Zendayawasonly 16-years old when she joinedDancing with the Starsin 2013. It was a time beforeEuphoriawhen she was just making a name for herself in the industry. Zendaya’s biggest claim to fame at the time was her supporting role inShake It Up.But herDWTSoffer her first – and potential final – foray into reality television. Given thatZendaya doesn’t look back on it fondly, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see her in another competition. That, and the fact she’s a huge star who commands millions per role nowadays.
During her infamousDWTSstint, Zendaya was paired with professional dancerVal Chmerkovskiyand quickly became a frontrunner. She had gained notoriety on a Disney show all about dancing, after all. The actress earned high scores throughout the competition andeven made it to the finale. However, despite receiving perfect 10s in her final performance, Zendaya lost toKellie PicklerandDerek Hough.Many fans found itdisappointing Zendaya finished as runner-up. And, as it turns out, she feels the same way. WhileDWTSmay have boosted her visibility early in her career, it wasn’t exactly the positive experience fans may have assumed.
Zendaya Admits She Took the Loss Hard
In a recentinterview withW Magazine,Zendaya didn’t sugar-coat how tough herDWTSexperience was. Keep in mind, she was only a kid when they began training and filming. And she had to handle all her other career commitments at the time. She admittedly holds onto some resentment about losing after making so much sacrifice.
“Listen, I’m still harboring a little animosity about that. I felt that loss,” theChallengersstar continued. “I was only 16 years old, and it was highly stressful. Being on live television every week? It’s so scary. I took it very seriously, which, in retrospect, I wish I didn’t.”
Zendaya added, “I wish I’d enjoyed it a little bit moreand just was like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ You know what I mean? But I was stressing myself out. I really went through it on that.
The actress noted she wasn’t a fan ofDWTSbefore her season, and it certainly doesn’t sound like she’s one now. “I don’t watchDancing With the Stars, actually,” she toldW.
Zendayaechoed a similar sentiment during anappearance onThe Awardistpodcastin October. “I have not watched Dancing With the Stars since I was on,” she said. “I didn’t really watchDancing With the Starsbefore I was onDancing With the Stars. I don’t think I was the target demographic. My grandma loves Dancing with the Stars, that’s her bag.”
“I also think it was a very stressful experience,” she continued. “I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m gonna be watching this anymore.’”
Zendaya’s Criticisms Are a Sign of Big Issues with DWTS
Zendaya’s comments are far from the first timeDWTShas come under fire from former contestants. The show is past its 30th season, and variouspeople have come forward over the years to voice frustrationand share negative experiences. Much of the criticism revolves around theshow’s intense demands and backstage decisions, which can influence the judging panel.
Danica McKellaronceclaimed the show was “rigged”to keep certain contestants on for longer. “It’s a reality show, not a dance competition,” she said. This makes sense, considering reality TV production is notorious for going to great lengths to keep fan favorites for the sake of ratings.
It’s Tough With or Without Dance Experience
Similarly, Antonio Sabáto Jr. argued that those without previous dance experience don’t have a real chance. Translation? If they stay longer, it’s because it’s good for ratings – and production likely said something.
“If you’re not a dancer, or you don’t have dancing skills from a young age, you’re not gonna win,” he said.
There’s a lot more to take issue with. Just think of thegrueling schedule which they’ve shown they’re not afraid to put on teenage contestants. There’s also a problem withcreative control and heavy producer influence, neither of which is new. Sometimes, it’s surprising the competition series has lasted so long. Taken together,Zendaya’s comments and the complaints from other contestants paintDWTSas way more stressful and competitive than what is broadcast to viewers at home.
It’s been over a decade since herDancing with the Starsappearance. And considering how many other projects she’s been involved in since, it says something thatDWTSstill weighs so much on her. While it may seem like a lighthearted opportunity for contestants – a way to boost their profile and connect with fans –it’s clearly more than fun and games.And the show’s production may be wise to keep that in mind if they want to continue having high-profile celebrities willing to compete.
