Aqua performing in May 2023 in Milan, Italy.Photo:Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty
Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty
It’s the summer of Barbie — and naturally,Aquais back.
Between an appearance on theBarbiemovie soundtrack amid the 25th anniversary of the iconic hit"Barbie Girl"and rare performances in the United States for the first time in years, including one withParis Hilton, the Danish Europop group is experiencing a major resurgence.
The band, which features vocalists René Dif and Lene Nystrøm as well as keyboardist Søren Rasted (and formerly Claus Norreen), released “Barbie Girl” as the third single off itsAquariumalbum in 1997.
Aqua and Paris Hilton perform on June 25, 2023.@Bryan.Kwon.Photos
@Bryan.Kwon.Photos
The upbeat dance song topped the charts in several countries, hit No. 7 in the United States and went on to become certified multi-platinum in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and France.
Now, 25 years later, “Barbie Girl” is sampled inIce SpiceandNicki Minaj’s new track “Barbie World,” which appears on theBarbiesoundtrack and has already reached the same No. 7 position on theBillboardHot 100 as Aqua’s original version.
“Two more Barbies added to the playhouse,” wrote the group on Instagram upon the release of “Barbie World” in June.
Aqua and Paris Hilton perform in June 25, 2023.@Bryan.Kwon.Photos
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The same month, Aqua surprised a New York City crowd during Dreamland Pride at SummerStage in Central Park with a performance of “Barbie Girl” during Hilton’s DJ set. After the show, during which Dif and Nystrøm shared a kiss, the pairposed for photoswith the “Stars Are Blind” performer backstage.
Aqua then embarked on a brief North American tour, starting with the group’s first headlining N.Y.C. concert in more than two decades at Irving Plaza in Manhattan.
“New York City! No one has ever screamed as LOUD like you tonight,” wrote the group onInstagram. “We couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off this tour. For once we’re absolutely speechless. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!”
Luckily for fans, it seems the group isn’t going anywhere. “America, this is only the beginning… Stay tuned,” wrote Aquaon Instagramlast week.
source: people.com
