Zendaya On DWTS: Why The Global Superstar Still Harbors 'Animosity' Over Her Season 16 Loss

Zendaya’s meteoric rise from a Disney Channel star to a global cinematic icon is one of Hollywood’s most compelling success stories, yet a surprising chapter from her past continues to resurface: her intense, high-stakes run on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS). As of late December 2025, the actress has once again opened up about her time on the competitive reality show, revealing a candid truth about the pressure she faced at just 16 years old and admitting she is "still harboring a little animosity" over the final result.

The revelation provides a fresh, human perspective on the experience of a now-A-list celebrity who, despite achieving near-perfection in the ballroom, had to grapple with the stress of a public competition while still a teenager. Her journey on DWTS Season 16 in 2013 was a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her incredible discipline and versatility long before she earned critical acclaim for *Euphoria* or blockbuster fame in the *Spider-Man* and *Dune* franchises.

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman: A Brief Biography of a Global Icon

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known professionally by her mononym, was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Her name, which means "to give thanks" in the Shona language, foreshadowed a career that would give her millions of fans reasons to be grateful for her talent and grace. Her early life was steeped in performance, with her mother, Claire Stoermer, working as the house manager at the California Shakespeare Theater, allowing Zendaya to spend her childhood immersed in the world of the stage.

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Her big break came on the Disney Channel, where she starred as Rocky Blue in the sitcom *Shake It Up* (2010–2013), quickly establishing herself as a triple threat—actor, singer, and dancer. Her participation in *Dancing with the Stars* in 2013 occurred during this period of transition, serving as one of her first major steps outside the Disney bubble and into mainstream adult entertainment.

Today, Zendaya is one of the most bankable stars in the industry, having anchored major franchises and earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for her groundbreaking performance as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series *Euphoria*. Her films, including the *Spider-Man* trilogy (alongside Tom Holland) and Denis Villeneuve's epic *Dune* series, have collectively grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, cementing her status as a global icon and fashion trendsetter.

The Intense Journey on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 16

In 2013, Zendaya joined the cast of *Dancing with the Stars* Season 16, immediately becoming the youngest contestant in the show's history at just 16 years old. She was partnered with fan-favorite professional dancer Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy, forming the dynamic duo affectionately known as "Team Valdaya."

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Their partnership was a revelation. Zendaya's natural dance background (rooted in hip-hop and jazz) combined with Val’s rigorous ballroom training created a powerful force on the dance floor. Week after week, they delivered performances that pushed the boundaries of the competition, seamlessly blending traditional ballroom techniques with modern, high-energy choreography. Their ability to master complex routines across various styles—from the elegant Foxtrot to the fiery Paso Doble—earned them consistent high scores from the judging panel, which included Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli.

The intensity of the competition, however, took a significant toll on the young star. Zendaya has since revealed that the experience was "very stressful" and that the pressure to perform at an elite level while maintaining her Disney obligations was immense. This candid look behind the scenes highlights the often-overlooked mental and physical demands placed on celebrity contestants, especially those who are still teenagers.

Perfect Scores and the Lingering Animosity Over the Final Loss

Team Valdaya’s technical skill and captivating stage presence made them early favorites to win the Mirrorball Trophy. They consistently topped the leaderboards, earning multiple perfect scores of 30 throughout the season. Their most memorable and high-scoring dances included a spectacular Contemporary routine and a show-stopping Freestyle dance to Justin Bieber’s "Beauty and a Beat," which earned them a perfect 30 on the first night of the finale, contributing to the highest point total of the night.

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Despite their dominance, the competition came down to a nail-biting finale against country music singer Kellie Pickler and her partner, Derek Hough. In a shocking upset that remains a talking point among DWTS fans, Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough were crowned the champions, leaving Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy as the runners-up.

The loss, which many viewers and critics felt was undeserved based purely on technical merit, has clearly left a lasting impression on Zendaya. In recent retrospective interviews, the actress, now a multi-award-winning producer and star, has surprisingly admitted that she is "still harboring a little animosity" over the Season 16 defeat. The comment, made more than a decade after the fact, underscores the deep emotional investment she poured into the competition and the sting of finishing second.

This "animosity," however, is less about bitterness and more about the perfectionist drive that has fueled her career. It reflects the intense focus and commitment she brings to every project, a trait that has since propelled her to the pinnacle of Hollywood. She has also mentioned that she stopped watching the show after her season, a common sentiment among contestants who find the experience too stressful or emotionally taxing.

The DWTS Legacy: A Stepping Stone to Stardom

While Zendaya did not take home the Mirrorball Trophy, her time on DWTS Season 16 proved invaluable. It served as a massive platform, exposing her to a broader, non-Disney audience and demonstrating her maturity, work ethic, and ability to handle intense public scrutiny. The show was a crucial stepping stone, allowing her to transition from teen idol to serious artist.

Her professional relationship with Val Chmerkovskiy also remains a highlight. Val has consistently praised Zendaya's dedication, calling her one of the most talented partners he has ever had. The "Team Valdaya" legacy lives on in DWTS history as one of the most technically proficient and consistently excellent partnerships to never win the title.

In the end, the "loss" on *Dancing with the Stars* did little to slow the momentum of Zendaya’s career. Instead, the discipline, resilience, and visibility gained from the competition helped prepare her for the demanding roles and global spotlight she commands today. The lingering "animosity" is simply a testament to the competitive spirit of a star who is determined to be nothing less than the best in every facet of her life.