Nine years after airing, the Lip Sync Battle episode featuring Tom Holland and Zendaya remains one of television’s most replayed pop culture segments. The episode paired the two co-stars in a head-to-head format, with Holland delivering a high-energy performance of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and the actress responding with a polished rendition of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”.
How Tom Holland and Zendaya Turned Lip Sync Battle Into a Viral Pop Culture Landmark
When Tom Holland and Zendaya appeared on Lip Sync Battle in 2017, the segment was initially conceived as part of the promotional campaign for Spider-Man: Homecoming.
What followed quickly exceeded that purpose. Holland opened with a theatrical transition from Singin’ in the Rain into Rihanna’s “Umbrella”, complete with choreography, costume changes, and a rain effect, while Zendaya delivered a sharply executed performance of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”, creating a contrast that elevated the segment beyond a typical TV competition.
The performance gained immediate traction after airing, becoming one of the most shared and discussed moments in the show’s history. Holland’s number in particular stood out for its scale and commitment, often cited in retrospectives as a defining example of how celebrity appearances on the series could transcend their promotional intent.
Over time, the clip evolved into a recurring reference point in pop culture discussions, marking a moment where television, internet virality, and early MCU-era fame intersected in a single performance that continues to resurface nearly a decade later.
