Toy company Mattel has introduced a Signature Barbie doll featuring legendary singer Whitney Houston. The doll is designed based on one of Houston's iconic performances.
The Whitney Houston Barbie recreates the singer's appearance in the music video for I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), released in 1987. The doll wears a purple tank dress, colourful dangling earrings and bright eye makeup, complete with a microphone and stand.
According to Variety, the doll was officially unveiled on Saturday (8 August) at the 5th Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta, United States, held by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. Pat Houston, executor of the Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, collaborated with Barbie's design team and Primary Wave Music in creating the doll.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody was the lead single from Houston's second studio album, Whitney. The song became one of the biggest hits of Houston's career and led the singer to win a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1988. The single also contributed to Houston's record of seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Whitney Houston Barbie is priced at US$60 and became available on 8 August at Target and online through Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Mattel Creations. The doll adds to Mattel's collection of Signature Barbies inspired by music and cultural icons, following previous releases inspired by Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan, and Mariah Carey.
