It demonstrated how a simple pop song could serve as a common language, allowing civilians and service members to connect across thousands of miles.
The trend began when the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders released a polished, high-energy video filmed during their annual swimsuit calendar shoot in the Dominican Republic [4, 6]. The video featured the squad lip-syncing to the track while showcasing their choreography and the tropical scenery. It was an immediate hit, garnering millions of views and setting a high bar for production quality in the "Call Me Maybe" parody subculture [2, 4]. The US Military: A "Shot-for-Shot" Response Call Me Maybe - Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders vs US Military
Ultimately, while the cheerleaders brought the glamour, the U.S. Military brought the heart. Together, these videos remain a definitive time capsule of the viral video era, proving that a good sense of humor is universal, even in a combat zone [4, 6]. It demonstrated how a simple pop song could
While the cheerleaders' version was glamorous, the response from U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan took the internet by storm for its humor and authenticity. A group of soldiers, led by those in the 101st Airborne Division, created a meticulous "shot-for-shot" remake of the cheerleaders' video [2, 3]. It was an immediate hit, garnering millions of
In 2012, the catchy pop hit "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen sparked a viral trend of lip-sync tribute videos. Two of the most famous versions—created by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and the United States Military—became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the power of the early social media era to bridge vastly different worlds through humor and music. The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders: Setting the Stage
The two groups eventually acknowledged each other. The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders publicly praised the soldiers' effort, and the "rivalry" culminated in a heartwarming meeting where the cheerleaders visited the troops to thank them for the tribute [5].