In one of the most unforgettable moments in recent pop culture history, actor Tom Holland—best known to the world as the friendly neighborhood superhero Peter Parker/Spider-Man—delivered a sensational, gender-bending performance of Rihanna’s iconic song “Umbrella” on Lip Sync Battle. The viral clip proved Holland is a powerhouse performer whose talent extends far beyond blockbuster cinema.
The show, which aired in May 2017 as part of the promotional tour for Spider-Man: Homecoming, pitted Holland against his co-star, Zendaya.
The Data of a Viral Triumph
Holland’s performance was a two-part masterclass: beginning with a whimsical, classic ode to Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain,” before executing a lightning-fast costume change and emerging in a French maid outfit, fishnets, and a black wig to command the stage as Rihanna. His fluid choreography and fierce confidence were a stunning display of his dance background.
- Viewership Data: The main YouTube clip of Tom Holland’s performance quickly exploded online, currently garnering over 34 million views on the official Lip Sync Battle channel (and over 8.2 million on a Comedy Central UK channel), far surpassing the 9.8 million views initially reported and cementing its status as a viral sensation years later.
- The Reaction: The ultimate stamp of approval came from Zendaya, whose genuine reactions of shock, amusement, and delight—caught backstage—mirrored the awe of the global audience. In a moment of playful spontaneity, Holland even pulled Zendaya onto the stage for a brief dance during the song’s bridge.
The Opponent and the Pedigree of Dance
Holland’s dynamic performance had tough competition. Zendaya also delivered a standout routine that night, channeling Bruno Mars’ swagger in “24K Magic,” a performance that has its own impressive view count, currently sitting at over 34 million views on the official Lip Sync Battle channel.
Holland’s dance prowess is no fluke. The foundation for his fearless stage presence was built in London’s West End:
- Early Career: Holland began training in dance at the age of nine.
- West End Role: In 2008, he was cast in Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre. He initially played Billy’s best friend Michael before being promoted to the lead role of Billy Elliot later that year. He held the title role until 2010.
This background on the prestigious West End stage prepared him for the physical demands of playing Spider-Man and, eventually, for the unexpected, show-stopping turn as Rihanna, proving that true star power is defined by fearless commitment to the performance, regardless of the role.