Danish Pop Group Aqua Announces Breakup After Nearly 30 Years

The Danish pop group Aqua announced its breakup Monday on Instagram after nearly 30 years together. The four original members said they decided to close the chapter of Aqua as a live band. They stated that after many years it felt like the right moment to say goodbye while memories remain strong and affection for the music and each other stays intact.

"After many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band," the group wrote. " "When you’ve been together for this long, you also learn when it’s time to protect what you’ve created together," the statement continued. " The band signed off with "nothing but love and gratitude" to fans.

Aqua formed in the mid-1990s and released its debut album "Aquarium" in 1997. The album featured the single "Barbie Girl," which became a global hit and reached the top of charts in multiple countries. The group released two additional albums: "Aquarius" in 2000 and "Megalomania" in 2011.

Original members include Søren Rasted, Lene Nystrøm, René Dif and Claus Norreen. Norreen left the band in 2016.

Aqua previously split in 2001 before reuniting in 2007. The band experienced renewed attention in 2023 when the song was sampled by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice for the track "Barbie World" from the "Barbie" movie. In 2000, Mattel sued the band’s record label, MCA Records, over the song’s lyrics, claiming they damaged the Barbie brand. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2002.