Life in plastic is fantastic — especially with a billion views. Aqua’s 1997 hit “Barbie Girl” has now surpassed YouTube’s top views.
The “Barbie Girl” video, which is suitably pink and filled with plastic, features lead singer Lene Grawford Nystrøm wearing a variety of Barbie outfits (including a cute replica of Mattel’s equestrian-themed doll) while skating at wheels, swimming, getting their hair done, and riding in a convertible with their bandmates.
The “Barbie Girl” video was uploaded to YouTube in August 2010, 13 years after the Danish dance pop group (who have since split) released their most famous and controversial track. “Barbie Girl” spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 7 and gaining international attention for its cheeky take on Mattel’s infamous Barbie doll product. Lyrics such as “You can brush my hair, strip me anywhere” and “I’m a blonde bimbo in a fantasy world” led Mattel to sue Aqua’s label MCA Records in 2000, arguing that the song could bring consumers to think about the toy. -making company approved their post.
MCA then counter-sued Mattel for defamation and defended the song as “social commentary”, noting the album Aquarium included a disclaimer that “Barbie Girl” was not sanctioned by the Barbie doll maker. In 2002, an appeals court ruled that the song was protected as a parody, but dismissed MCA’s libel suit, concluding, “Parties are advised to relax.”
The video is just the latest this week to join YouTube’s Billion Views Club. Other videos that recently hit the milestone include Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “Still DRE” (which hit the big B after their epic Super Bowl halftime performance on Feb. 13) and “Mirrors.” by Justin Timberlake.
Watch Aqua’s film about the fantastic world of Barbie below, viewed a billion times:
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