8/10/2026
Mattel’s Whitney Houston Barbie Is Inspired by One of Pop’s Greatest Anthems: How To Shop Online
The "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Barbie is the first Mattel doll made in Whitney Houston's image.
By Sophie Dunne
Sophie Dunne
E-Commerce Writer
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Ebet Roberts/Getty Images, Mattel
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Mattel is celebrating “The Voice” of music with its first-ever Whitney Houston Barbie doll. The newest release in the Barbie Signature Series recreates Houston’s iconic look from the 1987 music video for “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” After nearly 40 years, the hit song is still a mainstay, with Billboard even ranking it No. 1 on the list of the 500 best pop songs.
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Designed in collaboration with Houston’s sister-in-law and former manager, Pat Houston, the Whitney Houston Barbie doll shows off the star’s most instantly recognizable outfit and hairdo, complete with a microphone and stand.
Mattel
1980s style
Whitney Houston ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ Barbie Doll
500+ Bought Since Yesterday
$59.40
$55.00
The detailing was not spared with the Whitney Houston Barbie.
The doll features Houston’s quintessential ’80s hairdo from the “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” music video, as well as a ribbed lavender bodycon dress, paint-splattered white high-heel pumps, replica drop earrings, a silver ring on her finger and pink nail polish. Several points of articulation mean the Whitney Houston doll can be positioned in a variety of poses for singing and dancing. The attention to detail paid to the Barbie’s eyes and smile can’t go unnoticed, with the doll perfectly capturing the essence of the late singer.
The Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll was unveiled on Friday (Aug. 8) at The Whitley, a luxury hotel in Atlanta, during the fifth annual Legacy of Love Gala hosted by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. The celebration honored Whitney’s birthday and lasting influence on music and culture while raising funds for youth education, scholarships and grants that support underserved communities and children of color. Inspired by Whitney Houston’s commitment to uplifting others, the Barbie Dream Gap Project also plans to donate to the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation to further its educational mission.
The new doll release marked Whitney Houston’s addition to the Barbie Signature Series, joining fellow music legends like Tina Turner, Miley Cyrus, Kylie Minogue, Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and Elton John.
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