5 Shocking Secrets From Zendaya's Time On Dancing With The Stars Season 16 (And Why She Still Holds A Grudge)

Zendaya’s meteoric rise to becoming a global icon, an Emmy-winning actress, and a fashion powerhouse is a story for the ages, but a crucial, often-overlooked chapter of her journey took place on the ballroom floor of *Dancing with the Stars*. In the spring of 2013, the then-Disney Channel star captivated millions as the youngest contestant ever on the show, proving that her talent extended far beyond acting and singing. Her participation in Season 16 was not just a side project; it was a pivotal moment that introduced her incredible work ethic and star power to a massive, mainstream audience, setting the stage for her future success in Hollywood.

As of the current date, December 18, 2025, Zendaya's time on DWTS remains a hot topic of discussion among fans and critics alike, especially given her recent, candid reflections on the experience. Paired with professional dancer Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy, she delivered one of the most consistently brilliant performances in the show's history, yet narrowly missed taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. The details surrounding her near-win, her legendary partnership, and the surprising post-show emotional fallout continue to fascinate, revealing a competitive spirit that drives her success today.

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman: A Brief Profile and Career Milestones

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known mononymously as Zendaya, has established herself as one of the most influential and decorated performers of her generation. Her career trajectory from a Disney star to a critically acclaimed dramatic actress is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Below is a snapshot of her profile and key career achievements that followed her time on the dance floor.

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• Full Name: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
• Born: September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, U.S.
• DWTS Season: Season 16 (2013)
• DWTS Partner: Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy
• DWTS Placement: Runner-Up (2nd Place)
• Breakthrough Role (Pre-DWTS): Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up (2010–2013).
• Historic Accolades: Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria (2020, 2022), making her the youngest two-time winner in the category's history.
• Major Film Franchises: MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Spider-Man trilogy (starting with Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017) and Chani in the Dune film series.

The Youngest Star: Zendaya's Record-Breaking DWTS Run

When Zendaya joined the cast of *Dancing with the Stars* Season 16 in 2013, she immediately made history. At just 16 years old, she was the youngest contestant to ever compete on the show, a record that highlighted both her early fame and her willingness to take on a challenge outside her comfort zone.

A Partnership of Perfection: Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy

Zendaya was paired with the charismatic and highly technical professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, forming the duo affectionately known as "Team Valdaya." Val, known for his demanding yet inspiring teaching style, quickly recognized Zendaya’s raw, innate talent. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their performances were consistently at the top of the leaderboard.

Throughout the competition, the pair demonstrated an extraordinary range, tackling complex routines from the high-energy Samba to the emotionally resonant Contemporary dance. One of their most talked-about early performances was their Contemporary routine to OneRepublic's "Feel Again" in Week 1, which earned them a score of 24 (8, 8, 8) and instantly established them as frontrunners.

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The Legendary Freestyle and Perfect Scores

The true measure of their brilliance came during the final week. Zendaya and Val earned the highest point totals during both finale nights. Their iconic Freestyle dance, set to Justin Bieber's "Beauty and a Beat," was a dynamic, high-octane routine that showcased Zendaya’s versatility and stage presence, earning them a perfect score of 30. This was a clear demonstration of her ability to blend professional-level technique with pure entertainment. The judges were frequently stunned by her raw talent and ability to emote while dancing, leading many to consider her one of the best contestants of all time.

The Shocking Runner-Up Finish

Despite their consistent high scores and perfect Freestyle, Zendaya and Val were named the runners-up, losing the Mirrorball Trophy to country music singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough. The result was controversial among fans, many of whom felt Zendaya was "robbed" of the title due to the voting mechanism, which combines judges' scores with public votes. This outcome is a classic example of the "popularity contest" element of *Dancing with the Stars*, where a strong fan base (often from the country music demographic, in this case) can sometimes outweigh technical proficiency.

The Post-DWTS Glow-Up: How the Ballroom Paved the Way for 'Euphoria' and 'Dune'

While the loss may have stung at the time, Zendaya’s participation in *Dancing with the Stars* proved to be an invaluable launchpad for her subsequent, stunning career. The show introduced her to a much broader, non-Disney audience, demonstrating her maturity, discipline, and poise under pressure.

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From Disney to Drama: The Career Shift

Immediately following DWTS, Zendaya continued her work with Disney Channel, starring in and co-producing the spy-comedy series KC Undercover (2015–2018). However, the visibility gained from the dance competition allowed her to make a crucial transition into major film and dramatic roles. Her career trajectory post-2013 accelerated rapidly, encompassing several key projects that cemented her A-list status:

• Musical Blockbuster: She starred as trapeze artist Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman (2017), showcasing her singing and aerial skills.
• Superhero Franchise: She secured the role of Michelle "MJ" Jones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man trilogy, opposite Tom Holland, which brought her global recognition.
• The Emmy Winner: Her career reached its artistic peak with the HBO series Euphoria (2019–present), where she plays the complex and troubled Rue Bennett. Her raw, emotional performance in Euphoria earned her two historic Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Sci-Fi Epic: She joined the ensemble cast of Denis Villeneuve's critically acclaimed science fiction film series, playing the Fremen warrior Chani in Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024).
• Recent Success: Her starring role in the tennis drama Challengers (2024) further demonstrated her range and box-office appeal.

The Animosity Confession: A Fresh Perspective

Perhaps the most fascinating and recent update regarding her DWTS experience is Zendaya’s own candid reflection. Years after the competition, she admitted to "still harboring a little animosity" about not winning the Mirrorball Trophy. This seemingly lighthearted confession reveals the intense competitive drive that fuels her success. It’s a subtle but powerful insight: even a minor setback from over a decade ago still motivates the global superstar. Val Chmerkovskiy, for his part, has consistently expressed pride in having been her partner, frequently highlighting her talent and their friendship in the years since.

In essence, *Dancing with the Stars* served as a high-stakes, public audition. It proved that Zendaya possessed not only the talent but also the discipline and stage presence required for superstardom. While she may not have won the trophy, the exposure and experience were arguably worth far more than the Mirrorball itself, solidifying her path from a talented Disney kid to a generational icon.