Introduction to Zendaya on Dancing with the Stars
Zendaya competed on Dancing with the Stars during season 27, paired with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Her season aired in 2018 and featured a mix of contemporary, Latin, and ballroom dances. She advanced to the finals and finished as a runner-up, behind winner Rashad Jennings. This overview outlines key elements of her DWTS season, performance structure, notable routines, judges, scores, and her lasting impact on the series.
Season and Format Context
Season 27 of Dancing with the Stars followed the show’s established format: celebrity contestants are paired with pro dancers, learn dances week by week, and are scored by a panel of judges. Each episode introduces new themes, dances, and often instant or surprise dances. Zendaya’s season included notable celebrities such as Adam Rippon, Tonya Harding, and her eventual finalist status. Understanding this season’s structure helps clarify Zendaya’s achievements within the broader history of DWTS.
Contestant Pairing and Professional Partner
Zendaya was partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, a highly experienced professional dancer and choreographer known for prior wins and runner-up finishes. Their partnership brought together Zendaya’s star power and Val’s technical expertise, producing well-choreographed routines that emphasized her strengths as a performer. Their collaboration highlighted the importance of dancer–celebrity chemistry in the competition.
Judges and Scoring System
The judges panel for season 27 included Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, with guest judges appearing throughout the season. Scores were typically presented as a combination of judges’ marks and public votes. This scoring system influences elimination decisions, making both artistic execution and audience connection critical. Zendaya consistently scored high marks, reflecting strong performances across multiple themes.
Zendaya’s Performance Journey Week by Week
Over the course of the season, Zendaya delivered a series of performances that showcased her versatility, athleticism, and emotional expression. From the first night, she impressed with confident dancing in foundational dances like the cha-cha and foxtrot. As the competition progressed, she tackled more complex routines such as the quickstep, paso doble, and samba, culminating in emotional contemporary and freestyle finals performances.
- Week 1: Introduction dance (cha-cha or foxtrot), establishing baseline comfort with the floor and rhythm.
- Week 2–4: Technique-focused routines (waltz, jive, tango), emphasizing footwork, timing, and partnership.
- Week 5–7: Themed and surprise dances, including salsa and contemporary, testing adaptability.
- Week 8–9: Semi-finals and finals, featuring high-stakes paso doble, freestyle, and show dances.
Signature Routines and Highlights
Zendaya’s season featured several standout routines that resonated with audiences and judges. Her samba demonstrated sharp timing and vibrant movement, while her contemporary pieces highlighted storytelling through dance. The Paso Doble showcased dramatic posture and powerful movement, contributing to her reputation as a versatile and compelling competitor.
Comparing Zendaya to Other Finalists That Season
Placing Zendaya’s performance in context of her season makes her achievement clearer. She advanced alongside multiple strong performers, but her consistency, technical growth, and emotional range set her apart in key moments. Reviewing a concise comparison of finalists helps illustrate why she reached the finals and finished as runner-up.
| Celebrity | Final Placement | Notable Dance Strength | Key Partnership Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendaya | Runner-up | Contemporary, Samba | Paired with Val Chmerkovskiy |
| Rashad Jennings | Winner | Argentine Tango, Show Dance | Paired with Emma Slater |
| Tonya Harding | Finalist (3rd) | Technical Precision, Quickstep | Paired with Sasha Farber |
| Adam Rippon | Early Exit | Artistry, Yankee Swap Performance | Paired with Jenna Johnson |
Legacy and Impact on Her Career
Participating in DWTS provided Zendaya with a high-profile platform to showcase discipline, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Her season reinforced her public image as a dedicated and versatile entertainer. Although she returned primarily to acting and music, the visibility and experience influenced how audiences perceive her as a multidimensional performer. The skills and stamina she developed have informed her approach to physically demanding roles and live performances since.
Public Reception and Media Coverage
Media coverage of Zendaya’s DWTS season emphasized her growth from a relative newcomer to the show into a top-tier competitor. Fans praised her work ethic, partnership with Val, and willingness to tackle challenging styles. Judges’ comments often highlighted her improvement week over week, which sustained viewer engagement and contributed to strong episode ratings throughout her season.
Evergreen Takeaways and Key Terms
Zendaya’s DWTS season remains a reference point for discussions about celebrity dancers who combine star power with rapid skill development. Key topics linked to her season include partnership dynamics, scoring systems, themed weeks, and the show’s format evolution. These evergreen elements help new audiences understand her achievements and the context of her time on the show.
- Dancing with the Stars format and seasonal structure.
- Professional partnerships and their impact on performance quality.
- Judges’ scoring and audience voting influence on outcomes.
- Performance versatility across dance styles.
- Long-term career effects of DWTS participation.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which season of Dancing with the Stars did Zendaya compete in?
Zendaya competed in season 27 of Dancing with the Stars, which aired in 2018.
Who was Zendaya’s dance partner on DWTS?
Her partner was Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer with multiple DWTS wins and finalist placements.
How far did Zendaya advance in the competition?
She reached the finals and finished as the runner-up to winner Rashad Jennings.
What were Zendaya’s strongest dance styles on the show?
Her strongest performances were in contemporary and samba, though she also excelled at quickstep, tango, and freestyle.
Did Zendaya win Dancing with the Stars at any point?
No, she finished as runner-up in her season. She has not returned as a competing celebrity since season 27.
How did DWTS affect Zendaya’s career? It raised her public profile, demonstrated her discipline and versatility, and provided experience performing under pressure, which complemented her acting and music career. Are Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy still in contact?
They remain professional acquaintances and have spoken positively about their experience working together on DWTS.
How are DWTS scores determined?
Scores combine judges’ evaluations and public vote percentages, with lower cumulative scores leading to elimination each week.
What made Zendaya’s season notable compared to prior seasons?
The season featured a strong field of celebrities, diverse dance styles, and high production value, maintaining strong viewer engagement throughout.
Can past DWTS contestants return to the show after many years?
Occasionally the show invites returning celebrities for special seasons or anniversaries, though each invitation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.