Gaga's ice bucket challenge tops them all

Mon, 18 Aug, 2014 - 18:31

Conor Hallahan

You may recall we told you all about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge last week, but if you were out sick that day, here's a handy recap:

The idea is to grab a bucket of ice water and throw it over yourself, then nominate three other people to do the same thing, with the video posted to YouTube, Facebook or Instagram. Anyone who is challenged must do the same thing within 24 hours or donate $100 to the ALS Association (most people do both).

We love Gaga's effort (posted to Instagram today), in which, true to form, she doesn't even speak or flinch as she douses herself with iced water from what looks like the Liam McCarthy Cup.

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or here in Ireland as Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The challenge was originally the idea of Massachusetts resident Pete Frates, 29, a former college athlete who has been living with ALS since 2012.

Zuckerberg took his drenching like a boss:

It's lit up social media over the past week and caught on like wildfire among celebrities, with Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon and Mickey Rourke among those to have initially taken the challenge.

Now as the phenomenon continues to spread, other celebs such as Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea, Mark Zuckerberg and even Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have taken their drenching.

J-Lo and Iggy were good sports, even if the screeching was a bit excessive:

(Although speaking of screeching, Oprah wins hands down)

(Oprah nominated Steven Spielberg, who accepted)

Meanwhile Ronaldo doesn't need much of an excuse to get his kit off:

(L'il Wayne? Really?)

And Mullingar man Niall Horan also stood up to the plate.

NIALL HORAN ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE from Calvin Aurand on Vimeo.

Also today, Charlie Sheen accepted the challenge, but with a little twist - dousing himself not in water but with ten grand in cash - and nominating Ashton Kutcher, Chuck Lorre and Jon Cryer (his '2 and a Half Men' successor, producer/nemesis and former co-star, respectively) to do the same..

According to the New York Times, the ALS association said it had received $13.3m in donations since July 29, compared with $1.7m during the same period last year.

Good job, guys.