Tom Holland's unforgettable Lip Sync Battle performance in drag to Rihanna’s "Umbrella" not only showcased his incredible talent but also conveyed a powerful message of acceptance and self-expression, inspiring a young boy to embrace his true self.
Tom Holland’s memorable Lip Sync Battle performance in 2017 had fans laughing and impressed, but there’s a deeper, more touching story behind his decision to dress in drag for the show.
In mid-2017, Tom Holland was gaining fame as the latest Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Just as his star was rising, he made waves with a bold and unexpected move during an appearance on the popular show Lip Sync Battle. Contestants on the show are tasked with performing well-known songs, and Tom surprised everyone by choosing to cover Rihanna’s hit song “Umbrella.”
What made his performance stand out wasn’t just his incredible dancing skills but the fact that Tom embraced the performance wholeheartedly. He donned a tight-fitting dress, wore a wig, and danced with the grace and flair of a pop diva. At the time, fans thought Tom’s drag performance was a lighthearted stunt to grab attention and show off his versatility.
A Deeper Purpose Behind Tom’s Performance
However, it turns out that Tom’s decision to dress in drag wasn’t just for laughs or to “make a statement” in Hollywood. In a later interview, Tom Holland revealed that his performance had a deeper, more personal motivation.
Before choosing “Umbrella” for the show, Tom had a conversation with a teacher from Texas who shared the story of a young boy who loved wearing girls’ clothing to school. Unfortunately, the boy was bullied by his classmates, making him feel isolated and depressed. Hearing this, Tom wanted to use his platform to send a message to that boy and others like him—even Spider-Man can wear a dress, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Impact on the Young Boy and Tom’s Response
Tom’s performance wasn’t just entertaining; it was empowering. After watching Tom’s bold display on stage, the young boy reportedly gained more confidence and began to embrace who he was with pride. Tom, too, was deeply moved, knowing that his actions had positively impacted someone in such a profound way.
A Real-Life Superhero
Fans of the Spider-Man franchise have long admired Tom Holland for his charming and down-to-earth persona. His Lip Sync Battle performance only solidified what many had already suspected—Tom Holland is as kind-hearted and thoughtful in real life as his character Peter Parker is on screen. Marvel truly found the perfect actor for the role of Spider-Man, a superhero who is central to the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
