Zendaya stopped watching ‘DWTS’ after ‘very stressful experience’ on Season 16

Zendaya isn’t two-stepping away from sharing why she doesn’t watch “Dancing With the Stars.”

“I have not watched ‘Dancing With the Stars’ since I was on,” the actress, 28, admitted on “The Awardist” podcast on Thursday. “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.”

The “Euphoria” star was the runner-up on Season 16 in 2013 alongside partner Val Chmerkovskiy.

Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy on “DWTS.” Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Val Chmerkovskiy and Zendaya were runner-ups on “DWTS.” Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

But along with her lack of interest in the competition series, the “Challengers” star also confessed she isn’t looking to relive that time in her life. 

Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy on “DWTS.” ©ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection

“I also think it was a very stressful experience,” Zendaya added. “I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m gonna be watching this anymore.’”

Despite the high-intensity run, a then-16-year-old Zendaya made it all the way to the finale, competing against country music singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough, who came in first. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff placed third.

Season 16 of “DWTS” rehearsal. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Zendaya is seen in the Upper West Side on September 21, 2024 in New York City. GC Images

A decade later, the Disney alum has taken home a slew of other awards, including two Emmys for her role as Rue on the HBO drama “Euphoria” and now garnered Oscar buzz for her role as tennis coach Tashi Duncan in the sports drama “Challengers.” 

In fact, this is a moment that her former dancing partner knew would come to fruition.

When Zendaya took home her first Emmy in 2020, Chmerkovskiy praised the “Shake It Up” vet on social media, and made a prediction that she would one day win an Oscar. 

“Dancing with the Stars” season 16 in 2013. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Zendaya Coleman attends the Louis Vuitton Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 01, 2024 in Paris, France. WireImage

“Nearly 8 years ago I got the pleasure to teach a brilliant young woman how to ballroom dance on @dancingabc,” he wrote at the time. “After giving it every ounce of our effort we came in second. Devastated by the loss I remember telling her that one day you’ll be winning an Oscar and part of the reason why will be this feeling of defeat you feel right now.”

Chmerkovskiy added that though the Emmy isn’t an Oscar yet, he knew she was always special.

“Our season on DWTS, and now your continued success since has brought me ridiculous amount of joy,” he gushed. “I’m so proud of you Z!”

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