark doctrine of nominative use and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution; the judge Alex Kozinski also threw out the defamation lawsuit that Aqua's record company filed against Mattel, concluding his ruling thus: "The parties are advised to chill."{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2150432.stm |work=BBC News |title=Barbie loses battle over bimbo image |date=25 July 2002 |access-date=8 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070706125100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2150432.stm| archive-date= 6 July 2007 | url-status= live}} The case was dismissed.

In 2009, as part of a marketing strategy to revive sales, Mattel released a series of advertisements and a promotional music video featuring the song, with modified lyrics.{{cite web |title=The Barbie Music Video| date=25 August 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwu6NrxVVFk |publisher=Mattel |access-date=15 October 2012}}{{Cite news |title=Years Later, Mattel Embraces Barbie Girl |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/years-later-mattel-embraces-barbie-girl/?pagemode=print |work=The New York Times |access-date=11 July 2010 | first=Stuart | last=Elliott | date=26 August 2009}} In 2023, with the global release of the Mattel-produced film Barbie (starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken), a new song entitled "Barbie World" (performed by rappers Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice) was included on the film's soundtrack.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2023 |title=Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Will Unite For A 'Barbie Girl' Remake |url=https://uproxx.com/music/nicki-minaj-ice-spice-barbie-girl-aqua-remake/ |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=UPROXX}}

As the interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 2001, Aqua performed a medley of their singles along with percussion ensemble Safri Duo.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=7743&_t=The+end+of+a+decade%3A+Copenhagen+2001|title=The end of a decade: Copenhagen 2001|last=Bakker|first=Sietse|date=22 December 2009|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=22 December 2009}} There were several complaints due to the profanity used during the performance, both at the beginning and end of "Barbie Girl".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC64YvTt19Y&t=1m53s|title=Aqua – Eurovision 2001 Performance|date=5 November 2012 |via=YouTube|access-date=5 April 2018}}

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• Danish and European CD and cassette single{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=Danish & European CD single liner notes|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMD 85021}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=Danish & European cassette single sleeve|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMC 80413}}

1. "Barbie Girl" (radio edit) – 3:16
2. "Barbie Girl" (extended version) – 5:14

• UK CD1{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=UK CD1 liner notes|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMD 80413}}

1. "Barbie Girl" (radio edit) – 3:16
2. "Barbie Girl" (extended version) – 5:14
3. "Barbie Girl" (Perky Park club mix) – 6:13
4. "Barbie Girl" (Spike's Anatomically Correct dub) – 7:55

• UK CD2{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=UK CD2 liner notes|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMDX 80413}}

1. "Barbie Girl" (CD-ROM video)
2. "Barbie Girl" (radio edit)
3. "Barbie Girl" (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 12-inch G-String mix)
4. "Barbie Girl" (Dirty Rotten Peroxide radio mix)

• US CD and cassette single{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=US CD single liner notes|publisher=MCA Records|id=MCADS-55392}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=US cassette single sleeve|publisher=MCA Records|id=MCACS-55392}}

1. "Barbie Girl" (radio edit) – 3:16

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• US, Canadian, and Australian maxi-CD single{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=US, Canadian & Australian maxi-CD single liner notes|publisher=MCA Records|id=MCADM-55393}}

1. "Barbie Girl" (radio edit) – 3:16
2. "Barbie Girl" (Spike's Plastic mix) – 8:44
3. "Barbie Girl" (Spike's Anatomically Correct dub) – 7:55
4. "Barbie Girl" (extended version) – 5:14

• US 12-inch single{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=US 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=MCA Records|id=MCA12-55393}}

:A1. "Barbie Girl" (Spike's Plastic mix) – 8:44

:A2. "Barbie Girl" (radio edit) – 3:16

:B1. "Barbie Girl" (Spike's Anatomically Correct dub) – 7:55

:B2. "Barbie Girl" (extended version) – 5:14

• Remix digital download{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/barbie-girl-ti%C3%ABsto-remix-single/1690375804|title=Barbie Girl (Tiësto Remix) – Single by Aqua & Tiësto|work=Apple Music|access-date=22 July 2023}}

