The Brief: Usher posted a video on his Instagram story of him singing the chorus notes from his 2012 single "Climax," inspiring other artists and singers to post their renditions of the song, sparking the #ClimaxChallenge.

DEEP DIVE
On April 8, Eric Bellinger started off the #ClimaxChallenge by singing an Usher song. As a response, Usher uploaded an Instagram story of him singing the most memorable notes from his 2012 single, “Climax.”
How Usher going too kill his own #ClimaxChallenge ๐ pic.twitter.com/eXRbzbm1XN
— Mellow๐๐ป (@Mello_Vibez) April 9, 2020
This moment in pop culture amassed a lot of attention and Usher ended up calling for a #ClimaxChallenge where other established artists and social media users attempt to follow suit. Then, The Weeknd was summoned by Eric Bellinger to keep the challenge going as fans suspensefully waited to see if the “Blinding Lights” artist would step up to the plate. Doubtfully, the Canadian singer most likely won’t participate because he solemnly claimed that Usher copied his sound and style in the new space of R&B he created.
#ClimaxChallenge @theweeknd
For the Love of R&B Music ๐ค pic.twitter.com/ronsnJ6JbN— Eric Bellinger (@EricBellinger) April 8, 2020
Of course media blows things out of proportion and takes things out of context. Usher is a King and always an inspiration so it was flattering to hear what him and Diplo did on climax. XO https://t.co/GdLX4xD58a
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) April 9, 2020
Even though the #ClimaxChallenge started off as a star-studded affair, many other social media users partook in the challenge and some haven’t missed a single note.
Had to get on this real quick & rep ๐ฐ๐ช.#ClimaxChallenge @Usher @EricBellinger cc: @theweeknd pic.twitter.com/azQHnnhIQD
— Canaan. (@Owuor__) April 9, 2020
#climaxchallenge paying homage to one of the most influential voices in R&B and music in general. The King. ๐ @Usher pic.twitter.com/wQWfih7YYs
— DRYX (dr-ix) (@iamdryx) April 9, 2020
#ClimaxChallenge
Me during quarantine: Hey babe Iโm boredHer: *6 attachments* pic.twitter.com/tsMphBAEQS
— Deluxe Tuck (@Tuck3verlasting) April 9, 2020
Dear @Usher and @EricBellinger I am ready for the #ClimaxChallenge pic.twitter.com/It5biwWyrg
— DenzelNotWashington (@drewcooleyy) April 9, 2020
@usher somebody say #ClimaxChallenge ?? You taught me best ๐๐ฝ๐ด pic.twitter.com/EaBDXhC4G2
— Shade Jenifer (@shadejenifer) April 9, 2020
Raspy and I had to look up the lyrics but hereโs my take on the #ClimaxChallenge @Usher @EricBellinger pic.twitter.com/m0pKjI1EaD
— loubreda (@loubreda) April 9, 2020
I had to jump on the #climaxusher #ClimaxChallenge usher no do pass this one ๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐ฌ๐ cc @Usher @EricBellinger pic.twitter.com/6izvOKDdrV
— PRAIZ #KING (@Praiz8) April 9, 2020
Evidently, #BlackTwitter went into a frenzy over Usher’s vocal notes and many nailed the #ClimaxChallenge while some others were far from the mark. This challenge sparked a multi-generational online conversation between old and new Usher fans who thought Usher was no longer capable of hitting the “Climax” high notes anymore.
Take THAT Usher! Remax Quarantine challenge #ClimaxChallenge pic.twitter.com/fLf9yNbSIH
— Gilky Way (@MichaelGilkison) April 9, 2020
How we all sound doing the #ClimaxChallenge pic.twitter.com/cC8asiiBHC
— Hacksaw Gym Duckin (@reallydopeshow) April 9, 2020
Usher’s #ClimaxChallenge Memes:
Usher just broke up with me over our virtual quarantine date.. hurt and confused, @Usher we can work this out !! ๐๐ #ClimaxChallenge pic.twitter.com/gjWeNQExZ9
— Alexandria Loretta (@Ayem0) April 9, 2020
I wish I had a voice to sing because I will be part of that Climax challenge. Like I can Kanye Sing, like how he was harmonizing at 1:03 on โUltralight Beamโ. I can sing how a song can go melody wise. But I canโt sing.
— Nate Willis (@_JesusSon) April 9, 2020
Usherโs advice to The Weeknd:#ClimaxChallenge @Usher @theweeknd pic.twitter.com/RuzCxcb1Ql
— Kat Dekari (@katdekari) April 9, 2020
Absolutely Nobody:
The Weeknd: Usher copied my style in Climax
Usher: *Posts video singing effortlessly on his back and hitting those high notes beautifully*
The entire Universe:#ClimaxChallenge @Usher @theweeknd pic.twitter.com/mSWJZh2enF
— Kat Dekari (@katdekari) April 9, 2020