Answer Summary: Zendaya’s Age on Dancing with the Stars
Zendaya was 16 years old when she competed on season 16 of Dancing with the Stars in the fall of 2013. She partnered with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and finished in third place. The season aired from September to November 2013, and her participation served as a high-profile bridge between her Disney Channel role on K.C. Undercover and her later breakthrough work in film and on television.
Season and Air Timeline
Season 16 Details
Dancing with the Stars season 16 premiered on September 16, 2013, and concluded with the finale on November 26, 2013. Zendaya was announced as a celebrity contestant in late August 2013, making her roughly 16 years old at the time of the first episode. The season featured 13 couples and followed the standard weekly elimination format.
Zendaya’s Age at Key Milestones During the Season
| Event | Date/Age | Verified Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Season 16 Premiere | September 16, 2013 (age 16) | Zendaya’s first performance aired |
| Zendaya’s Birthday | September 1, 1996 | Turned 17 late in the season (September 1) |
| Finale | November 26, 2013 (age 17) | Finished in third place with Val Chmerkovskiy |
Note: By the finale, Zendaya had recently turned 17, but she was 16 for the majority of the competition, which is why her age is commonly cited as 16.
Performance Highlights and Partnerships
- Professional Partner: Val Chmerkovskiy, a returning pro with multiple prior wins.
- Key Routines: Waltz, Samba, and a memorable Paso Doble that showcased her athleticism.
- Final Standing: Third place, behind winner Alfonso Ribeiro and runner-up Sadie Robertson.
Context and Career Impact
Participating in Dancing with the Stars at age 16 significantly raised Zendaya’s national profile. The experience complemented her simultaneous work in film and later informed her approach to performing on screen. It also demonstrated her comfort with live performance and competitive settings, traits that have supported her transition into major studio films and leading television roles.
Comparison With Other Celebrity Contestants
| Celebrity | Season | Age at Time of Competition | Final Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendaya | Season 16 (2013) | 16–17 | 3rd |
| Selena Gomez | Season 15 (2012) | 20 | 3rd |
| Meryl Davis | Season 18 (2014) | 27 | 1st |
Common Questions and Clarifications
- How old was Zendaya when she was announced? She was 16, announced in late August 2013 ahead of the September premiere.
- Did she turn 17 during the season? Yes, her birthday is September 1, which fell during the competition window.
- Is her age frequently misreported? Some sources generalize her age as “teenager,” but the specific figures are 16 at launch and 17 by the finale.
Key Takeaways
- Zendaya was 16 years old at the start of Dancing with the Stars season 16 in September 2013.
- She finished in third place with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
- Her participation helped elevate her profile ahead of major film and television opportunities.