WATCH: Ciara nails the viral Nicki Minaj pose challenge
Image: Screenshot / TikTok
Ciara has officially entered the chat and dominated the viral 'Nicki Minaj pose challenge,' leaving her fans stunned.
The singer, dancer, and mom of four proved she's still very much that girl by flawlessly recreating the now-iconic pose from Nicki Minaj's 2013 'High School' music video.
In the original clip, Minaj strikes a fierce squat pose beside a pool while wearing towering platform heels.
The pose that started the viral trend.
Image: Screenshot / Youtube
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
What started as a jaw-dropping moment in pop culture has become a full-blown viral challenge, with fans and celebs alike trying to top each other in creativity and difficulty.
Ciara, like so many others, took the challenge to the next level.
Dressed in a sleek, all-black outfit paired with sky-high Christian Louboutin Condora heels, she added her own twist by balancing on two dumbbells.
And as if that wasn't enough, she casually held a bottle of water in one hand, making it look like a walk in the park.
Personally, standing and walking in those killer heels would be a balancing act in itself.
The trend has seen people pulling off the daring pose on some seriously wild props.
We're talking wine bottles, Stanley cups, chairs, countertops, and even a mailbox. The more outrageous the setup, the more likes and shares.
With almost 15 million views, one of the first videos to go viral was by Kristy Sarah, who, just like Ciara, executed the pose on dumbbells.
With the challenge still trending across social media, it's clear this isn't just about striking a pose. It has become a test of balance, creativity, and confidence.
IOL Entertainment Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Travis Scott gives Tyler ICU the ultimate seal of approval: a legendary moment in Amapiano
Travis Scott had his fanboy moment after he shared that he finally met the Amapiano hitmaker, Tyler ICU. Image: Instagram South African Amapiano sensation, Tyler ICU (real name Austin Khulani Baloyi), has gained himself a massive and solid fanbase worldwide, including A-list celebrities such as American rapper, Travis Scott. The internationally recognised DJ recently wowed the American rapper, who took to his Instagram stories to share his excitement over meeting Tyler ICU. The 'Highest in the Room' hitmaker captioned his post: 'Finally, seen the goat @tylericu.' This was followed by a carousel of videos as Scott captured the 'Mnike' hitmaker behind the decks as the crowd yelled 'Piano, Piano' in the background. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Goat is a term or an acronym that is used quite often to describe someone who is remarkable for their talent. According to 'USA Today', its origins come from boxer Muhammad Ali, who was referred to as "The Greatest." His title eventually became "The Greatest of All Time," or "G.O.A.T." Even though it is used quite often in the music industry, it is also popular in sports as well as other fields. Tyler ICU gained widespread popularity in 2023 after he released a track titled 'Mnike', which has amassed over 70 million views on YouTube. American singer and Fenty Beauty owner, Rihanna, once revealed that it is her favourite song. Besides receiving co-signs from his fellow industry colleagues, the producer's career is reaching greater heights as he has received multiple nods from local and internationally acclaimed awards. Baloyi's music has also been recognised by prestigious awards such as the MTV European Music Awards and the Metro FM Music Awards, and he has also been nominated at the 2024 BET Awards. He has also co-produced a lot of Amapiano hits such as 'Ebasini', 'Manzi Nte' and 'Bella Ciao' which have amassed over 1 million views on YouTube. Tyler ICU has also collaborated with prominent and popular figures in the Amapiano scene, including DJ Maphorisa, Kabza de Small, Kamo Mphela, Kelvin Momo and many more. Scott is also one of the most popular rappers worldwide and has recently worked with SA's very own pop singer, Tyla, on his latest album 'Jackboys 2', and he was also featured on Tyla's hit song 'Water' remix.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Sydney Sweeney's jeans campaign sparks racial debate
US jeans brand American Eagle has stirred controversy with its new ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, launched in late July 2025, plays on the words 'genes' and 'jeans,' with Sweeney, who is blonde-haired and blue-eyed. The actress delivered lines such as 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans' and 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring… My jeans are blue.' This wordplay, intended to be playful and bold, has been criticised online for evoking racist themes and implying to eugenics, according to ABC. This is a discredited and racist theory popular among white supremacists that advocated improving the human race through selective breeding. Critics argue that pairing such language with Sweeney's conventional appearance mirrors the far-right's emphasis on whiteness as superior. TikTok activist Jeff Kissubi said he felt confused initially. Upon reflection, he noticed the language and imagery subtly echoed ideologies linked to racial purity and far-right culture in America. Such associations are particularly sensitive given current US political dynamics, including the return of far-right narratives. University of Melbourne's Dr Lauren Rosewarne noted that while advertisers employ focus groups, they cannot fully predict how social media with its niche communities will interpret such symbolism. She compared the uproar to past controversies, such as the 1980s Calvin Klein campaign featuring