Tom Holland and Zendaya‘s memorable Lip Sync Battle appearance in 2017 almost never happened as originally planned, with the duo intending to keep their performances low-key. Known primarily for his role as Spider-Man, Holland revealed that he and Zendaya had initially agreed on simple acts for the competition. However, Holland’s creative impulses led him to dramatically ramp up his routine, turning what was meant to be a modest performance into one of the most iconic moments on the show.
The actor confessed on Gordon Ramsay’s show Scrambled,
“We were chatting at the time about what we were gonna do. And we had agreed we would take it easy,”
followed by,
“It was like, ‘I’m not gonna do anything crazy. You’re not gonna do anything crazy. We’re just gonna keep it nice and easy breezy.’”
Yet, once Holland started collaborating with the Lip Sync Battle team, his ideas escalated.
The preparation grew ambitious, with Holland deciding to bait the audience by beginning his performance with Singin’ in the Rain before surprising everyone with Rihanna’s Umbrella. “The rain machine came in,” the actor recalled enthusiastically.
“I was like, ‘F–k yeah, I wanna wear fishnets and do this. And I want a wig and a quick change.’”
His dramatic transformation included a burlesque-inspired outfit and a troupe of backup dancers, showcasing his hidden dance skills and culminating with an impressive backflip, a move he said he kept under wraps to deliver maximum impact.
Family Concerns and Career Considerations
Despite the ultimate success of the performance, not everyone was immediately supportive. Holland’s father, Dominic Holland, expressed reservations about the stunt, fearing it might propel Tom into fame too swiftly and interfere with his childhood. The actor explained,
“At that time in my career, he was very worried about me becoming too famous too quickly,”
adding,
“So he was really keen for me to not do extra TV shows that I didn’t have to do to try and maintain that part of my childhood.”
Nonetheless, Tom chose to proceed with his elaborate routine, a decision that has since defined his presence on the show, with the performance amassing over 34 million views on YouTube. Reflecting on this paradoxical legacy, Holland joked,
“Honestly, of all the pieces of work I’ve done, that I’ve put my heart and soul into—blood, sweat and tears—the Lip Sync Battle is the thing that everyone brings up. It’s never Spider-Man, it’s never any of my other movies. It’s always Lip Sync Battle.”
He added with a laugh, “It haunts me.”
Zendaya’s Praise and the Fishnets’ New Home
Zendaya, who competed on the same episode performing Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic, was clearly impressed by her fiancé’s bold performance. In a 2021 interview with Esquire, she complimented him, stating, “He obviously killed it.” Meanwhile, Holland humorously revealed that the iconic fishnet stockings worn during the act belonged to his grandmother and are now “framed, actually. At the Met.”
Chronicle of Shared Moments: Tom and Zendaya’s Journey Together
Early Appearances and Award Shows
Their friendship and chemistry have been evident since at least 2016. At San Diego Comic-Con International that year, ahead of the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Tom Holland and Zendaya shared lighthearted moments during Marvel’s panel in San Diego, California.
Shortly after, in May 2017, the pair appeared together at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in Los Angeles, where they spoke onstage, further fueling interest in their dynamic both on and off-screen.
International Promotions and Celebrations
In June 2017, Tom and Zendaya continued promoting Spider-Man: Homecoming at a photo call in Madrid, Spain. Fast forward two years, the duo enjoyed the after-party for the Hollywood premiere of Spider-Man: Far From Home in California, displaying their close bond in public settings.
Personal Milestones and Birthday Tributes
By September 2021, the couple’s relationship had become public knowledge, with Tom publicly celebrating Zendaya‘s birthday. In a heartfelt post, addressing her as “My MJ,” he wrote,
“My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays,”
and added warmly,
“Gimme a call when your up xxx.”
Promotions and Premieres Supporting Their Careers
December 2021 was a busy month for the pair. They attended a photo call for Spider-Man: No Way Home at The Old Sessions House in London, followed by a SiriusXM Radio Town Hall in New York City with the film’s cast. At the movie’s L.A. premiere later that month, Zendaya dazzled in a custom Valentino gown, while Tom wore a Prada suit, showcasing their status as Hollywood’s stylish power couple.
Following the film’s release, Zendaya praised Tom’s work ethic and dedication, celebrating their shared accomplishment after completing another chapter of their superhero saga together.
Moments Shared in 2022 and 2023
In February 2022, the couple enjoyed a belated Valentine’s Day evening out in New York City, dressed to impress amid the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In June 2023, Zendaya shared a candid photo of Tom enjoying a swim to celebrate his 27th birthday, further capturing the couple’s relaxed, affectionate interactions.
This same month, Holland humorously labeled a newly released photo of himself
“possibly the sexiest picture ever taken of me!”
on Instagram, drawing a heart-eye emoji reaction from Zendaya.
Recent Public Appearances and Support
In March 2024, Zendaya showcased a competitive spirit during a tennis outing in Indian Wells, California, ahead of her film Challengers. She was accompanied by Tom and her longtime assistant, Darnell Appling, demonstrating their close-knit support network.
The following month, the pair were seen enjoying a night out in London, sharing smiles and warmth in public once again. In May 2024, Zendaya stood by Tom’s side after the premiere of his play Romeo and Juliet in London, where they were spotted holding hands, symbolizing their continued commitment.
Building New Ventures and Quiet Moments Together
October 2024 marked the launch party for Tom Holland’s non-alcoholic beer company, Bero, with Zendaya dressed in a coordinating burgundy outfit, clearly supporting his entrepreneurial efforts. The next month, while visiting Zendaya in Newbury, Massachusetts, where she was filming her movie The Drama, they enjoyed a quiet evening out for a pint of Bero.
Tom shared the experience on Instagram, writing,
“I’m heading out to a bar to have my first Bero in the wild,”
alongside a photo of Zendaya smiling in the background.
“I’ll let you know how it goes.”
Their shared moments, from high-profile appearances to low-key nights, trace a story of mutual support and affection.
The Enduring Appeal of Zendaya Lip Sync Battle Moments
The Lip Sync Battle episode remains a defining moment for both Tom Holland and Zendaya, particularly due to Holland’s extravagant performance that broke their initial promise of simplicity. Holland’s readiness to embrace bold, theatrical elements, despite familial concerns, gave viewers an unforgettable display of showmanship that continues to resonate years later.
This performance not only boosted their popularity but also revealed a playful side of the actors that fans deeply cherish. The episode’s lasting impact, combined with the couple’s genuine connection shown through numerous public events—from awards to premieres, tennis matches to entrepreneurial launches—reinforces their status as a beloved Hollywood pair.
As Tom Holland and Zendaya continue to grow both individually and as a couple, their shared moments, including the iconic Lip Sync Battle, will likely remain highlights of their public story, inspiring fans and keeping their unique chemistry alive in the spotlight.
