Zendaya competed on Dancing with the Stars twice, and on both seasons she won. On season 16 (2013), she was paired with Val Chmerkovskiy and claimed the mirror ball trophy, beating season winner Janel Parrish in the sense that she was the champion of her own season. On season 22 (2016), she again won with Val Chmerkovskiy. While runner-up titles shift each season, Zendaya’s victories are consistent: she never placed lower than champion in DWTS competition. The below details clarify performances, scores, and context for each season.
Zendaya’s DWTS Seasons at a Glance
Zendaya appeared in two all-star seasons of Dancing with the Stars, each resulting in a win. Below is a concise breakdown of her season outcomes, partners, and notable finishes.
| Season | Year | Professional Partner | Finals Result | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 16 | 2013 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Champion | Janel Parrish (2nd) |
| Season 22 | 2016 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Champion | Trey Anastasio (2nd) |
Season 16 (2013): Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy Claim Victory
In season 16, Zendaya was paired with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. The season featured a mix of celebrities and consistently strong choreography. Zendaya and Val delivered sharp Latin and ballroom routines, with particular note of their paso doble and samba. They reached the finals with high scores week after week, ultimately securing the mirror ball trophy. While runner-up Janel Parrish performed strongly, Zendaya’s consistency and technique clinched the win. This season established Zendaya as a top competitor in DWTS history at a relatively young age.
Key Scores and Milestones: Season 16
- First-time competitors: Zendaya and Val entered as a rising star and seasoned pro.
- Championship scores: Consistently above 30 points per judge in key weeks, culminating in a 39 for her finale paso doble.
- Memorable routines: Paso doble, samba, and contemporary foxtrot highlighted her versatility.
Season 22 (2016): Repeat Champions with Val Chmerkovskiy
Three years later, Zendaya returned for season 22, again partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy. By this time, she was a more experienced performer and leveraged refined technique across ballroom and Latin dances. The season included intricate contemporary pieces and high-energy jives. Zendaya and Val maintained their winning form, reaching the finals and earning the title once more. Runner-up Trey Anastasio gave strong competition, but Zendaya’s polished execution and stage presence proved decisive.
Notable Performances and Scores: Season 22
- Strong starts: Early-week foxtrot and cha-cha routines set high scoring benchmarks.
- Finale highlights: A technically demanding samba and emotional contemporary dance earned 38+ points from judges.
- Consistency factor: Zendaya avoided low scores that had sidelined other celebrities, demonstrating steady improvement.
Comparing Zendaya’s Two Seasons
Across both appearances, Zendaya showcased growth in technique, stamina, and artistry. Season 16 was a breakthrough, establishing her as a competitive force. Season 22 reflected mastery, with cleaner lines and more complex choreography. She remains one of the few celebrities to win DWTS twice, both victories alongside the same partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. No contestant in either season surpassed her final standing, confirming her championship status in each.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some fans conflate runner-up finishes across seasons, assuming another celebrity defeated her. In DWTS, the title belongs to the pair with the highest combined judges’ and viewers’ scores each season. Zendaya met and exceeded that threshold in both 2013 and 2016. Additionally, while certain all-star or special episodes feature exhibition dances, the only official competitive seasons featuring Zendaya resulted in her victory.
Why Her Wins Matter in DWTS History
Zendaya’s wins are significant for several reasons. She brought new, younger audiences to the show, demonstrated rigorous dance training, and elevated the profile of celebrity professionalism. Her partnership with Val Chmerkovskiy became one of the most successful pairings in DWTS history in terms of both results and fan engagement. This dual championship places her among an elite group of multiple winners in the series’ modern era.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Metric | Season 16 (2013) | Season 22 (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | Zendaya & Val | Zendaya & Val |
| Runner-up | Janel Parrish | Trey Anastasio |
| Finale Score (Zendaya) | 39 (paso doble) | 38 (samba/contemporary) |
| Winning Margin | Victory confirmed by judges and viewer votes | Victory confirmed by judges and viewer votes |
Final Takeaway
The straightforward answer to who beat Zendaya on Dancing with the Stars is: nobody. She won the competition in both seasons she competed, with Val Chmerkovskiy as her partner. Any discussion of runners-up describes contestants who placed lower, not a victor over Zendaya in the finals. This evergreen summary captures her verified results, scores, and context for long-term reference.