Pop star Jason Derulo has fans worried this week over a TikTok video where he seems to chip his two front teeth on camera. The video shows the singer attempting to eat off a corncob using an electric power drill — a viral challenge that’s made the rounds for years before ending up on TikTok. While Derulo’s teeth appear chipped at the video’s end, several outlets are noting that he had a similar incident earlier this year involving a tooth injury — and that both videos might be playful hoaxes by the Cats star.
“Hey, have y’all seen this? I’ve always wanted to try it,” Derulo says in the video as he holds a corn cob attached to a power drill. “Life hack,” he adds, before putting the corn to his mouth and turning on the drill. Moments later, he lets out a scream and opens his mouth wide to reveal what appear to be two severely chipped teeth.
@jasonderulo Don’t try this 😭😭😭
♬ original sound – jasonderulo
Derulo isn’t the first to try out the “corn drill challenge.” Know Your Meme reports that this viral trend originated when a YouTuber named Vinnie Mac uploaded a video of the challenge way back in 2012.
Since then, numerous videos have popped up of people attempting the challenge. One of the most famous corn drill videos features a young woman trying it out with surprising and disastrous results.
Accident or Illusion?
Derulo’s accident would seem to fit in plausibly with the kind of results seen in the above video. However, a few factors have some wondering if his tooth-chipping post was staged. Page Six and TMZ point to an earlier TikTok post by Derulo showing a separate accident. In that video, a handstand by a pool resulted in the loss of a front tooth.
@jasonderulo Gonna need a trip to the dentist 😷
♬ original sound – jasonderulo
Both outlets are now reporting that the earlier video was staged, raising the possibility that this latest post is also a prank. It’s not clear how Derulo could have faked either incident, but other videos on his TikTok account do show a certain flair for visual trickery.
@jasonderulo Splash 💦 ##hoopsathome
♬ CatchTheSplashChallenge – robirawks_
Regardless of whether or not Derulo really chipped his teeth, one thing is clear: power drills and your face are never a good combo, even with corn on the side.
Jason Derulo Teeth — Sources
Jason Derulo on TikTok
Know Your Meme
Page Six
TMZ