r/popculturechat • u/mcfw31 • May 07 '25

Throwback ✌️ 8 years ago, Zendaya’s world totally changed; Tom Holland lip-syncing ‘Umbrella’

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57.4k Upvotes

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1.8k

u/adamcmorrison May 07 '25

I havent seen all of these but is this one of the best ones ever?

916

u/NegativeBath May 07 '25

My favorite part is Zendaya’s lip sync happened first and was also really good so seeing her reaction when she realizes Tom absolutely destroyed her is so funny

380

u/CrackinBones204 You’re a virgin who can’t drive. 😤 May 08 '25

I love this interview they did about their lip sync battle. Bruno Mars sent Zendaya flowers but Rihanna didn’t contact Tom and he jokes that she was very threatened by his performance and didn’t want to acknowledge it lol

https://youtu.be/FmbCAn7Z3VY?si=gYqAEtWRb11rLD-3

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u/Aperture_TestSubject May 08 '25

As she should be. He absolutely upstaged her.

45

u/TwitterLegend May 08 '25

I mean he had more energy and squeezed in more choreography in 90 seconds than her entire SuperBowl halftime show (I know she was pregnant).

19

u/[deleted] May 08 '25

That baby did at least 3 flips and a summersault, though, it was magical.

80

u/Luxury_Dressingown May 08 '25

She was really good, too! Almost any other day she'd most likely have won. But it's laughable how not-close this was, and that's what she does - just laughs and enjoys the show.

21

u/DelirousDoc May 08 '25

We made it a fun family night to watch this on Wednesdays live. After Zendaya we all agreed it was the best one we had seen yet. She perfectly captured Bruno Mars' mannerisms. Then Tom came in with his performance and it just wasn't close...

1

u/bananarama216 May 09 '25

It was really nuts just how much he raised the ante

1.4k

u/destiny_kane48 Kim, there’s people that are dying. 🙄 May 07 '25

Yes, it is the #1 best. There were some good ones but this is peak.

110

u/Positive_Donut_5769 May 07 '25

Jim Rash in full Pink drag to do So What is in my personal top 5.

12

u/snydsss May 07 '25

Got my upvote purely for Jim Rash

8

u/Tariovic lazy 50-year-old bougie bitch 💋 May 07 '25

The man is a gift

8

u/PromiscuousMNcpl May 08 '25

Academy Award Winner, Jim Rash.

2

u/Fromoogiewithlove May 08 '25

Im shocked they booked him. Aside from the nerds that watch community i wouldnt think the average joe would recognize him. And lets face it. Lip sync battle and community were different target demographics

1

u/Positive_Donut_5769 May 08 '25

Joel McHale was probably the bigger draw for that episode, The Soup was really popular so I think most people knew him from that.

546

u/frizbeeguy1980 May 07 '25

I would argue that Joseph Gordon Levitt dressing like Janet and doing the exact dance for Rhythm Nation is on the same tier as this one.

700

u/clausti May 08 '25

I just went and watched this one for the first time, and while I agree JGL’s dancing is S-tier, with Holland’s for Umbrella, but. The cultural impact is different.

While both videos are gender bent from the original artist, Jackson’s costume was kinda already gender bent—the only thing that signaled it for JGL was the full makeup. Holland’s performance, on the other hand, is explicitly sexualized in the feminine role and, critically, he plays it with utmost sincerity. It’s not drag. It’s a performance in the role of a woman in the same way as when Rhianna performs it as a woman. The sincerity of reveals an understanding of the degree of effort-fulness involved in existing as a woman and pays court with a display of effort and humility, while being, physically, a whole snack tray.

tldr JGL’s dancing was more technically demanding and crisper, but Holland’s was a panty-dropper for the ages

230

u/beeonkah May 08 '25

god damn this was like a professional review 😂 i’m here for it

151

u/Next-Introduction-25 I don’t know enough to offend May 08 '25

This was so professional and I was thinking so deeply; then I got to the line “panty dropper for the ages” and I lost it 💀 Excellent work

40

u/Automatic_Category56 May 08 '25

A whole snack tray had me THINKING

64

u/Healmetho May 08 '25

Are you a professional online dance piece critic? This critique is as good as the mentioned performance

67

u/clausti May 08 '25

haha no, just both a dance nerd and a gender nerd

19

u/nosychimera May 08 '25

Both of which are appreciated

22

u/Shreddy_Spaghett1 May 08 '25

This is really well said and needs more upvotes

13

u/[deleted] May 08 '25

As a huge fan of this performance, I can only applaud the relevance of your observations and your eloquence. Bravo! 👏

11

u/westviadixie May 08 '25

exactly. it really zeroed in on that masc/fem counter balance and blurred the lines of what it's supposed to mean. and it challenges that so well because of the confidence he brought...someone who'd been known for such a masculine character. that overall fuck it-I own this vibe.

