5 Reasons Why The Channing Tatum Vs. Jenna Dewan Lip Sync Battle Remains The Greatest TV Showdown

The "Tatum Takeover" episode of *Lip Sync Battle* remains one of the most-watched and talked-about celebrity face-offs in television history, featuring Channing Tatum and his then-wife, Jenna Dewan. Airing as the Season 2 premiere on January 7, 2016, this marital battle was an unprecedented spectacle of choreography, comedy, and shocking celebrity cameos that cemented the show's place in pop culture. In light of the recent news that the former couple finalized their divorce in September 2024, this iconic performance serves as a powerful, albeit bittersweet, snapshot of their relationship at its peak, showcasing their competitive spirit and deep connection.

The episode was a masterclass in performance art, with both actors—who first met on the set of the dance movie *Step Up*—pulling out every imaginable theatrical stop. From recreating famous movie scenes to bringing out music legends, the battle transcended a simple lip-sync competition, becoming a legendary moment that fans still revisit years later. Here’s a deep dive into the performances, the surprising winner, and the unforgettable moments that made this episode truly iconic.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan: A Biographical Profile

Before their legendary *Lip Sync Battle* showdown, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan were one of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples, celebrated for their shared background in dance and their on-screen chemistry. Their relationship began on the set of the 2006 film *Step Up*.

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Channing Matthew Tatum

• Born: April 26, 1980
• Birthplace: Cullman, Alabama, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Actor, producer, and dancer. Known for his breakout role in *Step Up* (2006), the *21 Jump Street* film series (2012–2014), and the critically acclaimed *Magic Mike* franchise (2012–2023), which he also produced.
• Relationship Status: Divorced from Jenna Dewan (married 2009, separated 2018, divorce finalized September 2024).

Jenna Lee Dewan

• Born: December 3, 1980
• Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Actress, dancer, and television host. Began her career as a backup dancer for major artists like Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera. Starred in *Step Up* (2006) and TV series including *Witches of East End* and *The Rookie*.
• Relationship Status: Divorced from Channing Tatum. Currently engaged to actor Steve Kazee.

The Two-Round Battle: From Frozen to Cold Hearted

The "Tatum Takeover" was structured as a classic *Lip Sync Battle* face-off, with each contestant performing two songs. The first round set a high bar for comedy and theatrical commitment, demonstrating the couple's willingness to go all-in for the win.

Round 1: Channing’s "Let It Go" vs. Jenna’s "Cold Hearted"

Channing Tatum opened the battle with a performance that immediately went viral: a dramatic, full-costume rendition of "Let It Go" from Disney's *Frozen*. He appeared on stage dressed as Elsa, complete with a long blonde braid and a sparkling blue gown, battling a snow machine and delivering a surprisingly heartfelt performance. The commitment to the character, contrasting with his usual action-star persona, was a comedic highlight of the entire series.

Jenna Dewan's response was a fierce, high-energy take on Paula Abdul’s 1989 hit "Cold Hearted." Her performance was a nod to her professional dancing background, featuring intricate choreography and a full troupe of backup dancers. The true shock came at the end when the legendary pop icon herself, Paula Abdul, appeared on stage to join Jenna for the final moments of the routine. This unexpected cameo instantly raised the stakes, leveraging a true music superstar to counter Channing's elaborate Disney costume.

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The Iconic Final Showdown: Pony vs. Run The World

The final round is what cemented the episode's legendary status. Both performers chose songs that directly referenced their careers and relationship, turning the competition into a personal and deeply entertaining marital duel.

Jenna Dewan’s "Pony" (The *Magic Mike* Troll)

Jenna Dewan’s second performance was a brilliant, playful act of spousal trolling. She chose Ginuwine’s "Pony," the iconic song Channing Tatum famously stripped to in the movie *Magic Mike*. Jenna appeared wearing a flannel shirt and a baseball cap, perfectly mimicking Channing's look from the film, and delivered a jaw-dropping, seductive lap dance performance directly to her husband, who was seated on stage. This move was considered a genius piece of strategy, as it directly challenged Channing's most famous role with an equally captivating, gender-flipped version.

Channing Tatum’s "Run The World (Girls)" (The Beyoncé Bomb)

To counter Jenna's masterful *Magic Mike* homage, Channing Tatum knew he had to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. He took to the stage in full drag, dressed in a black leather outfit, and performed Beyoncé’s powerful anthem, "Run The World (Girls)." The choreography was intense, but the final, climactic moment is what stunned the audience, host LL Cool J, and especially Jenna Dewan: Beyoncé herself walked onto the stage. The Queen Bey joined Channing for the final section of the song, turning a great performance into a cultural event that immediately broke the internet. Jenna’s reaction—a mixture of shock, awe, and disbelief—became an instant meme.

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The Shocking Winner and Lasting Legacy

Despite Channing Tatum unleashing the ultimate celebrity weapon—Beyoncé—the final vote delivered a surprising outcome that speaks volumes about the quality of the entire episode.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum was declared the winner of the *Lip Sync Battle* trophy. While Channing's Beyoncé cameo was an undeniable highlight, Jenna's overall performance, particularly her spot-on recreation of his *Magic Mike* "Pony" dance and her seamless integration of Paula Abdul, earned her the victory. Her win was a testament to her own formidable talent as a dancer and performer, proving that even a surprise appearance from a global superstar couldn't overshadow a perfectly executed, deeply personal performance.

The episode’s legacy is complex and enduring. It is frequently cited as the best *Lip Sync Battle* episode ever, a perfect storm of star power, humor, and incredible dancing. It also stands as one of the last major public displays of the couple's playful, competitive, and loving dynamic before their separation in 2018 and the finalization of their divorce in late 2024. The "Tatum Takeover" will forever be remembered not just as a great TV moment, but as an iconic cultural snapshot of a celebrated Hollywood marriage.