Slipknot Cover Band Goes Viral With ‘Whitney Houston Challenge’ Drum Beat
Slipknot Cover Band Goes Viral With ‘Whitney Houston Challenge’ Drum Beat
Slipknot cover band nails the tricky Whitney Houston drum timing in a viral twist on the popular challenge.
When Metal Meets Classic Pop: The Unexpected Viral Mashup
Who would’ve thought that a Slipknot cover band would find themselves riding the wave of a viral TikTok trend inspired by Whitney Houston? It’s the kind of musical mashup that catches you off guard—in the best way possible. Recently, a Brazilian Slipknot tribute band called Cwnot took on the ‘Whitney Houston Challenge,’ proving that even heavy metal fans have a soft spot (and a keen sense of rhythm) for the iconic diva’s classic hit.

Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Whitney Houston – a surprising yet fitting combo in this viral challenge.
The Whitney Houston Challenge: More Than Just a Beat
So what exactly is this challenge? It’s been buzzing all over TikTok, testing musicians and fans alike on their timing skills. The heartbeat of the challenge lies in replicating the drum hit that punches in just before the last chorus of Whitney Houston’s timeless ballad “I Will Always Love You.”
The drum part was originally performed by the late Ricky Lawson on the studio recording, and despite its seemingly simple rhythm, it’s deceptively tricky to hit the beat perfectly. This challenge has spawned a wave of hilarious and impressive attempts—most people struggle with the timing, often coming in too early or late.
Cwnot’s Viral Try: Slipknot Meets Rhythm Precision
Enter Cwnot, the Slipknot cover band from Brazil, who decided to jump on this trend with their own spin. In their viral clip, each band member tries their hand at nailing the drum hit. Interestingly, it wasn’t the drummer who nailed it, but the guitarist—talk about a plot twist! The rest of the band missed the timing, causing an outbreak of laughter that’s as infectious as their enthusiasm.
Check out their fun attempt here:
A post shared by Cwknot – Slipknot Cover (@cwknot)
More Stars Join the Fun
Slipknot’s cover band isn’t the only act taking on the Whitney Houston Challenge. Pop-punk veterans Simple Plan shared a similar video, capturing the band members gathered and giving the beat their best shot, with the usual mix of success and giggles.
On the other end of the spectrum, pop icon Paula Abdul posted her own attempt on TikTok, impressively hitting the drum timing spot on. She even captioned it with a playful, “It’s harder than it looks, okay??” proving even seasoned pros find this challenge tricky.
Social Media’s Funniest and Most Impressive Whitney Houston Challenge Videos
The internet’s creative energy shines through with these gems that caught our attention:
- ESPN’s playful take on the challenge, bringing the heat with their own twist.
- Paula Abdul’s confident and flawless attempt, reminding us that rhythm is an art.
@paulaabdul - original sound – Paula Abdul
- A jaw-dropping reaction from TikTok user @kirkiimad, highlighting the challenge’s difficulty.
@kirkiimad - original sound – Sweetwater Sound – Sweetwater Sound
- Simple Plan’s band-wide effort, capturing the fun and camaraderie in the challenge.
@simpleplan - I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Slipknot’s Current Scene: New Music and Milestones
While the Whitney Houston challenge is lighting up social feeds, Slipknot themselves are stirring excitement on the music front, though not with any new full-length releases just yet. Since their 2022 album The End So Far, the band has been relatively quiet, but fans were thrilled when they teased a new song titled “Long May You Die” early in 2024, featuring their new drummer Eloy Casagrande.
Eloy recently assured fans, “We are cooking, we are doing some new music, for sure,” signaling that more heavy-hitting Slipknot tracks are on the horizon.
And that’s not all—Sid Wilson, Slipknot’s turntablist, recently launched his own label, Vomit Face Records, kicking things off with the single “Take It Back” from Lil Bushwick. It’s clear the band members are channeling their creativity in multiple directions.
Celebrating 25 Years: Slipknot’s Anniversary and Reissues
September marked a milestone with the release of a 25th anniversary reissue of Slipknot’s self-titled debut album, packed with previously unheard demos, fresh artwork, and unseen photos from the band’s vault. It’s a nostalgic treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Slipknot’s 25th anniversary reissue brings fans closer to the band’s roots.
Big Business Moves: Catalog Sale and Memorabilia Auction
In a major move, Slipknot is reportedly selling their music catalog for a jaw-dropping $120 million to HarbourView Equity Partners, covering rights to their publishing and master recordings. This deal marks a significant chapter in the band’s legacy, ensuring their music will continue to reach new ears for years to come.
And for the fans who love a bit of memorabilia—remember the infamous Iowa house destroyed in the Duality video? It’s headed for auction, a tangible piece of Slipknot history on the market.
Dive Deeper Into Slipknot’s Journey
If you want to hear more from the band, check out this insightful interview with Corey Taylor discussing CMF2, PTSD awareness, and what lies ahead for Slipknot:
Wrapping Up the Beat
Who knew that a challenge centered around a single drum hit in a Whitney Houston classic would unite metalheads, pop stars, and social media users alike? This unexpected crossover reminds us that music’s power to connect stretches beyond genres and eras. Whether you’re a Slipknot fan, a Whitney devotee, or just here for the fun, the ‘Whitney Houston Challenge’ is proof that timing really is everything.
FAQ
- What is the Whitney Houston Challenge?
It’s a social media trend where participants try to hit the drum beat exactly on time before the last chorus of “I Will Always Love You.” - Who originally played the drum beat in ‘I Will Always Love You’?
The late Ricky Lawson was the drummer on the studio recording of the track. - Which Slipknot cover band went viral with this challenge?
The Brazilian Slipknot tribute band named Cwnot took part and gained viral fame for their attempt. - Has Slipknot released new music recently?
They teased a new song titled “Long May You Die” early in 2024 and confirmed new music is in the works. - What’s notable about Slipknot’s 25th anniversary?
They reissued their debut album with unreleased demos, new artwork, and rare photos celebrating their milestone.
Feeling inspired by this unique blend of metal and pop? Shop your favorite album cover poster and bring a piece of music history to your space at Architeg Prints. It’s a subtle way to celebrate the beats that move us all.
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