Zendaya stopped watching 'DWTS' after 'very stressful experience' on Season 16 tram

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.

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. 

“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 all this intensity, 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.

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. 

“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 Zendaya isn’t an Oscar winner yet, he always knew she was a special talent.

“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!”