10 Years Later: Why Zendaya Still Holds 'Animosity' Over Her Shocking Dancing With The Stars Loss

Zendaya’s meteoric rise from Disney Channel darling to Emmy-winning, global fashion icon is one of Hollywood’s most compelling success stories. Yet, long before she captivated audiences in *Euphoria* or the *Spider-Man* trilogy, a pivotal moment in her career occurred on a ballroom floor: her unforgettable run on *Dancing With The Stars*. The year was 2013, and at just 16 years old, she became the youngest contestant in the show's history, dazzling judges and fans alike. As of today, December 11, 2025, the decade-old experience remains a fresh topic, specifically because the superstar has recently admitted to still harboring a surprising amount of "animosity" over her second-place finish, revealing the intense pressure she faced as a teenager.

Her journey on the reality competition was not just a side project; it was a grueling, high-stakes exposure to the public eye that would ultimately shape her work ethic and public persona. This deep dive explores the full scope of her time on *DWTS*, from her impressive performances with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy to the surprising loss that, even now, she can't quite shake off. It is a testament to her competitive spirit and the lasting impact of the Mirror Ball Trophy slipping through her fingers.

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman: A Brief Biography

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known professionally by her first name, was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. The name "Zendaya" means "to give thanks" in Shona, a Bantu language native to Zimbabwe. Her mother worked as the house manager for the California Shakespeare Theater, exposing a young Zendaya to the world of performance from an early age.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Her career trajectory is one of the most successful transitions from a child star to a critically acclaimed adult actress.

• Full Name: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
• Date of Birth: September 1, 1996
• Birthplace: Oakland, California, U.S.
• Early Career: Started as a child model and backing dancer. Gained initial fame on the Disney Channel series *Shake It Up* (2010–2013) as Rocky Blue.
• Major Film Roles: Michelle "MJ" Jones in the *Spider-Man* trilogy (*Homecoming*, *Far From Home*, *No Way Home*), Anne Wheeler in *The Greatest Showman*, and Chani in the *Dune* films.
• Television Acclaim: Won multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her lead role as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series *Euphoria*, a performance that cemented her status as a serious dramatic actor.
• Other Ventures: Singer, fashion icon, and producer.

The Unforgettable Run on Dancing With The Stars Season 16 (2013)

In the spring of 2013, 16-year-old Zendaya took a break from her Disney Channel commitments to join the cast of *Dancing With The Stars* Season 16. At the time, she was the youngest celebrity ever to compete on the show, a fact that added a layer of pressure to her already demanding schedule.

Her professional partner was Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy, a two-time Mirror Ball Trophy winner who was known for his intense training style. The pairing proved to be a powerhouse, with the young star’s natural rhythm and dedication quickly making them frontrunners for the championship. The partnership between the Disney Channel star and the seasoned pro was a favorite among viewers and critics.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Performance Highlights and Near-Perfect Scores

Zendaya's technical skill and emotional depth were evident from the very first week. She consistently received high scores, often achieving the maximum 30 points from the judges. Her performances demonstrated remarkable versatility, proving she could master a wide range of dance styles. Key dances from her journey included:

• Contemporary (Week 1): Her first dance, performed to "Feel Again" by One Republic, immediately set the tone for her season, earning a high score of 24.
• Argentine Tango (Week 5): A powerful performance that showcased her dramatic range and technical precision.
• Samba (Week 10 Finale): A stunning, perfect-scoring routine to "Yerbatero" by Juanes, proving her consistency right up to the end.
• Instant Jive (Week 10 Finale): Another high-energy, perfect-scoring routine during the finale.

The duo’s consistent excellence created a widespread expectation that they would walk away with the Mirror Ball Trophy. They were, by many accounts, the most technically proficient and consistently high-scoring couple of the season.

The Bitterness That Lingers: Why Zendaya Still Resents The Loss

Despite their stellar performances, Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy ultimately finished in second place. The Season 16 Mirror Ball Trophy went to country singer Kellie Pickler and her partner, Derek Hough.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

It has been over a decade since the finale, but the loss is not just a distant memory for the multi-hyphenate star; it is a source of lingering frustration. Recent interviews have brought this decade-old "animosity" back into the spotlight, offering a fresh, current perspective on the experience.

The Pressure of Perfection and Teenage Stress

Zendaya has been candid about the intense stress and pressure she faced as a 16-year-old on the show. Competing at such a high level, while juggling her burgeoning career, took a significant toll. She revealed that the feeling of losing, particularly after performing so well, created a deep-seated resentment.

“I still feel animosity over losing,” she admitted, reflecting on the finale. This feeling stems from the immense effort and the high expectations placed upon her, both internally and externally. The loss felt like an unfair outcome after months of grueling, near-perfect routines.

Her experience highlights a crucial aspect of high-stakes reality television: the emotional investment is real, and the sting of defeat can last for years, regardless of subsequent career success. For Zendaya, the *DWTS* loss became an early lesson in the subjective nature of competition and public voting.

A Post-DWTS 'Blackout' and Focus on Acting

The intensity of her experience was so profound that Zendaya has admitted to consciously distancing herself from the show ever since. She has stated that she hasn't watched *Dancing With The Stars* since her own season concluded, primarily due to a lack of interest in revisiting the competitive atmosphere.

This "blackout" period allowed her to fully pivot her focus to acting, a move that quickly paid off with roles in major blockbusters and critically acclaimed television. The discipline and rigorous schedule she learned from Val Chmerkovskiy and the ballroom experience, however, were not lost. Her ability to handle long hours, intense scrutiny, and demanding physical roles in projects like *Dune* and *Euphoria* can be traced back, in part, to the foundational training she received during Season 16.

Ultimately, while the Mirror Ball Trophy eluded her, the exposure and the demonstration of her incredible work ethic on *DWTS* served as a critical launchpad. It showcased her star power beyond the Disney Channel, proving she was a formidable talent ready for the main stage. The lingering 'bitterness' is simply the mark of a true competitor who gives her all, a trait that continues to define her career today.