Aqua announces split nearly 30 years after 'Barbie Girl' success
Washington DC, May 20
Aqua, the Danish-Norwegian eurodance band that rose to fame with "Barbie Girl," has called it quits on their career as a group, according to E! News.
The group, whose latest lineup included Rene Dif, Soren Rasted and Lene Nystrom, shared the news in an Instagram post.
"After many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band," the band wrote. "AQUA has been such a huge part of our lives, and together we've had the chance to experience more than we ever dared to dream of."
The group thanked fans for their continued support and reflected on their journey together over the years.
"We've traveled the world countless times, met so many wonderful people, sung together with millions of you, and shared memories that we will carry with us forever," the statement read.
The band said they wanted to end their journey on a positive note and preserve the legacy they built together. The announcement comes nearly a decade after founding member Claus Norreen exited the group, as per the outlet.
"When you've been together for this long, you also learn when it's time to protect what you've created together," the band added. "For us, this feels like the right moment to say goodbye, while the memories are still strong, and while the love for the music, the story, and each other remains intact," according to E! News.
Aqua rose to worldwide fame with their 1997 hit 'Barbie Girl', which became a defining pop anthem of the era. The song also sparked legal controversy after toy company Mattel sued the band over trademark infringement linked to the Barbie doll brand. The case was eventually dismissed five years later.
More recently, the song found renewed popularity after being sampled in 'Barbie World' by Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj for the soundtrack of the 2023 film Barbie, according to E! News.
Speaking to Variety around the time of the film's release, vocalist Lene Nystrom had said, "A good melody never dies, it just keeps on giving. And 'Barbie Girl' is a perfect example of that."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I never knew they were still performing after all these years. "Barbie Girl" was huge during my school days in Bangalore—we used to dance to it at every birthday party. The Ice Spice/Nicki Minaj version for the Barbie movie was fun but couldn't match the original cheesy charm. Farewell, Aqua! 🙏
I'm a bit disappointed they're splitting—but let's be real, they've been milking that one hit for three decades. I wish they'd diversified their sound more after the 90s. That said, I respect their decision to protect their legacy. Indian pop bands could learn a thing or two about knowing when to call it quits instead of fading out awkwardly.
Bringing back so many memories! 😭 I was in class 5 when Barbie Girl came out—my cousin had the cassette and we’d play it on repeat. It’s amazing how that song has survived three decades and even got a revival with the Barbie movie. I think it's wise of them to leave now while fans still have fond memories instead of dragging on a tired tour. Kudos for the classy goodbye, Aqua! 🇮🇳❤️
I'm from the US but lived in Mumbai for work a few years back—and I was surprised how many Indians still remembered "Barbie Girl" from the 90s. It was on every radio station from Colaba to Bandra. It's a bittersweet end but they gave us some truly iconic pop moments. Time to blast "Cartoon Heroes" on repeat! 🎶
N Nikhil C