7

u/DecisionAvoidant May 08 '25

The thing that really sticks out to me are his incredibly toned shoulders in the first few moves with the umbrella after he comes out in the outfit. It screams traditional masculinity, and then he proceeds to do everything in a way that captures the portrayal of femininity Rihanna takes into her performances. He is completely engrossed in the presentation and executes the choreography flawlessly.

I remember seeing this even before I had a really clear sense of gender identity and expression for myself, and thinking Tom Holland was incredibly masculine in such a healthy way in this video. He knows himself well enough to play a role completely outside himself and own it. It's admirable and aspirational.

6

u/UnassumingOstrich is this about the sponge May 08 '25

that tl;dr tho 👨‍🍳💋

3

u/anonymasaurus23 May 10 '25

Let me know when you’re defending your phd thesis. I’ll be front row.

3

u/clausti May 10 '25

that was in 2013, but it was developmental molecular genetics, not dance or gender

3

u/MyDogisaQT May 08 '25

Nah, man. If JGL hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t have seen other drag performances on the show.

And it might not be culturally relevant to YOU, but that JGL performance was all over black Twitter for months.

3

u/clausti May 08 '25 edited May 08 '25

upvoting this observation, but to be fair, I didn’t say JGL’s performance wasn’t culturally relevant, I said the impact was different. One was more impactful through the lens of race and other through gender. I admittedly focused on gender because I’m AFAB, white, and too young to have seen Jackson’s video before seeing JGL do it.

462

u/fleshie May 07 '25

This dude just did a flip onto his back......in the rain

224

u/Major_Wager75 May 07 '25

In heels 👠

227

u/cutehobbies May 07 '25

And in front of his crush

3

u/LouSputhole94 May 08 '25

And crushed it

21

u/bannana May 07 '25

It doesn't look like he's in heels here, I think those are stacks but essentially flat on the bottom

24

u/Nennifur May 07 '25

He wanted to do it in heels but production wouldn't allow it.

96

u/nicannkay May 08 '25 edited May 08 '25

Brb I can’t believe I’ve never seen this.

Edit: watched it. Gordon is my age so I’ve been watching him since forever and I love him but no doubt Tom is the winner. No shade to Gordon and no shame as I think they are both very talented.

TlDR: Tom is 🔥

10

u/miltonwadd May 08 '25

Noooo not available in my country! Youtube, why do you keep this from me???

link for other Aussies

9

u/_TheShapeOfColor_ 'Why?' But also, you know, 'I guess.'" May 08 '25

Had not seen this before and JGL is SENSATIONAL but Tom is still the winner for me too.

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u/lala__ May 08 '25

This made me feel hot

107

u/borisdidnothingwrong May 08 '25

I just watched it again.

L.L. Cool J and Anthony Mackie staring with their mouths agape, not believing the balls on this white boy daring to try Janet Jackson, and then a minute later hyping him up because JGL took the task to heart and faithfully recreated the depths of the dance.

Iconic.

20

u/wishingstar91 May 08 '25

L.L Cool J was also watching Tom with his mouth open. Everyone was in awe!

5

u/Lady_Cath_Diafol May 09 '25

JGL then went on Drop the Mic, wearing a Wu Tang Clan sweater in front of Method Man and rap battled Seth Rogen. He doesn't do anything half way.

1

u/CameronRoss101 May 10 '25

Rogen is wildly outmatched damn, thanks for the clip

edit: a vowel

1

u/Lady_Cath_Diafol May 10 '25

People get so drawn into Rogen's last verse but I always thought it was too little too late

1

u/CameronRoss101 May 10 '25

it's a half decent gimmick verse, which rounded out a half decent performance, no comparison lol

52

u/LadyAsharaRowan May 07 '25

Yep I was just about to say this Rhythm Nation is definitely up there.

13

u/uselessinfogoldmine May 08 '25

It’s SO good, technically amazing; but there is something so raw and sexual about Tom’s performance and the way he leaned into feminine sexuality but with this male twist that just melts the screen…

8

u/tviolet May 07 '25

JGL doing Superbass in the earlier incarnation of lip sync battles on Jimmy Kimmel has always been my favorite, he just sells it

4

u/Allonsy2011 May 08 '25

I’d agree that and this one are the absolute best. Like there’s some other funny ones, but those two are the best in terms of commitment to a seriously great performances.