1. "Barbie Girl" (Tiësto remix) – 2:35
2. "Barbie Girl" – 3:17

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Credits are adapted from liner notes of the "Barbie Girl" CD single and Aquarium.{{cite AV media|type=liner notes|title=Aquarium|others=Aqua|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMD 85020}}

• Written by Claus Norreen, Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, and Søren Rasted
• Performed by Norreen, Rasted
• Vocals by Nystrøm, Dif
• Hair and make-up by Fjodor Øxenhave
• Styling by Aqua, Bjarne Lindgreen
• Artwork by Peter Stenbæk
• Photo by Robin Skoldborg
• Produced, arranged, and mixed by Norreen, Jam, Delgado, Rasted

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Barbie Girl"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1998|access-date=20 November 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=1997|certyear=1998}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|id=11878|relyear=1997|certyear=2022|accessdate=11 December 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Diamond|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=28 September 2011}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=100,000|relyear=1998|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,6/articleid,0532_08_1998_0473_0106_7226250/|title=Barbie dalle mille vite|date=30 January 1998|publisher=la Stampa|access-date=9 March 2022}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=2024|id=11893|note=sales since 2009|access-date=8 January 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|relyear=1997|relmonth=05|certyear=1997|type=single|id=1997-09-12|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|award=Platinum}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1997|certyear=1999|nosales=true|access-date=15 May 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry |region=Spain|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=2024|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|accessdate=29 April 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|certyear=1998|relyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=20 November 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|certyear=1997|relyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=20 November 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=711-1607-1|access-date=24 September 2023|refname="BPI"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1997|certyear=2023|access-date=6 July 2023}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=8,000,000|salesref=|access-date=2 December 2021}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

The song has been covered by several artists over the years. Alternative metal band Faith No More covered the song live in 1997 during their Album of the Year Tour.{{Cite web|url=http://www.faithnomorefollowers.com/2019/02/faith-no-more-comprehensive-list-of.html|title=FAITH NO MORE a comprehensive list of COVERS and AD LIBS|date=4 February 2019 }} Identical twin sisters Amanda and Samantha Marchant, better known as Samanda, released their cover of the song on 8 October 2007, and it entered the UK Singles Chart at number 26.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3356/samanda/|title=Samanda {{!}} full Official Chart history|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=3 February 2019}} Girls' Generation's Jessica Jung covered this song as her solo performance during the first Asian concert tour Into the New World. The Swedish artist Loke Nyberg did a new version of this song for the Swedish radio show Morgonpasset. He interprets the song as criticism of today's beauty ideals.{{cite web|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid%3D3328%26artikel%3D4481128 |title=Loke tvättar Aquas Barbie girl! – Morgonpasset helg |access-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010115425/http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=3328&artikel=4481128 |archive-date=10 October 2012}} In 2013, Ludacris sampled the song in his single "Party Girls" featuring Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih and Cashmere Cat.{{cite news|url=https://djbooth.net/songs/ludacris-party-girls|title=Ludacris ft. Jeremih & Wiz Khalifa – Party Girls|first=Richard|last=Spadine|website=DJBooth|date=12 February 2018 }} In 2016, Caramella Girls released a version called "Candy Girl" on iTunes,Candy Girl – Single https://music.apple.com/us/album/candy-girl-single/1070886422 as well as a YouTube music video.Caramella Girls – Candy Girl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQxiDLW2g9c The most recent rendition of the song was recorded by Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, accompanied by Aqua, titled "Barbie World". The track was released as the fourth single on the official Barbie soundtrack Barbie the Album in June 2023, ahead of the film's release on 21 July 2023.{{cite magazine |title=Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice Revive Aqua's Hit With 'Barbie World'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nicki-minaj-ice-spice-barbie-world-1234776659/|access-date=23 June 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=23 June 2023 }}

