Why Zendaya Can’t Let Go of Her DWTS Loss to Kellie Pickler: The Untold Story

When Zendaya entered the glittering world of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) back in 2013, she had no idea that the experience would remain a bittersweet chapter in her life over a decade later. Known for her impressive dance moves, remarkable talent, and unflappable composure, the then 16-year-old Zendaya competed in season 16 of the ABC competition series alongside professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Despite consistently earning high scores for her performances, the talented duo came up short, losing the coveted Mirrorball Trophy to country singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough.

Over 10 years later, the loss is still something that resonates deeply with Zendaya. In a candid interview with W Magazine published on January 3, 2025, Zendaya admitted that she still holds a little animosity over the outcome of that season. “Listen, I’m still harboring a little animosity about that,” she confided, reflecting on the events that unfolded more than a decade ago. “I felt that loss. I was only 16 years old, and it was highly stressful.”

At such a young age, the weight of national attention and the fierce competition was overwhelming for the actress, who admits that the experience took an emotional toll. “Competing on live television every week was something so scary,” she recalled. “I took it very seriously, which, in retrospect, I wish I didn’t. 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 [show].”

Though the loss was undoubtedly painful, it’s clear that Zendaya’s participation in Dancing With the Stars played an important role in her journey to stardom. The competition allowed her to showcase her skills, prove her work ethic, and solidify herself as one of the most promising talents in Hollywood. However, Zendaya’s path to success wasn’t without its challenges, and in the end, the DWTS loss became part of the story she tells when reflecting on her rise to fame.

The Highs and Lows of DWTS: A Journey for Zendaya

Zendaya’s season of Dancing With the Stars was one for the history books. She and Val Chmerkovskiy, who had become one of the most beloved pairs in the show’s history, dazzled audiences each week with their routines. From the very first performance, it was clear that Zendaya was a natural dancer with impeccable rhythm, precision, and charisma. Despite receiving near-perfect scores from the judges throughout the season, the duo ultimately lost the competition to Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough, marking a shocking upset for many fans of the show.

While Zendaya may have harbored some resentment over losing to Pickler, she acknowledged the role that the experience played in shaping her career. “That’s when you learn that it’s not necessarily always about winning or losing,” Chmerkovskiy said in a 2018 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “It’s really about learning through the process and then using those tools to further yourself down the road.” For Zendaya, the journey on Dancing With the Stars was far from over after the finale. The lessons learned and the exposure gained during the competition propelled her forward, eventually leading her to a slew of successful career ventures.

The Legacy of Zendaya’s Career After DWTS

Though she didn’t win the Mirrorball Trophy, Zendaya’s star continued to rise after Dancing With the Stars. The actress, who had already earned a massive following from her role on the Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, quickly transitioned into the world of blockbuster films. Zendaya went on to star in hit movies such as The Greatest Showman, Dune, and Challengers, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable and respected young stars.

Most notably, Zendaya made history as the youngest actress ever to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Rue in HBO’s Euphoria. Her win was a testament to her talent, versatility, and resilience in an industry that often prizes appearance over substance. Reflecting on the achievements that followed her time on Dancing With the Stars, Zendaya has spoken openly about how she navigated the pressures of child stardom. In a 2020 interview, she revealed the complicated feelings she has toward her rise to fame and the challenges that come with being thrust into the spotlight at such a young age.

“My biggest heartbreak was on Dancing With the Stars, not winning with Zendaya, honestly,” Chmerkovskiy said during a 2018 interview, revealing his own deep connection to their journey. “That was a huge heartbreak for me because she was 16. I wanted this to be such a huge moment for her. She worked so hard, and I really wanted her to lift that trophy and jump-start her career. And she didn’t lift the trophy, and I felt heartbroken about that.” Despite the disappointment, Chmerkovskiy has been one of Zendaya’s biggest supporters, celebrating her accomplishments along the way.

In 2020, when Zendaya became the youngest Emmy winner in her category, Chmerkovskiy took to Instagram to congratulate her with a heartfelt post. “I always knew you were special,” he wrote, expressing his pride in Zendaya’s continued success. “Our season on DWTS, and now your continued success since has brought me [a] ridiculous amount of joy. I’m so proud of you Z! Youngest ever winner of an Emmy for a leading role. You’re a superstar, and always have been! Love you fam to many more wins in your life.”

Zendaya’s Complex Relationship with DWTS

Despite her success, Zendaya admitted in a 2024 interview on The Awardist podcast that she no longer watches Dancing With the Stars—and hasn’t since her own season. “I have not watched Dancing With the Stars since I was on it,” she shared, explaining that she never considered herself part of the show’s target demographic. “My grandma, like, loves Dancing With the Stars. That’s her bag.” For Zendaya, the stress and intensity of the competition made it hard for her to view it as mere entertainment after she had lived through the pressure herself.

Though Zendaya’s relationship with DWTS may be complicated, her legacy within the dance competition lives on. It wasn’t just the Mirrorball Trophy that she gained from her time on the show—it was the invaluable lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the undeniable exposure that helped her continue to soar in her career.

The Takeaway: Growth Beyond the Mirrorball Trophy

Zendaya’s time on Dancing With the Stars was far more than just a dance competition—it was an opportunity to grow as an artist, face challenges head-on, and come out stronger on the other side. While her loss to Kellie Pickler may still sting a little, Zendaya has proven that winning a trophy doesn’t define success. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the impact you make along the way. Through her unmatched talent, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Zendaya has turned a setback into the catalyst for an extraordinary career. The Mirrorball Trophy may have eluded her, but there’s no doubt that Zendaya has earned her place as one of the brightest stars of her generation.