Maddie Ziegler’s Zac Efron Crush Might Be Bigger Than Yours
Maddie Ziegler and her sister, Mackenzie, at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards. Photo: Getty Images
Maddie Ziegler may have an adult edge thanks to her work in Sia’s emotionally heavy music videos, but the 12-year-old still has some serious teen tendencies. “I’m not just saying this because he’s an amazing actor or anything, but I’m obsessed with Zac Efron,” Ziegler exclaimed on the red carpet of the Teen Choice Awards. “I think he’s so cute. I never fan girl over anyone, but if I met Zac Efron I would probably faint. I wouldn’t even talk to him probably. A couple weeks ago Sia called me and said ‘Hey have you ever met Zac Efron?’ I was like 'Uh no.’ I just started shaking.” Grinning, Ziegler kept going: “It’s going to happen one day. I will meet him before I die."
It would make sense for Sia to be Ziegler’s entry point to Efron. The pair’s relationship, which kicked off with Ziegler’s memorable dance performance in Sia’s video for "Chandelier,” has transitioned Ziegler from Dance Moms star to well-rounded artist, especially as Ziegler is beginning to pursue an acting career. “Our connection happened right away,” she said of Sia. “The first day we met we ran and hugged each other. I felt like we knew each other somehow. Ever since then she’s treated me like family. I feel very welcomed into her whole big group, which is such an amazing feeling. She’s one of biggest inspirations."
There’s a lot of pressure being the face of Sia’s music, but Ziegler has risen to the challenge. She even performed live at the Grammys earlier this year alongside Kristen Wiig. "It’s definitely nerve-wracking,” Ziegler said. “Sia always says 'No matter what, you’ll do great.’ I’m perfectionist so I have do amazing for her. But I feel less stressed when I’m with her. She’s so laid back."
And at this point how many times has Ziegler actually performed that now-famous "Chandelier” dance routine? “Of course I had to film it a million times,” she said. “And there’s been nine performances. I’ve done it a lot!” Ziegler is prepping for a new season of Dance Moms, but right now she’s enjoying her first summer off in four years. “I’m still doing a lot of stuff, still dancing,” she admitted. “But it’s nice to get a break."
Her next goal? "I want to do everything,” she said. “I want to be a triple threat. I want it all!”
Related: Sia’s 12-Year-Old Protégé Maddie Ziegler: “Celebrities know me now, and it’s funny.”
