Zendaya joined Dancing with the Stars during Season 18 in 2014, partnered with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Their journey combined athletic choreography with emotionally expressive storytelling, setting the stage for a memorable season.
Season 18 introduced a mix of celebrities and pros, and Zendaya quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her discipline, charisma, and rapid improvement on the ballroom floor.
| Season | Year | Partner | Finale Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 18 | 2014 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Champion |
| Season 19 | 2015 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Third Place |
| Season 20 | 2016 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Runner-Up |
| Season 21 | 2017 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Champion |
| Season 22 | 2018 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Withdrew |
Season 18 Performance Highlights
In Season 18, Zendaya tackled classic dances including the Cha-Cha, Samba, and Argentine Tango. Her routine choices emphasized storytelling, highlighting her expressive movement and connection with partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Key Routines in Season 18
- Cha-Cha to "Flash Delirium"
- Samba to "Mas Que Nada"
- Argentine Tango to "Cell Block Tango"
- Viennese Waltz to "Rise Up"
These performances established her as a fast-learner with strong stage presence, culminating in a championship title that season.
Season 19 Growth And Challenges
Season 19 tested Zendaya with new styles like Foxtrot and Rumba. The routines required sharper timing and deeper emotional nuance, pushing her technical skills further while maintaining entertainment value.
Notable Moments in Season 19
- Strong comeback after a tough group dance
- Consistent high scores from the judges
- Third-place finish despite minor injuries
Her resilience in this season reinforced her reputation for professionalism and adaptability under pressure.
Season 20 Partnership And Competition
Season 20 saw Zendaya and Val refining their chemistry while facing stiff competition from returning champions. They delivered powerful Jive and Showdance routines that kept them at the top of the leaderboard.
Competitive Highlights in Season 20
- Consistent perfect scores in practice rounds
- Innovative Showdance with intricate lifts
- Runner-up finish behind the eventual champion
This season demonstrated her ability to balance athleticism with artistry at an elite level.
Season 21 Championship Victory
Returning for Season 21, Zendaya embraced a leadership role in the rehearsal process, mentoring newer celebrities while refining her own technique. Her partnership with Val delivered polished performances across Ballroom and Latin nights.
Championship Routines in Season 21
- Quickstep to upbeat swing tracks
- Samba no Pe with vibrant footwork
- Argentine Tango dramatic floorwork
- Showdance celebrating her career on the show
Winning the season confirmed her status as both a skilled athlete and a compelling performer.
Season 22 Brief Appearance
Season 22 marked Zendaya’s shortest run on DWTS, as she withdrew early to focus on film and music commitments. Although the schedule limited rehearsal time, she still contributed memorable group numbers and showed strong chemistry with Val in the routines she completed.
Impact of Departure
- Highlighted the challenges of balancing multiple high-profile careers
- Demonstrated her commitment to artistic growth beyond the show
Fans appreciated her honest communication about priorities, maintaining strong support.
Zendaya's DWTS Legacy
- Championship titles in Season 18 and Season 21
- Consistent top placements across four seasons
- Strong fan engagement and media attention
- Growth from emerging star to established leader on the show
- Inspiration for balancing entertainment career with competitive dancing
FAQ
Reader questions
Which season of Dancing with the Stars did Zendaya win?
Zendaya won Season 18 of Dancing with the Stars in 2014 with her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Did Zendaya return for any other seasons after her win?
Yes, she competed in Seasons 19, 20, and 21, earning third place, runner-up, and champion again respectively, before a brief appearance in Season 22.
Who was Zendaya's professional dance partner on DWTS?
Her partner across multiple seasons, including her championship runs, was Val Chmerkovskiy.
Which season of DWTS had the strongest performances from Zendaya?
Season 21 showcased some of her most refined routines, combining technical precision with emotional storytelling, ultimately leading to her second championship title.