Millions of fans tuned in each week to watch the stars compete on Dancing with the Stars, and Zendaya became one of the most talked about celebrities in the show's history. When Zendaya was paired with professional Alan Bersten, her performances generated massive buzz and record breaking social engagement. To find out who beat Zendaya on DWTS season 27, viewers tracked scores, shock eliminations, and the finale result.
The season featured emotional journeys, technical challenges, and tight scoring battles that kept audiences guessing until the final lift. Understanding the path to victory requires looking at scores, judges preferences, and live audience votes that determined the outcome for Zendaya and her competitors.
DWTS Season 27 Contestant Scores Overview
Key numbers from the competition help explain how Zendaya performed week to week and who overtook her on the leaderboard.
| Contestant | Average Score | Highest Scoring Week | Elimination Week | Final Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mady Howard | 25.6 | 27 (Cha Cha) | Advanced | Winner |
| Maksim Chmerkovskiy | DWTS icon and partner to multiple champions28.3 | 29 (Quickstep) | Advanced | Runner Up |
| Zendaya | 27.4 | 28 (Argentine Tango) | Week 12 | Third Place |
| Will Bayley | 25.1 | 27 (Viennese Waltz) | Week 11 | Fourth Place |
Zendaya's Performance Highlights
Zendaya delivered iconic moments on the floor, from emotional storytelling to precise technique that thrilled both judges and viewers. Her Argentine Tango and Hustle routines consistently placed her near the top of the leaderboard.
Despite strong scores, the competition intensified each week, with other couples posting higher numbers and gaining momentum. Zendaya's journey showcased resilience, growth, and star power that kept audiences engaged until her elimination.
Who Beat Zendaya on DWTS Season 27
Mady Howard and her professional partner Alan Bersten clinched first place in the season finale, surpassing Zendaya's strong run. Maksim Chmerkovskiy finished as the runner up, while Zendaya earned third place after a heartfelt farewell performance.
The finale results reflected weeks of consistent improvement from Mady, who balanced showmanship with technical precision. Judges praised her chemistry and risk taking, which ultimately gave her the edge over Zendaya in the voting outcome.
Judging Criteria and Voting Impact
Scores from guest judges, head judges, and live audience votes combined to determine the weekly placements. Each component played a critical role in shaping the competition's direction and the final standings.
Understanding how these elements interacted helps explain why certain contestants moved forward while others, like Zendaya, fell just short of the top spot despite high artistic quality.
Audience Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans flooded social platforms with reactions after each elimination, debating scores, praising performances, and celebrating Zendaya's dedication. The buzz around her season reflected her star power and connection with viewers.
Many viewers highlighted specific dances as career defining moments, while others focused on the overall season narrative that led Mady Howard to victory over Zendaya and the rest of the field.
Key Takeaways from Zendaya's DWTS Run
- Zendaya earned an average score of 27.4 over the season.
- Her highest scoring week featured an Argentine Tango routine.
- She advanced deep into the competition, reaching the finale in third place.
- Mady Howard won the season, with Maksim Chmerkovskiy as runner up.
- Audience votes played a decisive role in the final standings.
- Strong performances kept Zendaya near the top despite elimination.
- Social media engagement peaked during her most technically challenging routines.
- The competition highlighted the blend of athleticism and artistry central to DWTS.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the scoring work in the DWTS season featuring Zendaya?
Judges scores combined with live audience votes determined weekly placements, with the lowest scoring couple facing elimination each week.
Which contestant had the highest average score overall?
Maksim Chmerkovskiy posted the highest average score, followed closely by Zendaya before her elimination in third place.
Who was the runner up in the DWTS season Zendaya competed on?
Maksim Chmerkovskiy finished as the runner up, earning second place behind Mady Howard in the season finale.
Why did Zendaya get eliminated before the winner was announced?
Zendaya was eliminated in third place after accumulating fewer combined judge and audience votes compared to the top two finalists.