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10 Shocking Secrets Zendaya Just Revealed About Her 'Stressful' Dancing With The Stars Loss

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Zendaya’s time on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 16 remains one of the most talked-about celebrity runs in the show’s history. It was a pivotal moment in 2013 that saw the Disney Channel star transition into a serious Hollywood contender, showcasing a jaw-dropping level of talent that seemed destined for the Mirror Ball Trophy.

However, over a decade later, the narrative around her runner-up finish has taken a surprising turn. As of late 2024, the Emmy-winning actress has been vocal in recent interviews, admitting she is still "salty" and harbors "animosity" over the loss, revealing the immense stress she faced as a 16-year-old. This fresh perspective re-examines her incredible journey with professional partner Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy and the surprising reasons why she has never watched the show since.

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman: A Brief Biography & DWTS Profile

Before becoming a global icon known for her roles in HBO’s *Euphoria*, the *Spider-Man* trilogy, and the *Dune* cinematic universe, Zendaya was already a multi-talented performer. Born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, her career began with modeling and backup dancing before landing the lead role in the Disney Channel series *Shake It Up*.

Her appearance on *Dancing with the Stars* in 2013 marked a significant step into mainstream celebrity. At just 16 years old, she made history as the youngest contestant ever to compete on the show, a record that stood for several seasons. Her natural charisma and extensive background in hip-hop and hula dancing made her an instant favorite with the judges and fans.

  • Full Name: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
  • Born: September 1, 1996 (Oakland, California)
  • Current Age (as of late 2024): 28
  • DWTS Season: Season 16 (Spring 2013)
  • Professional Partner: Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy
  • Final Placement: Runner-Up (2nd Place)
  • Winning Couple: Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough
  • Average Score: 27.3 (One of the highest averages in DWTS history)
  • Current Career Highlights: Emmy & Golden Globe Winner (*Euphoria*), Star of *Challengers*, *Dune: Part Two*, and the MCU’s *Spider-Man* films.

The Perfect Scores and Record-Breaking Performances of Season 16

Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy, affectionately known by fans as "Team Valdaya," were a powerhouse partnership from Week 1. Their debut Contemporary routine set a high bar, earning critical acclaim and proving that Zendaya was more than just a Disney star—she was a serious dancer. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their commitment to pushing boundaries resulted in some of the season's most memorable moments.

Throughout the competition, the duo consistently topped the leaderboard, earning the season's first perfect score and multiple 10s from judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. They mastered a challenging array of ballroom and Latin styles, often receiving praise for their technical precision and emotional delivery.

Zendaya & Val’s Most Iconic Dances and Perfect Scores (30/30):

  • Hip-Hop: A groundbreaking performance in a style rarely seen on the show, proving her versatility.
  • Freestyle: A stunning, high-energy routine set to "Beauty and a Beat" by Justin Bieber, which earned a perfect 30 in the finale.
  • Samba: A vibrant and technically demanding routine that showcased her natural rhythm and flair.
  • Instant Jive: A final, spontaneous routine set to "Rockin’ Robin" by Michael Jackson, which solidified their perfect score streak in the final week.
  • Trio Salsa: Performed with pro Gleb Savchenko, this routine was a masterclass in coordination and energy, also earning a perfect 30.

Despite their consistent excellence and earning the highest overall score in the final performance episode, the public vote ultimately crowned country singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough as the champions. This outcome is the source of Zendaya’s decade-long "animosity," a feeling many fans of the show share when a technically superior dancer loses the Mirror Ball Trophy.

Why Zendaya Still Holds 'Animosity' Over the 2013 Loss

The biggest update on Zendaya’s *DWTS* experience comes from her recent reflections on the pressure of the show. In a 2024 interview, the *Challengers* star opened up about the emotional toll the competition took on her as a teenager, explaining why she still feels a sting of resentment over the final result.

The Stress of Perfection: Zendaya described the experience as incredibly "stressful." The pressure to deliver perfect scores week after week, while balancing her Disney career and schoolwork, was immense. The show demands a level of emotional and physical investment that few contestants fully anticipate.

The Unexpected Loss: Losing the competition despite being the most technically proficient dancer and consistently having the highest scores was a difficult pill to swallow. She admitted she "took it very seriously" and genuinely wanted to win the Mirror Ball Trophy. The loss highlighted the fundamental tension of *DWTS*: it's a popularity contest as much as a dance competition.

The "Salty" Confession: Her candidness about still being "a little salty" about losing to Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough is what makes the story fresh. It’s a relatable human emotion—feeling cheated after putting in a monumental effort. This honesty provides a unique, current-day perspective on a performance that happened over ten years ago.

Never Looked Back: Perhaps the most telling detail is her confession that she has not watched *Dancing with the Stars* since her time on the show. She also admitted she hadn't watched it much before her participation either. This suggests a desire to distance herself from the stressful environment and the disappointing final outcome, focusing instead on her skyrocketing acting career, which has since earned her numerous accolades and critical acclaim.

The Lasting Legacy of Team Valdaya

While the Mirror Ball Trophy went to Kellie Pickler, the legacy of Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy is arguably more enduring. Their partnership is frequently cited by fans and critics as one of the best in the show's history, showcasing a level of artistry and athleticism rarely seen.

Their success demonstrated Zendaya's incredible work ethic and adaptability, skills that she has since applied to her blockbuster film and television roles. Her time on *DWTS* served as a high-stakes training ground, teaching her resilience and how to perform under immense pressure—qualities that have clearly contributed to her current status as a Hollywood A-lister.

The combination of her youthful energy, Val's expert choreography, and their consistent technical brilliance—especially in routines like the Argentine Tango and their spectacular Freestyle—cemented their place in *Dancing with the Stars* lore. Even with the lingering "animosity" over the final vote, Zendaya's Season 16 run remains a benchmark for celebrity competitors.

Fans who revisit her dances today are reminded of the raw talent and potential that was evident even then. It was a stressful experience for the young star, but it was also a crucial stepping stone that helped launch her into the stratosphere of global fame she enjoys today.

zendaya dancing with the stars
zendaya dancing with the stars

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