The renowned actress, Zendaya, has recently opened up about her past experience competing on Dancing with the Stars. Despite placing second in the competition over a decade ago, she still carries emotional baggage from the intense pressure and stress of live television. Reflecting on this period, Zendaya admits that she wishes she had enjoyed the experience more rather than taking it so seriously. Moreover, she has distanced herself from watching the show due to its lingering impact on her. Yet, she finds solace in other reality TV shows like Love Is Blind, which she considers a guilty pleasure. The article also highlights how several former contestants have shared negative reflections on the show, questioning its fairness and format.

Zendaya's Unresolved Feelings About Dancing with the Stars

Zendaya, now 28 years old, competed on season 16 of Dancing with the Stars when she was just 16. Although she placed second alongside her partner Val Chmerkovskiy, the experience left an indelible mark on her. In a recent interview with W Magazine, she revealed that the loss felt deeply personal and stressful at the time. “It was highly intimidating being on live television every week,” she confessed. This high-pressure environment significantly impacted her perception of the show and her enjoyment of it. Zendaya expressed regret for not having taken the competition less seriously and enjoying it more, as she was overly focused on the outcome.

Despite the passage of time, Zendaya’s feelings about her DWTS experience remain complex. She admitted that she still harbors some animosity towards losing, especially given her young age at the time. The stress and intensity of performing weekly on live television weighed heavily on her. In retrospect, she wishes she could have approached the competition with a lighter mindset. “I wish I’d enjoyed it a little bit more and just been like, ‘Eh, whatever,’ but I was stressing myself out,” she reflected. This intense focus on the competition ultimately detracted from her ability to fully enjoy the experience. Consequently, Zendaya has chosen not to watch the show anymore, as revisiting it brings back too many memories of the stress and pressure she endured.

Former Contestants Share Negative Reflections on DWTS

Beyond Zendaya, several other former contestants have also voiced their concerns about the show. Some have even questioned its fairness and format. For instance, Danica McKellar, who competed on season 18, described Dancing with the Stars as more of a reality show than a dance competition. Similarly, Antonio Sabáto Jr. alleged that the show is rigged to keep certain stars on longer. These comments highlight a broader pattern of dissatisfaction among former contestants regarding the show’s structure and perceived bias. Such revelations add another layer to the ongoing conversation about the nature of competitive reality TV shows and their impact on participants.

These reflections suggest that while Dancing with the Stars offers a platform for celebrities to showcase their dancing skills, it also comes with significant challenges and pressures. The experiences of contestants like Zendaya, Danica McKellar, and Antonio Sabáto Jr. underscore the emotional toll that such competitions can take. They reveal that the show’s format may not always align with the expectations of fairness and equal opportunity for all participants. As these discussions continue, they invite viewers to reconsider the dynamics of competitive reality TV and the experiences of those who participate in them.