Zendaya 'fell hard' for Tom Holland after viral 2017 drag performance
Synopsis
A viral drag act on a TV show in 2017 may have been the spark for one of Hollywood's most-watched couples. A source claims Zendaya 'fell hard' for Tom Holland after watching him perform Rihanna's 'Umbrella' in a corset and shorts on Lip Sync Battle — a moment of unfiltered confidence that reportedly won her over long before the world caught on.
Key Takeaways
Zendaya reportedly 'fell hard' for Tom Holland after his drag performance on Lip Sync Battle in 2017 .
Holland, now 30 , wore a vinyl halter-neck corset inspired by Rihanna's 'Umbrella' music video costume.
The episode was filmed during promotion for Spider-Man: Homecoming , in which both actors starred.
Zendaya, now 29 , also performed on the episode, covering Bruno Mars and Erykah Badu .
Stylist Law Roach suggested earlier this year that the couple had married privately, though neither has confirmed this.
Hollywood actress Zendaya reportedly became smitten with her now-partner Tom Holland after watching him perform Rihanna's 'Umbrella' in drag on Lip Sync Battle in 2017 — a moment that sources say revealed a side of the actor she had not expected. The performance, which has since gone viral, is credited by insiders as the turning point in the couple's relationship.
The Performance That Started It All
Holland, now 30, appeared on Lip Sync Battle in a vinyl halter-neck corset with silver buttons, paired with matching shorts with white trim — a look directly inspired by Rihanna's costume from the 2007 music video for 'Umbrella'. The episode was filmed as part of the promotional run for their shared film, Spider-Man: Homecoming.
A source told The Mail on Sunday that Zendaya 'fell hard for him' after watching the act. '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 said.
Zendaya's Reaction on Stage
Zendaya, now 29, also competed on the same episode, performing renditions of Bruno Mars' '24K Magic' and Erykah Badu's 'Tyrone'. According to reports citing Female First UK, footage from the episode captured visible shock on her face when Holland took the stage — followed quickly by visible admiration. 'I'm sure it's something they will show their kids one day,' the source added.
Holland's Star Power Beyond Spider-Man
The source also addressed early scepticism about Holland's casting as Spider-Man. 'When he was announced as Spider-Man, people were taken aback because he's slightly wimpy. But what he lacks in stature he more than makes up for in talent,' they said. The drag performance, in that context, is seen as the moment Holland's broader range crystallised for those around him — including Zendaya.
Marriage Rumours Surface
The couple's relationship has continued to attract attention. Earlier this year, Zendaya's stylist Law Roach, 47, suggested during a red carpet appearance at the Actor Awards in Los Angeles that the two had married in private — though neither Holland nor Zendaya has publicly confirmed or denied the claim. The remark added fresh fuel to speculation that has followed the pair since they first went public as a couple.
Point of View
Citing Female First UK, is thin ground for claims about a private relationship. The marriage rumour from Law Roach, equally unconfirmed, follows a familiar pattern of stylist-adjacent speculation that keeps a celebrity couple in the news cycle without either party having to say a word. The real editorial question is whether this constitutes news or content — and in the entertainment economy, that line has largely ceased to matter.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Zendaya reportedly fall for Tom Holland?
According to a source cited by The Mail on Sunday, Zendaya 'fell hard' for Tom Holland after watching his drag performance of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' on Lip Sync Battle in 2017. The source said the act revealed his confidence and talent in an unexpected way.
What did Tom Holland wear for his Lip Sync Battle performance?
Tom Holland wore a vinyl halter-neck corset with silver buttons and matching shorts with white trim, directly inspired by Rihanna's costume from the 2007 'Umbrella' music video.
When did Zendaya and Tom Holland appear on Lip Sync Battle together?
Both appeared on Lip Sync Battle in 2017 as part of the promotional campaign for their film Spider-Man: Homecoming. Zendaya performed Bruno Mars' '24K Magic' and Erykah Badu's 'Tyrone' on the same episode.
Are Zendaya and Tom Holland married?
There is no confirmed public statement from either Zendaya or Tom Holland about a marriage. Stylist Law Roach suggested during a red carpet appearance at the Actor Awards in Los Angeles earlier this year that the couple had wed privately, but the claim remains unconfirmed.
Who is Law Roach and what did he say about Zendaya and Tom Holland?
Law Roach, 47, is Zendaya's longtime stylist. He reportedly suggested at the Actor Awards red carpet in Los Angeles that Zendaya and Tom Holland had married in private, though neither of the actors has publicly addressed the claim.
