Tom Holland's viral act on Rihanna's 'Umbrella' had an unexpected impact on his future with Zendaya

Tom Holland’s performance on Rihanna’s 'Umbrella' during a TV show reportedly marked a turning point that reshaped his relationship with Zendaya
Zendaya was reportedly left impressed by Holland’s viral 'Lip Sync Battle' performance in 2017 (@ComedyCentralAsia/Youtube, Getty Images)
Zendaya was reportedly left impressed by Holland’s viral 'Lip Sync Battle' performance in 2017 (@ComedyCentralAsia/Youtube, Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Holland’s viral performance on ‘Lip Sync Battle’ is once again drawing attention, with reports suggesting it may have had an unexpected impact on his relationship with Zendaya.

The actor stepped away from his ‘Spider-Man’ image during the episode and delivered a high-energy act on Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’, a performance that quickly went viral and became one of the show’s most talked-about moments.

Tom Holland’s viral Rihanna ‘Umbrella’ performance goes massively viral

The performance saw Tom Holland fully commit to the act, delivering a bold and unexpected routine that surprised audiences and spread rapidly across social media. Filmed during promotions for ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, the moment highlighted a playful, confident side of the actor.

Clips from the episode went viral within hours, with fans praising his energy, humour, and commitment to the performance.

MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 15: (L-R) Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the Spider-Man: Brand New Day photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel on June 15, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/WireImage)
Tom Holland and Zendaya attended the 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' photocall in Madrid on June 15, 2026 (Pablo Cuadra/WireImage)

Tom Holland’s ‘Lip Sync Battle’ act reportedly left Zendaya “smitten”

According to the Daily Mail, sources close to the couple say Zendaya was deeply impressed after watching the performance. They claim the moment marked a shift in how she viewed Holland, with one source saying she was “smitten” and “fell hard for him” during that period.

“When he was announced as Spider-Man, people were taken aback because he’s slightly wimpy,” the source told the outlet. “But what he lacks in stature he more than makes up for in talent.”

They added, “You can see the shock on her face but then the admiration. I’m sure it’s something they will show their kids one day.”

MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 15: Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the Spider-Man: Brand New Day photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel on June 15, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
Tom Holland and Zendaya posed together at the 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' photocall in Madrid on June 15, 2026 (Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

“It’s not just sexy, but it shows how amazingly talented he is. It takes a lot of confidence for a straight guy to pull off drag,” the source added.

At the time, in May 2017, both actors were publicly known as close friends despite ongoing speculation about their relationship.

Tom Holland’s viral ‘Umbrella’ moment continues to fuel Zendaya romance buzz

Tom Holland and Zendaya are seen leaving The Duke of York's Theatre after a 'Romeo and Juliet' press night on May 23, 2024, in London, England (Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images)
Tom Holland and Zendaya were seen leaving the Duke of York's Theatre after the 'Romeo and Juliet' press night in London (Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images)

Nearly a decade later, the performance remains one of Holland’s most iconic viral moments and continues to resurface in discussions about the couple’s early connection.

Sources suggest the ‘Umbrella’ act may have played an unexpected role in shaping the trajectory of their relationship, which has since become one of Hollywood’s most closely followed romances

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