Doja Cat Performs Her Own Silhouette Challenge After ‘Streets’ Climbs Billboard Charts
Late January marked the introduction of the #Silhouette challenge as the latest online musical trend, with red lights and filters taking over screens everywhere.
Launched on TikTok, everyone from everyday folks to celebrities are choreographing sequences to a downtempo remix of a Paul Anka classic and Doja Cat’s haunting track.
The clips are taking over Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok with some baring more body than others. And now the “Say So” singer finally decided to jump in.
Silhouette challenge uses Doja Cat’s ‘Streets’ melody
Though the hashtags galore indicate who’s in on the #Silhouette challenge versus the #BussIt challenge, some people aren’t aware that “Silhouette” is not a song title.
The music accompanying the sultry dance moves and illuminated red frames is a mashup of Paul Anka’s 1959 hit, “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” and Doja Cat’s “Freak” and “Streets.”
Produced by the duo Blaq Tuxedo, “Streets” is featured on Doja Cat’s Hot Pink album and includes a sample from B2K’s “You Got Served.” Doja Cat performed it live on Vevo Lift in March 2020 and followed up with a special set for her Hot Pink Sessions on YouTube. Both videos can be found on the platform.
Doja Cat finally hit the ‘Silhouette’ challenge
After putting out a call to her fans to ask if she should participate in the viral challenge, Doja Cat delivered her own take. Though she’s no stranger to having one of her songs go viral on TikTok, this may be the first time she’s joined in on a challenge with one of her own tracks after social media blew it up.
Many fans were waiting for her to drop a video and on Instagram alone, her post racked up more than 2 million views. Comments such as “U ATE DOJA OMG??,” “I was waiting on u to troll us 😂 but DAYUUUMMMM,” rolled in. And this one complimented her technique: “We love a pointed foot!”
Others who have stepped into the Silhouette challenge include Lizzo, Tiffany Haddish (with boyfriend Common), and Cardi B.
While security warnings have been issued about hackers removing the red light filter from videos to expose people’s bodies, not everyone is deterred from participating in the challenge. Doja Cat’s video seemingly excluded the filter, but others continue to use it.
‘Streets’ snagged a spot on Billboard
Due to the popularity of the challenge, Doja Cat’s “Streets” snatched the number 25 position on Billboard’s “Hot 100” charts. Prior to this week, it peaked at 39 but has been climbing for several weeks.
In contrast, Paul Anka’s hit is his most streamed song on Spotify. He too is well aware of the TikTok trend and is posting videos on his Instagram page. In one message, the crooner shared a montage of the Silhouette challenge with a history of his original recording of “Put Your Head On My Shoulder.”
Anka also tagged Doja Cat and “Freak” in his post. His favorite video? There’s one with a dog who goes from wearing a coat to standing in a door frame, basking in red light. For this musical moment, Anka’s Instagram page is a party itself.