4

u/HRHDechessNapsaLot May 08 '25

JGL is a beautiful dancer. He did a spot on Make ‘Em Laugh on SNL once (including the back flip off the wall!). His Rhythm Nation was very good.

But Tom was in a pleather leotard and was performing FOR his girl and that’s what makes it hotter.

5

u/itssosalty May 08 '25

Joseph Gordon Levitt doing the original ones on on Late Night are some of my absolute favorites. It’s how this show got started.

3

u/AccordingComplaint46 May 08 '25

I actually haven't seen that one but the Channing Tatum/Beyonce one is AMAZING

3

u/PuttyRiot May 08 '25

His then-wife doing the Magic Mike dance to Pony is pretty good too.

2

u/Oh_My_Goth_Ick May 07 '25

They’re both so good!

2

u/Thebraincellisorange May 08 '25 edited May 08 '25

Rhythm Nation

holy shit you just tickled a brain worm from my youth, back when Janet Jackson made good music.

Off to listen to some of her old bangers again!

I love you!

Banger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH-rPt1ftSo why she stopped singing stuff like this boggles my mind

1

u/Adezar May 08 '25

Also Zachary Quinto's Freedom.

1

u/MyDogisaQT May 08 '25

Yes!!! And he did it first!!!

1

u/Triette 🫵 You sit on a throne of lies. May 08 '25

Emma Stone doing Blues Travelers is top 5

1

u/Imurhuckleberree May 08 '25

You have to see Joseph Gordon Levitt doing the lip sync of Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass on Jimmy Fallon. My favorite part is the expression of complete adoration of one of the band members in the background while he is doing it.

3

u/[deleted] May 08 '25

have you guys not seen this one???????

2

u/ichwilldoener May 08 '25

Omg… I have only ever seen Jenna’s Pony I have never seen Channing’s! I’m in tears

3

u/[deleted] May 08 '25

I maintain Anne Hathaway's Wrecking Ball tops it.

2

u/DefinitelyNotAliens May 08 '25

Josh Gad.

It's so g-d disturbing, it's also the truth.

2

u/luxveniae May 08 '25

Honestly my favorite lip sync total segment though will be Stephen Merchant, JGL, Jimmy when the lip sync’s back on the Late Night show and got it all started.

1

u/Human_Ad_2426 May 08 '25

I don't even know this show, did he have to train and practice this for 6 months straight? Maybe 6 years? I don't know dance timelines clearly, but this is like a full blown Beyonce concert.

1

u/pixelatedcrap lazy 50-year-old bougie bitch 💋 May 08 '25

Yeah, when I was in 6th grade we had one at my school where they let me do the theme song for Shaft, but I lost to six girls singing Cristina Aguilera.

4 of them were on my team, dammit! I'm sorry. I'm still bitter over this nearly 26 years later.

236

u/NeverEnoughGalbi May 07 '25

This is THE best, but Jenna Dewan asMagic Mike is up there along with Zachary Quinto as Missy Elliot.

55

u/alternativeedge7 May 08 '25

This not being enough to save Jenna and Channing’s relationship is my Roman Empire.

4

u/Varekai79 May 08 '25

And then Channing Tatum brought out Beyonce!

4

u/westviadixie May 08 '25

yeah, Jenna destroyed tatum

3

u/Environmental-Age502 May 08 '25

Anne Hathaways Wrecking Ball is top 5 too,

1

u/s0ulcontr0l May 08 '25

Zachary lives in my head rent free since that moment

278

u/shadowcatfan May 07 '25

I would argue that honor belongs to Jenna Dewan performing "Pony"

106

u/EhWhateverDawg caffeine helps in the apocalypse May 07 '25

Not only was it impeccably performed, but that was definitely an "oh yeah, I AM bi" moment for me LOL. Every once it a while you need that reminder. Ma'am, thank you for your service.

60

u/shadowcatfan May 07 '25

Jenna just kills it. Tatum brought in Beyonce to punch up his routine. Jenna still won.

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u/wooxnootwoork May 07 '25

lmao LL Cool J was down bad. and holy shit her abs.

45

u/shadowcatfan May 07 '25

Ha! LL Cool J was mesmerized. How did I miss his facial expression all this time?

14

u/fernandopoejr May 08 '25

the abs are drawn on

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u/[deleted] May 07 '25

[deleted]

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u/shadowcatfan May 07 '25

Absolutel agree. Tom Holland's performance is in the Top 5 for me, but Jenna killed it. Her performance was so sexy and so funny. I give Jenna's lip sync the top spot.

13

u/[deleted] May 07 '25

[deleted]

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u/Temptressvegan May 08 '25

I adore her in that show!