There are also many parodies of the song, including a parody called "Ugly Girl", with an unverified author (often wrongly credited to "Weird Al" Yankovic, Adam Henderson, or Jack Off Jill) {{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}. German duo Lynne & Tessa made a lip-synched Internet video of the song in 2006, and on British Indian sketch comedy show Goodness Gracious Me, where a version titled "Punjabi Girl" was featured in the radio series and later on television, performed by Asifa Lahore.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p044wpxc|title=BBC Asian Network – Mim Shaikh, Asifa Lahore, "I'm a Punjabi girl, in a Punjabi world"|date=11 August 2016 |publisher=BBC}} In 2012, the song was parodied in an Australian lamb advertising campaign, relying on the Australian use of the term "barbie" to refer to the outdoor barbecue popularly held in Australia. The advertisement starred Melissa Tkautz and Sam Kekovich.{{cite web|title=Eat Lamb This Australia Day|website=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/LambAustraliaDay|access-date=10 January 2012}} In 2014, the song was used in the South Park season 18 episode "Cock Magic". Ava Max recorded a version with new lyrics, titled "Not Your Barbie Girl", for her album Heaven & Hell in 2018.{{cite news |title=Ava Max is on top of the charts and feeling top of the world |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/culture/ava-max-is-on-top-of-the-charts-and-feeling-top-of-the-world-897342.html |access-date=11 September 2019 |work=Irish Examiner |date=14 January 2019 }}

{{Infobox song

| name = Barbie Girl

| cover = Kelly Key - Barbie Girl (2005).jpg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Kelly Key

| album = Kelly Key

| released = 15 August 2005

| recorded = 2004

| studio =

| genre =

| length = 3:19

| label = Warner

| writer =

• Claus Norreen
• Søren Nystrøm Rasted
• Gustavo Lins
• Humberto Tavares

| producer = DJ Cuca

| prev_title = Escuta Aqui Rapaz

| prev_year = 2005

| next_title = Papinho

| next_year = 2005

}}

In 2005, Brazilian recording artist Kelly Key recorded a version in Portuguese for her third studio album Kelly Key,{{cite web |date=12 July 2014 |title=Kelly Key participa de quadro do programa Zorra Total |trans-title=Kelly Key participates in the program Zorra Total |url=http://www.ofuxico.com.br/noticias-sobre-famosos/kelly-key-participa-de-quadro-do-programa-zorra-total/2006/03/25-23433.html |work=OFuxico |language=pt-BR |access-date=16 April 2015 |archive-date=17 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417030441/http://www.ofuxico.com.br/noticias-sobre-famosos/kelly-key-participa-de-quadro-do-programa-zorra-total/2006/03/25-23433.html |url-status=dead }} which was released as the album's second single on August 15, 2005. Key said she loved the song and wanted to cover it as a tribute to the original, stating: "I've loved this song ever since I heard it. I made a point of recording it, without worrying about whether it was for my audience or not."{{cite web|url=http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&cod=po&id=571|title=De olho no prazo de validade|publisher=Universo Musical|access-date=8 August 2007|archive-date=28 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328065948/http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&cod=po&id=571|url-status=dead}}

