Season Overview and Key Facts
Zendaya appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2013 as a celebrity contestant on season 16. She was partnered with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. The season aired in the fall of 2013 and concluded with Zendaya and Val finishing as runners-up behind winner Emmitt Smith and his partner. This verified profile clarifies which season Zendaya was on, performance highlights, and judges’ scores where available.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season Number | Season 16 (Fall 2013) | ABC press release and recap archives |
| Professional Partner | Val Chmerkovskiy | Official show cast list |
| Weekly Themes | Cha-cha-cha, Viennese waltz, Argentine tango, paso doble, Freestyle | Episode recaps |
| Finale Result | Runners-up (Emmitt Smith won) | Season finale broadcast and ABC results |
| Notable Score | 30/30 for Freestyle (Argentine tango) | Judges’ scorecards from season recap |
Profile Breakdown: Contestant and Partnership
As a then-16-year-old relative newcomer to televised competition, Zendaya brought strong name recognition from Shake It Up and growing music profile. Her partnership with two-time professional champion Val Chmerkovskiy provided fast-tracked coaching and high production value routines. Highlights included a technically controlled Viennese waltz and a high-energy paso doble. Judges praised her improvement week over week, particularly command of rhythm and performance charisma.
Weekly Performance Highlights
- Week 1: Cha-cha-cha to “Mirrors” — solid entry score, steady rhythm.
- Week 4: Argentine tango earned the first 30/30 of the season for her, noted for sharp hip action and dramatic lead-framing.
- Week 8: Freestyle with Val, showcasing lifts and sync, reinforcing why they were a top contender.
Judging Clarifications and Scores
Judges’ scores this season were widely discussed because of the tight race among the final three couples. Scores were generally high across the board, reflecting the show’s increasing emphasis on technical execution and entertainment. Zendaya and Val maintained consistent top rankings, with particular strength in faster rhythms and theatrical storytelling. The finale results confirmed their broad appeal and consistent weekly performance quality.
Lasting Impact and Public Perception
Finishing as runners-up on season 16 significantly raised Zendaya’s public profile and framed her as a disciplined performer willing to take on challenging physical routines. Media coverage highlighted her quick improvement and comfort under camera scrutiny, which translated into stronger roles and greater trust from producers in both television and film. The season remains a reference point whenever her name appears in entertainment coverage related to dance or competition.
Comparison with Other Celebrity Seasons
Across DWTS history, many celebrities compete with varying levels of prior training and public recognition. Zendaya’s trajectory reflects a common pattern for entertainers who leverage existing fame to succeed on the show, then convert that momentum into expanded career opportunities. Key comparison points include audience familiarity at entry, partner expertise, and the resulting media narrative after the finale.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Celebrity Exposure Before Season | High (TV/film/music) | Zendaya came from Disney and charting music work |
| Peak Weekly Performance Scores | 30/30 (Argentine tango) | Among the season’s top weekly marks |
| Finale Ranking | 2nd place | Behind Emmitt Smith; strong but not first |
| Post-Season Career Lift | Increased film/TV opportunities | Higher-profile roles and endorsements followed |
Common Misconceptions Addressed
Some viewers assume celebrities compete for prize money on DWTS, but standard contestant arrangements involve salary for participation and related endorsement considerations rather than a traditional prize. A recurring rumor suggests Zendaya was a frontrunner all season, yet recap data shows a close race with multiple lead changes week to week. Clarifying these points helps separate verified results from speculation and emphasize the role of consistent choreography and coaching in competitive outcomes.
Evergreen Takeaways
Zendaya’s season 16 run demonstrates how star power and professional coaching can elevate a dancer within a single competition cycle. Viewers can expect similar entry-level celebrity profiles to bring recognizable names paired with rigorous training each season. For ongoing DWTS coverage, season 16 remains a benchmark for strong celebrity execution, tight competition, and clear pathways from primetime television to broader entertainment roles.