Barbie Celebrates Women in Music with New Dolls Inspired by Alicia Keys and Ann Mincieli
Barbie, the iconic doll brand, is amplifying the voices and contributions of women in the music industry with its latest collection. This year, Barbie is not just showcasing the glamorous side of stardom; it is shining a spotlight on the vital roles women play both on and off the stage. The new dolls, inspired by Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys and her esteemed recording and mix engineer, Ann Mincieli, aim to inspire the next generation of female creators and leaders in music.
This exciting launch is a collaboration with She Is The Music, an organization dedicated to increasing the representation of women in the music industry. The 2025 Barbie Women in Music Career of the Year set recognizes the diverse range of careers available in the field, from the dazzling spotlight of the performer to the critical, often unseen, work of those behind the scenes.
"This year’s Barbie Career of the Year set recognizes the accomplishments of women in music, while shining a spotlight on careers in the industry that might not be as well-known as a musical artist," said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel. This statement underscores the collection’s commitment to broadening the perception of what a career in music can be and acknowledging the critical roles that often go unnoticed.
The collection includes two distinct dolls, each representing an essential facet of the music world. The first doll embodies the spirit of the Musical Artist, inspired by Alicia Keys. This doll celebrates the women who pour their hearts into their performances, singing their own music across a variety of genres. Recognizing the stark reality that only 22% of artists on music charts are female, this doll seeks to empower and encourage young girls to pursue their musical dreams and break down barriers in a male-dominated industry.
The second doll is inspired by Ann Mincieli, a highly respected recording and mix engineer. This doll represents the crucial role of tour managers and other behind-the-scenes professionals who are integral to the success of any musical artist. This doll aims to highlight the diverse and often overlooked career paths available to women in music beyond performing. It recognizes that the music industry thrives on the contributions of individuals with a wide range of skills, from technical expertise to organizational prowess.
The dolls are meticulously designed to capture the essence of their real-life inspirations. The Alicia Keys-inspired doll may feature details reflecting Keys’ signature style and musical instruments associated with her performances. The Ann Mincieli-inspired doll could include accessories such as headphones, a mixing board, or a laptop, symbolizing the tools and technology she uses in her profession.
The release of these dolls is strategically timed to coincide with several important dates. It comes less than two weeks before National Barbie Day on March 9th, a celebration of the doll’s enduring legacy and cultural impact. Furthermore, the launch aligns with National Women’s History Month in March, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women throughout history.
Barbie’s commitment to representing female role models is not new. In March 2024, the brand released "role model" dolls inspired by influential women such as Viola Davis and Shania Twain in celebration of International Women’s Day and Barbie’s 65th anniversary. These dolls were designed to showcase the diverse range of accomplishments and contributions made by women across various fields.
"Barbie’s story has never been just about her," Berger previously stated. "It’s about the countless young kids she’s inspired and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way." This statement emphasizes Barbie’s broader mission to empower children to dream big and pursue their passions, regardless of gender or background.
The 2025 Barbie Women in Music Career of the Year doll set and the individual dolls were released on Thursday, February 27th. These dolls are exclusively available for purchase online at a price of $29.99 from select retailers.
This initiative by Barbie is more than just a product launch; it is a statement about the importance of representation and the need to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams in the music industry. By highlighting the accomplishments of women like Alicia Keys and Ann Mincieli, Barbie hopes to inspire a new generation of female artists, engineers, producers, and managers to shape the future of music. The dolls serve as a tangible reminder that there are countless ways to make a meaningful contribution to the world of music, both on and off the stage.
This collection underscores the importance of celebrating women in all their diverse roles and accomplishments. It promotes the idea that success can be found in a variety of career paths and that women have the power to shape the future of any industry they choose to enter. Barbie’s commitment to showcasing female role models is a testament to the brand’s enduring relevance and its ability to inspire generations of children to dream big and break down barriers. The Women in Music Career of the Year set is a powerful message of empowerment and a celebration of the vital contributions women make to the world of music. It is a reminder that representation matters and that by showcasing the achievements of women, we can inspire the next generation to pursue their passions and create a more equitable future for all.
