Almost a decade later, Tom Holland’s unforgettable performance of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” lip sync battle is still making waves.
Currently appearing on Good relationship with Amy Poehler, spiderman The star reflected on her viral moments from 2017 and revealed that despite starring in blockbuster series and big Hollywood movies, fans still talk about that dance more than anything else.
“I’ve seen it 5,000 times,” Holland said. “That dance gets more compliments than anything I’ve ever done.”
In case you need a refresher, Holland’s performance has become something of an internet legend.
Back in 2017, Holland and his Spider-Man: Homecoming Co-star Zendaya faces off lip sync battle Promoting a Marvel movie. Both were ready. Zendaya gave a soulful rendition of Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone,” then returned as Bruno Mars for a dazzling performance of “24K Magic,” complete with golden confetti and all the superstar energy fans have come to expect.
Holland started with Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me,” but saved the biggest surprise for last.
The actor took to the stage wearing a suit and bowler hat for a Gene Kelly-inspired performance of “Singin’ in the Rain.” Then, after disappearing behind an umbrella, the music suddenly changed. Holland arrived wearing a black leather leotard, fishnet stockings, a bob wig and red lipstick and began a rain-soaked performance of Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”
The choreography, dedication, and sheer confidence instantly turned the performance into one of the most iconic moments. lip sync battle history.
In the podcast, Poehler reflected on why this performance connected with so many people beyond its entertainment value.
“You talked about being a kid doing ballet, being a human being who needs to understand what a typical man is, what a typical woman is, and what comes out of all of that,” Poehler said. “When you confidently came out in that outfit and nailed it, it exploded everyone’s thoughts about everything in the best way.”
She continued, “I know that wasn’t your intention, but I want you to know that it opened up a lot of emotions for a lot of people.”
Holland admitted that he had never viewed the performance through such a lens at the time.
“I had no idea how it would be received,” he says. “I thought, ‘Oh, what an interesting idea.'”
Instead, he focused on pulling off a surprise.
Holland recalled feeling a shift in the audience’s energy during the opening “Singin’ in the Rain” section, noting that many younger audience members probably didn’t understand where the performance was going.
“I literally felt the energy in the room deflate,” he said. “I put on a suit and started this job, and everyone in the audience was about 19 years old and they were like, ‘What the hell are you doing?'”
But Holland knew exactly what would happen next.
“I knew it in my body,” he said. “If you take this suit off, you’ll go crazy.”
The actor also shared some funny behind-the-scenes stories from rehearsals. Holland said someone on the production team suggested that his shorts be made even shorter.
“At one point during the dress rehearsal, the woman said, ‘Do you think you could wear your shorts a little shorter?'” Holland recalled. “I was like, ‘No.'”
Poehler was quick to joke. “You were like, ‘Okay, I’ve done enough.'”
“I do enough for the cause,” Holland replied. “This is still years ahead of its time.”
Looking back, Holland also revealed that there was a lot that happened off-camera during the quick costume change.
“I had to apply lipstick behind the dancers, and I had to tear up the suit behind them,” he said. “It’s a shame they didn’t do it in front of the camera because it was so much fun just wearing the torn suit.”
The conversation ended with Poehler praising Holland’s willingness to take creative risks, which she believes are becoming increasingly rare.
“It’s a very thrilling performance,” Poehler told him.
“Thank you,” Holland replied. “That’s why I’m so excited about this Fred Astaire piece, because it’s so scary. If I don’t commit to it 100 percent, it’s not going to work.”
Holland has mentioned playing the role of legendary dancer and actor Fred Astaire in a long-term biopic. This project requires him to rely heavily on his dance background. umbrella A great moment of performance.
Poehler then explained why the performance was the way it was. umbrella It continues to resonate no matter how many years pass.
“There are a million ways to get your art out there, right? Everyone can get their work out the way they want,” she said. “Few people describe men who embrace that kind of experience.”
Then she added with a laugh: “So please save us.”
Holland responded, “I’ll do my best.”
It was a fitting end to a conversation that started as a fun surprise and evolved into something much bigger. Nearly a decade later, Holland’s rain-soaked rendition of “Umbrella” still serves as a reminder that confidence, vulnerability, and a willingness to challenge expectations can leave a lasting impact. This video currently has hundreds of millions of views.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