Brooke Shields that faced backlash for suggestive messaging. Rosewarne pointed out that Sydney Sweeney has a history of divisive moments. One such moment is the 2022 incident involving MAGA-style hats at a family celebration. However, she benefits from 'pretty privilege' which shields her to some extent from harsher criticism. American Eagle defended the campaign internally. Their marketing VP Ashley Schapiro confirming Sweeney's enthusiastic involvement in pushing the concept's boldness. The company quietly adjusted some visuals to include more diversity following the backlash but retained the core messaging and ad content. Despite mixed reception, the campaign boosted sales by 10-18% (roughly R 500 million+ given American Eagle's market scale estimation). Their limited-edition 'Sydney Jean' line quickly sold out. Importantly, the campaign will donate all net proceeds to Crisis Text Line, a US-based mental health and domestic violence charity. This underscored the social cause backing the campaign. Some voices, including conservative commentators and the Trump administration's White House Communications Director, dismissed the backlash. They called it 'cancel culture run amok' and political correctness taken too far. They viewed accusations of racial undertones as overreactions. Theydefended the advert as a straightforward product promotion praising Sweeney's physical appearance, not race. This controversy highlights global tensions around race, representation, and marketing in the post-apartheid era. Issues of racial identity remain deeply sensitive. South African consumers can draw parallels with local reckonings on media portrayal and inclusivity in advertising. The debate here echoes wider questions on how brands navigate identity politics and historical racial injustices responsibly in marketing. As Dr Rosewarne summarises, 'brands no longer exist in a vacuum' in a hyper-aware social media age. The Sydney Sweeney-American Eagle episode shows how even playful wordplay can provoke serious conversations about race, privilege, and historical context. These are discussions relevant across diverse societies, including South Africa. The campaign's proceeds supporting mental health and domestic violence efforts reiterate the brand's intent beyond controversy. However, the episode underscores the complexity brands face today in multicultural and politically charged environments. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
WATCH: Child's hilarious reaction to fake gold and ‘invisible' Labubu leaves TikTok in stitches
The owner of the viral gold and invisible Labubu who has sent many Labubu fans into a frenzy. Image: TikTok TikTok has seen its fair share of chaos; however, nothing prepared users for the 24-carat gold Labubu drama. A seven-year-old girl on TikTok is clearly not having it after a content creator who is claiming that she is the only sole owner of a 24 karat gold Labubu globally. TikTok is in stitches because of the little girl's meltdown videos that her mom shared after content creator @lilzbullzofficial shared a video on TikTok showcasing her expensive and rare Labubu. 'I have the one and only 24-carat Labubu. Now this is real 24-carat gold, made in the form of a Labubu. Now he weighs 200 grams, it cost us 20,000 pounds ( approximately R477,063) to have it made. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'They melted down basically gold bars and they put it into a shaper thing that was in the shape of a Labubu. Obviously, this little tassel here, that is just a gold bit of material, but the ring is obviously 24 carat gold,' the viral TikTok sensation said. Her video has amassed over 43 million views, nearly 4 million likes as well and 560,000 shares on TikTok. While this is clearly rage bait, the seven-year-old Labubu fan does not think it is. Moreover, she has done her research about the difference between a real Labubu and a fake one. A few days ago, the upset little girl called her out for the fake gold Labubu. @cuzinsuzyofficial1 My daughter gets so upset over people and labubus …. ♬ original sound - TherealCuzinsuzy 'Okay, guess what, guys, she's saying that she's got the legendary carat Labubu. She ain't, you can technically see that it's spray-painted because it's got no eyes, because it's spray-painted. 'And they are saying that they are not 3D printed. You can literally see a crack right there.' @TherealCuzinsuzy shared. If you thought that it is the end of the hilarious Labubu drama, it is not because the content creator continued to rage bait in another video claiming that she has an invisible Labubu. The TikToker shared: 'I am the owner of the one and only invisible, disappearing Labubu. Now, so many people are telling me that it's fake.' Sounds of an object falling were heard in the background, as she claimed to have dropped the invisible Labubu twice. However, the little girl was not having it yet again about this so-called rare doll as her mother captured her having another meltdown and calling out the content creator. 'This is just pure b**s**t, I am going to expose her for the last time. If she sends anything like this again, I am going to never, ever accept her apology again. You can see that it is not an invisible Labubu,' the girl said. Unimpressed by her antics, she continued to share that there is no such thing as an invisible Labubu. The Labubu craze is real and these plush dolls that have a mischievous grin have gained a massive fandom worldwide. Perfect for aesthetics as an accessory for a handbag, these little creature-looking like dolls with big pointy ears are the trendy things to own right now. From young girls to celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa all own an impressive collection of Labubus.
