Season Overview and Air Dates
Zendaya competed on Dancing with the Stars during Season 16. The season aired in fall 2013 on ABC in the United States, with the live finale occurring in November 2013. Each celebrity was paired with a professional dancer; Zendaya was paired with Valentin Chmerkovskiy. The couple learned routines each week and competed in a live studio audience, with eliminations decided by a combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes.
Celebrity and Professional Partner
Zendaya’s Role and Experience
As a then-rising teen star known for Disney Channel and fashion, Zendaya stepped into the competition format of Dancing with the Stars with enthusiasm. She trained several days per week for roughly two months, balancing her entertainment career with rehearsals, live performances, and promotional obligations.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy as Pro Partner
Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a Ukrainian-American professional dancer with multiple seasons on the show, served as Zendaya’s lead. He later became known for his work as a judge and choreographer on the program.
Weekly Performance Timeline and Notable Routines
Season 16 followed a standard DWTS progression: group dances, individual routines, and themed weeks. Key moments for Zendaya and Val included their samba, jive, and paso doble. Exact air dates and order of routines varied by episode, but the season consistently aired live on Monday nights following a predictable week-by-week elimination pattern.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Season 16 | DWTS official archives |
| Year | 2013 | ABC press release and episode logs |
| Partner | Valentin Chmerkovskiy | Show cast listings |
| Finale placement | Third place | Reputable entertainment media and recap archives |
Results and Finale Performance
Zendaya and Valentin reached the finals, finishing in third place. In the finale, they performed a freestyle routine that was widely praised for energy and technique. The season was ultimately won by Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, with singer-songwriter Jack McBrayer taking second.
Audience Reach and Career Impact
Appearing on Dancing with the Stars introduced Zendaya to a broad primetime audience beyond her core younger fans. The exposure complemented her transition toward more mature roles and helped establish her as a versatile performer across film, television, and live stage dancing. Industry observers noted her comfort under pressure and quick mastery of technical dance steps.
Comparison with Other Celebrity Seasons
Many celebrities have joined DWTS across its long run. Zendaya’s season is commonly referenced when discussing high-profile participants who balance mainstream appeal with dance training demands. The table below briefly contextualizes her season against a few notable DWTS appearances for orientation.
| Celebrity | Season | Year | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendaya | 16 | 2013 | Third |
| Aly Raisman | 16 | 2013 | Winner |
| Jack McBrayer | 16 | 2013 | Runner-up |
| Bindi Irwin | 21 | 2015 | Winner |
| Meryl Davis | 18 | 2014 | Winner |
Key Takeaways
- Zendaya was on Dancing with the Stars in 2013, Season 16.
- Her professional partner was Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
- The season featured weekly eliminations, group numbers, and themed routines.
- She finished third in the competition, with Aly Raisman winning and Jack McBrayer placing second.
- Her participation introduced her to new audiences and reinforced her public profile as a disciplined performer.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Zendaya win Dancing with the Stars?
No. She placed third in Season 16. The winners were Aly Raisman (first) and Jack McBrayer (second).
Who was Zendaya’s dance partner on DWTS?
Her partner was Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer with many seasons of DWTS experience.
When exactly did the season air?
Season 16 aired in fall 2013, with live episodes typically on Monday nights and the finale in November 2013.
How old was Zendaya at the time?
Born in 1997, she was about 16 years old at the start of Season 16 in 2013.
Is Zendaya considering a return to DWTS?
There have been no official announcements about her participating again; the information above reflects her confirmed season in 2013. For archival context, news stories, and behind-the-scenes details, refer to DWTS press materials and trusted entertainment outlets from 2013 onward.