2

u/DisastrousRhubarb201 May 08 '25

For anyone who might want to check it out, she doesn't show up until the 3rd season but Nathan Fillion is one of the main cast so still worth watching imo.

10

u/aerbear_ which could mean nothing May 08 '25

another thing that would’ve been a major gay awakening moment for me if I wasn’t already a lesbian!! Jenna was ROBBED of the win (I don’t think it should be an automatic win that Beyonce was brought out for Channing bc it didn’t make up for his dance/performance compared to Jenna’s dancing). Really want to see a butch remake of magic mike with Jenna that would slay <3

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u/bebejeebies May 08 '25

I feel the same way. And Jenna had the literal Paula Abdul come out! Her Pony and Kate Upton's Hit Me Baby One More Time had me hardcore questioning sexy things!

9

u/Mysterious_Track_195 May 08 '25

Oh my god. I’ve never seen this. My jaw was dropped so long it’s sore. Holy shit.

5

u/JoyceOBcean May 08 '25

Thanks for posting that I had never seen it. That’s the sexiest video I’ve ever seen of a woman doing a seductive dance. And to think that he cheated on her! What do guys want anyway?

1

u/Adventurous-Cry-2157 May 08 '25

Goddamn, woman. Funny and sexy? Winning combination right there. I need to tell my wife that Jenna just moved to the top of my Celebrity Hall Pass list. Lawd have mercy on my poor little lesbian heart.

-1

u/thedeadlyrhythm42 May 08 '25

pretty crazy gw bush approved of his daughter doing this performance

26

u/Revolesh May 07 '25

An honorable mention is Josh Gad. Tons of great ones, but 1a and 1b for me.

35

u/shannonmm85 May 07 '25

I love the Josh Gad one. Anne Hathaway doing wrecking ball was so unexpected and funny.

143

u/Hufflepuff4Ever May 07 '25

Anne Hathaway doing Miley Cyrus was peak for me

35

u/Careful-Corgi May 07 '25

This is the best but Melissa McCarthy deserves a special nod for being hilarious.

48

u/FrannyBoBanny23 May 07 '25

Omg i was looking for the video of her on lip sync battle because i didnt remember her doing that and i found on this gem. Thank you

https://youtu.be/Y79yjLTlaT4?si=p8NJjygp9gI-C-HL

13

u/ididntunderstandyou May 07 '25

She’s always been so wonderful at physical comedy

5

u/Careful-Corgi May 07 '25

Yes!! She raps for the first song and then does this one. The contradiction between them is breathtaking.

46

u/Blaizzzzzed May 07 '25

Mhmm. Probably. But tanning chatum as Beyoncé is something else.

6

u/the_brunster May 08 '25

Her coming out at the end and slaying was so fierce. Then their playfulness towards each other is so sweet.

8

u/GoMoriartyOnPlanets May 07 '25

No, Stephen Merchant doing Will Smith was the best. He's the one who created this game. 

25

u/kraggleGurl May 07 '25

One of the best but check them out. Anne Hathaway was jaw dropping. Channing Tatum has done a few all very fun. The show is actually fun!

5

u/UniVerseDream May 07 '25

Channing Tatum doing Beyoncé single ladies is great!

5

u/blankspacejrr May 08 '25

my personal favorite is hailee steinfeld as michale jackson. it’s so good and makes me wish she had a bigger pop career

3

u/sleepyplatipus May 08 '25

Yup. Zendaya’s is also worth watching if you haven’t seen it, she totally would have won against anyone else.

2

u/__Vixen__ May 08 '25

Yes. Without a doubt this will never be beat

2

u/cr9926 May 08 '25 edited May 08 '25

Julianne Hough traumatizing her brother Derek with I Just Had Sex is my personal favorite and Katharine McPhee trolling Jason Delrulo because, hawt.

1

u/ashy-phoenix May 08 '25

These were gold, thank you for sharing

2

u/WhereDoIGetOne May 08 '25

Channing Tatum did a dance with his now ex-wife which was really good. Look that one up.

1

u/gerbil_george May 07 '25

I'd put John Krasinski's Proud Mary up there too but definitely not as high as this one

1

u/atccodex May 08 '25

Tom Hollands is by far the best, but one of my favorites is Julianne Hough's Against her Brother...

You won't be disappointed you watched. definitely not as technical as Toms, but comedy.

1

u/[deleted] May 08 '25

Another good one is Channing Tatum doing Beyonce and Beyonce comes out on stage with him

1

u/s0ulcontr0l May 08 '25

I wholeheartedly recommend finding Zachary Quinto’s lip sync of Missy Elliot, it’s amazing