Celine Dion’s new signature collectable Barbie has finally arrived, but fans are divided over her face

Barbie’s latest tribute to pop royalty is supposed to be a nostalgic celebration, but while many admirers have praised the release, Celine Dion’s brand-new doll has left plenty of other fans divided, with collectors doing a double take after they looked closely at her features.

Barbie’s tribute to a famous Oscars moment

The doll recreates the long-sleeved blue dress Dion wore at the 1998 Academy Awards, when she sang “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic. Michael Kors created the original gown, and a necklace inspired by the Heart of the Ocean diamond completes the look, along with an updo, silver earrings and black heels. Mattel’s own caption calls her “limited and legendary.”

Dion is clearly thrilled. She described it as “a true honour to join the Barbie legacy” and said she hopes the doll encourages everyone to follow their dreams and believe in the power of their own voice.

Fans are divided over the look

Instagram comments tell the story. Plenty of admirers have praised the doll as iconic, delighted to see a favourite Oscars memory recreated in miniature, and cannot wait to get their hands on one. Others, however, are not so impressed, and they have said so plainly.

“I so wish she actually looked like her,” wrote one disappointed commenter. Another began with an apology before adding: “She doesn’t look like our Céline.” A third confessed that they initially thought the doll was reality TV star Lisa Rinna.

Likeness is famously tricky for dolls, as collectors will tell you. Dion follows icons such as Mariah Carey and Tina Turner, who have also been given the Barbie treatment.

A big year for Celine

Dion revealed in 2022 that she has stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, but then went on to move audiences worldwide with her Eiffel Tower performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In September, she returned to live performance after a six-year absence, beginning a residency in Paris.

What you get and what it costs

The doll, measuring around 30cm, comes with a necklace, heels, a stand and a certificate of authenticity and costs £69.99 in the UK

Mattel urged fans not to wait to get your hands on one. Plenty of fans will want to give her pride of place on the shelf, whatever the verdict on her features. Would she make your collection?