"Barbie Girl" received generally negative reviews from music critics. Vinícius Versiani Durães of IMHO felt it was humorous and would later become a hit.{{cite web|url=http://humblelord.blogspot.com.br/2005/08/bomba-novo-sucesso-da-kelly-key.html |title=Bomba! "Novo" sucesso da Kelly Key |work=IMHO |date=8 August 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125130240/http://humblelord.blogspot.com.br/2005/08/bomba-novo-sucesso-da-kelly-key.html |archive-date=25 January 2016}}{{Better source needed|reason=This source is a blog and does not meet WP:RS|date=April 2015}} Marcos Paulo Bin of Universo Musical commented that the song was significantly different from her previous releases, which were known for explicit lyrics, but ultimately give it a positive review. Rodrigo Ortega of Pilula Pop said "Barbie Girl" was sensational and funny, calling it the best song on the album. He also stated that Key should have released "Escuta Aqui Rapaz" as her first single because "the song was boring", but "Barbie Girl" saved the album.{{cite web|url=http://www.pilulapop.com.br/retro/receituario.php?id=54|title=Sim, ela teve a audácia|work=Pílula Pop|access-date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924073316/http://www.pilulapop.com.br/retro/receituario.php?id=54|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}} Carlos Eduardo Lima of Scream & Yell said the song was "childish, silly and boring" and killed Kelly Key's status as a sex symbol.{{cite web |last=Lima |first=Carlos Eduardo |title=Estou preocupado com Kelly Key |url=http://screamyell.com.br/outros/cel23.htm |access-date=8 August 2007 |work=Scream and Yell |language=pt-BR}}

The music video for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Ricardo Vereza, Bidu Madio, Rentz and Mauricio Eça. It was filmed on August 17 and August 18, later premiering on August 30.{{cite web|url=http://www.pseudonerds.com/2013_05_01_archive.html|title=5 Recriações Musicais Genuinamente Brasileiras|work=Pseudo Nerds|date=12 July 2014|access-date=16 April 2015|archive-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417032736/http://www.pseudonerds.com/2013_05_01_archive.html|url-status=dead}} The video features Key playing a determined and feminist woman.{{cite web|url=https://musicasim.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/2005_05.html |title=KELLY KEY – New ALBUM IS COMING |work=Musica Sim |date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710025958/http://musicasim.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/2005_05.html |archive-date=10 July 2011}}

A YouTube video of Czech model Dominika Myslivcová lip syncing to the song became a viral video worldwide. Due to its success, it has often been wrongly attributed to Myslivcová.{{cite web|url=http://entretenimento.newsevoce.com.br/felipe/conheca-dominika-myslivcova-a-barbie-girl-do-youtube/ |title=Conheça Dominika Myslivcová, a Barbie Girl do Youtube! |work=News e você |date=17 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418000838/http://entretenimento.newsevoce.com.br/felipe/conheca-dominika-myslivcova-a-barbie-girl-do-youtube/ |archive-date=18 April 2015}}

1. "Barbie Girl" – 3:20
2. "Barbie Girl" (Cuca Mix) – 5:12
3. "Barbie Girl" (Music video) – 3:23

{{clear}}

Environmental movements, like Fridays for Future, when trying to bring attention to the heavy amounts of plastic thrown by humans into the seas, have referred the song lyrics in their slogans with the words "Life in plastic is not fantastic".{{cite news |last=Tadini |first=Chiara |date=24 May 2019 |title="Agiamo ora o nuotiamo poi?": in piazza per salvare il pianeta con i 'Fridays for Future' |language=it |trans-title="Do we act now or swim later?": on the streets to save the planet with 'Fridays for Future' |publisher=Ravenna Today |url=https://www.ravennatoday.it/cronaca/fridays--for-future-manifestazione-clima-giardini-piazza-oggi-venerdi-24-maggio-2019.html |access-date=17 June 2019}}

In 2022, British singer Tom Aspaul named his album Life in Plastic after a line from the song.{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Isobel |title=Tom Aspaul: 'I'm trying to learn to be less concerned about what people think' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/tom-aspaul-interview-life-in-plastic-black-country-disco-b2082776.html |work=The Independent |date=22 May 2022 |access-date=13 October 2022}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|tt4664472|Aqua: Barbie Girl}}
• [http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/ip/mattelmca72402opn.pdf Text of Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc., the verdict that favored MCA] (PDF file)

{{Aqua (band)}}

{{Kelly Key}}

{{Barbie}}

{{Authority control}}

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