Did Zendaya Win Dancing With The Stars

Okay, so you’re scrolling, you see a photo of Zendaya looking fabulous, and a question pops into your head: “Did Zendaya win Dancing With The Stars?” It’s a fair question! The woman can literally do everything—act, sing, slay a red carpet—so you’d assume she crushed the dance floor too. Let’s dive into this juicy bit of pop-culture history, shall we?

The short answer is: No, she did not win. I know, I know—it’s a little heartbreaking. But before you throw your phone across the room, hear me out! Zendaya was insanely good on the show, and her journey is way more impressive than a simple trophy.

Picture this: It’s 2013, Zendaya is just 16 years old. She’s already famous from Shake It Up, but Dancing With The Stars was a whole different beast. She was paired with the legendary pro dancer, Val Chmerkovskiy, and the two of them were an absolute powerhouse from week one.

Let me tell you, she didn’t just “show up.” She served. Every single dance was a masterpiece. Her contemporary dance? Chills. Her salsa? Fire. She even did a quickstep in a flapper dress that made you want to throw a 1920s party immediately. She was the total package—grace, energy, and that million-watt smile.

But here’s the thing about Dancing With The Stars: it’s not just about talent. It’s a popularity contest wrapped in sequins and fake tan. And Zendaya’s biggest competition? A guy named Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough. Kellie was a country singer with a huge, loyal fanbase that dialed hard for those voting lines.

So, did Zendaya win? Nope. She came in second place. I still remember the finale—it was tense! Zendaya and Val did a perfect freestyle, but Kellie and Derek’s freestyle was just a little more… emotional? The audience ate it up, and the votes rolled in. Kellie took home the mirrorball trophy.

Here’s the sneaky good news, though: Second place in that season was basically a win. Why? Because Zendaya was the youngest contestant ever to make it to the finale at that time. She got perfect scores from the judges multiple times. The head judge, Len Goodman, literally called her “an incredible dancer.” So she didn’t get the trophy, but she got total respect.

Also, let’s be real: losing Dancing With The Stars might have been the best thing that ever happened to her career. Can you imagine if she’d won? She might have gotten stuck doing touring dance shows instead of becoming Euphoria’s Rue or MJ in Spider-Man. The universe works in mysterious, Hollywood ways!

And get this—Zendaya went back to the show in 2014 as a guest judge. She literally sat in the seat of power! I like to imagine she silently whispered, “I’m still queen,” before handing out scores. She also performed a dance number that made the current contestants look like they were wading through molasses.

So, the real answer to “Did Zendaya win?” is: Yes, in our hearts. And in the hearts of everyone who watched her spin across that floor. She didn’t need a sparkly ball to prove she was a star—she already was one. She just used the show as a trampoline to bounce even higher.

What did we learn from all this?

We learned that second place can sometimes be more iconic than first. Who remembers the winners of most seasons? Exactly. But everyone remembers Zendaya’s contemporary dance where she looked like a floating angel in stress. She turned a “loss” into a career highlight reel.

It also teaches us a weird life lesson: You can be incredible and still not get the prize. And that’s okay! Because the prize isn’t always a trophy. Sometimes the prize is becoming the highest-paid actress on HBO and a fashion icon. Suck on that, mirrorball!

The final, fluffy truth

So, next time you’re at a party and someone asks, “Did Zendaya win Dancing With The Stars?” you can chuckle, sip your drink, and say, “Technically, no. But she won the game of life.” And then you can drop the mic and walk away, because that’s the coolest move of all.

And hey, if she ever decides to return for an All-Stars season, my money is on her. Until then, let’s just appreciate that we were alive to see a 16-year-old dance like a pro, lose like a champ, and then go on to rule the world. Now that’s a win.

So keep dancing in your living room, my friend. You might not have a mirrorball, but you’ve got rhythm in your soul. And if Zendaya can lose with a smile on her face, you can definitely survive your Monday morning meeting. Shine on, you crazy diamond.