The iconic doll brand, Barbie, has introduced a new collection designed to honor and inspire women pursuing careers in the music industry. This initiative comes as part of their ongoing efforts to highlight underrepresented roles within various sectors. The 2025 Barbie Women in Music Career of the Year set includes two dolls that represent crucial yet often overlooked positions: musical artist and tour manager. These dolls aim to encourage the next generation to explore diverse opportunities in music, both on stage and behind the scenes. The launch coincides with National Women's History Month and precedes National Barbie Day on March 9th. By collaborating with influential figures like Alicia Keys and Ann Mincieli, Barbie seeks to celebrate female achievements in music while addressing the gender disparity in the field.
In an effort to recognize the significant contributions of women in music, Barbie has partnered with Grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keys and her recording and mix engineer, Ann Mincieli, along with their She Is The Music initiative. This collaboration aims to spotlight lesser-known but vital roles within the music industry. According to Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, this year's Career of the Year set acknowledges the accomplishments of women in music while shedding light on behind-the-scenes careers. The Musical Artist doll celebrates women who perform and sing their own music across various genres, addressing the fact that only 22% of artists on music charts are female. Meanwhile, the Tour Manager doll highlights the importance of organizational skills and logistics in successful music tours.
The dolls are crafted to inspire young individuals to consider different career paths in the music industry. Each doll is thoughtfully designed to reflect the essence of its respective role. The Musical Artist doll is dressed in an outfit inspired by Aaliyah's "One in a Million" music video, symbolizing the elegance and confidence of performers. On the other hand, the Tour Manager doll embodies the professionalism required to coordinate complex events. Both dolls come equipped with accessories that enhance their representation of these roles, such as microphones for the Musical Artist and scheduling tools for the Tour Manager. This thoughtful design not only educates children about these professions but also encourages them to dream big and pursue their passions.
To commemorate International Women's Day and Barbie's 65th anniversary, the brand released a series of role model dolls in March 2024. These dolls featured likenesses of inspiring women such as Viola Davis and Shania Twain. Through these initiatives, Barbie continues to emphasize its mission of empowering young minds and fostering creativity. The release of the 2025 Women in Music Career of the Year set further solidifies Barbie's commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting equal opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields. Available for purchase online from select retailers starting February 27, 2025, at $29.99, these dolls offer a unique way to introduce children to the multifaceted world of music production and performance.