Wondering what the Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge is all about? The viral trend has taken over social media, with participants attempting a risky balancing pose while wearing high heels. Inspired by Minaj’s iconic stance in her 2013 High School music video, the challenge has sparked widespread attention — and serious injuries.
Here’s what we know about the Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge, how it started, and why it’s making headlines.
Here’s what Nicki Minaj Stiletto challenge is about
The Nicki Minaj stiletto challenge is a viral online trend where participants attempt to balance on various objects while wearing high heels.
The pose mimics Nicki Minaj’s iconic stance from her 2013 High School music video, where she balances in stilettos by a pool. The challenge began when influencer Imanni (@uwantaqua) shared a video balancing on a dumbbell, prompting others to join in with their versions using stools, kitchenware, and pottery equipment.
On August 5, 2025, Nicki Minaj herself participated in the challenge, sharing a video on Instagram. She captioned it: “Dear Barbz, about that pose… this Chanel dress was just a tad shorter than I thought and the thongs definitely didn’t help. Didn’t want to make it explicit. Both feet on the ground tho. Ten toes. Ima put on a diff outfit that won’t show so much skin and do it again for you guys later. Love.”
The trend gained further attention after Russian influencer Mariana Barutkina fractured her spine attempting the challenge. Eight weeks postpartum, she tried to balance on a saucepan and a baby formula can while wearing stilettos.
After losing her balance and falling, she wrote: “TREND OR WHOLE SPINE? I decided to start a blog, first content shoot — and here I am leaving the doctor with a diagnosis of ‘uncomplicated compression flexion fracture of the body.’ Irony? Karma? Or just life, which always tests our strength at the most unexpected moment.”
Barutkina later addressed the viral attention: “Because of one video, which was poorly filmed, I woke up as a popular person. People, thank you for the popularity, for your concerns and for your comments. I am doing great, I am following the recommendations and now I live in the status of a ‘star.’”
Multiple celebrities have since joined the trend, making it one of the most discussed viral challenges of 2025.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
