The Real Reason Why Zendaya Still Can’t Shake Off Her ‘DWTS’ Experience

Zendaya was only 16-years old when she joined Dancing with the Stars in 2013. It was a time before Euphoria when she was just making a name for herself in the industry. Zendaya’s biggest claim to fame at the time was her supporting role in Shake It Up. But her DWTS offer her first – and potential final – foray into reality television. Given that Zendaya 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 infamous DWTS stint, Zendaya was paired with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and 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 and even made it to the finale. However, despite receiving perfect 10s in her final performance, Zendaya lost to Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough. Many fans found it disappointing Zendaya finished as runner-up. And, as it turns out, she feels the same way. While DWTS may 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 recent interview with W Magazine, Zendaya didn’t sugar-coat how tough her DWTS experience 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,” the Challengers star 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 more and 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 of DWTS before her season, and it certainly doesn’t sound like she’s one now. “I don't watch Dancing With the Stars, actually,” she told W.

Zendaya echoed a similar sentiment during an appearance on The Awardist podcast in October. “I have not watched Dancing With the Stars since I was on,” she said. “I didn't really watch Dancing With the Stars before I was on Dancing 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 time DWTS has come under fire from former contestants. The show is past its 30th season, and various people have come forward over the years to voice frustration and share negative experiences. Much of the criticism revolves around the show’s intense demands and backstage decisions, which can influence the judging panel.

Danica McKellar once claimed 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 the grueling schedule which they’ve shown they’re not afraid to put on teenage contestants. There’s also a problem with creative 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 paint DWTS as way more stressful and competitive than what is broadcast to viewers at home.

It's been over a decade since her Dancing with the Stars appearance. And considering how many other projects she’s been involved in since, it says something that DWTS still 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.