I actually think that not winning helped her to boost her career. She's known for her excellent journey, which will always be present and " there" for people to see, without being attached to the show itself and the stigma it comes with it . Sort of like people going back and being surprised that Kim K did DWTS, except that Zendaya actually capitalized on the platform. It reminds me of Normani's " robbed queen status" which can gain more attention than winning and taking first place.
I was thinking of starting a Tea thread . I think that Val & Zendaya are not as close anymore a