Chicago Academy for the Arts grad, Humboldt Park native to compete against teens from across US for Jimmy Award on Broadway in NYC
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK (WLS) — Jamaur Houston is gearing up to compete against teenagers from all over the country for a Jimmy Award, representing both Illinois and his hometown, Chicago.

The musical theater standout said he’s ready for the bright lights of Broadway.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Jamaur Houston and Sophia Leverett won the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award, presented by Broadway in Chicago last month.

Now, it’s on to the Jimmys in New York.

“It’s a bit nerve-wracking since there are 110 nominees. It’s a larger group, but I trust in myself. I’m participating for the experience, to learn, and to enjoy the journey,” Houston expressed.

Houston grew up in Humboldt Park, and just graduated from the Chicago Academy for the Arts. He’s always been a showstopper.

“In fourth grade, I did my first musical, ‘The Lion King,’ and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Houston said.

“During church, he would shout, sweat, and put on quite the show. Everyone loved it, even when he was a young boy,” his mother, Jayla Cosby, shared. “I feel incredibly proud; there’s a lump in my throat. ‘Oh my God, this is my child. Look at him. He’s really achieving this.’ I was amazed, seeing him do flips. Where did he get that from? How did he learn it?”

Teacher Andy Robinson said he was a gifted student.

“A lot of talents he didn’t even know he had, he’s an elite dancer,” Robinson said. “For the first time in our academy history, he double majored in dance and musical theatre. I think he has an energy and openness about him that is incredibly charismatic.”

“I want my love for art to just bloom even more than it has before; I just want to always have that passion,” Houston said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Carjacking victim arrested after allegedly shooting boy breaking into his car during Atlanta confrontation

Atlanta Carjacking Twist: Victim Faces Charges After Shooting Alleged Teenage Thief

An Atlanta man found himself in handcuffs after allegedly shooting a teenager…
Dublin protesters clash with police, burn vehicle after migrant accused of sexually assaulting Irish girl

Dublin Protests Erupt into Violence Following Allegations of Sexual Assault by Migrant

In a tense escalation of unrest, a police car was set ablaze…
Rubio says commitment to Taiwan won't change amid trade talks with China

Rubio Affirms Unwavering Support for Taiwan Despite Ongoing China Trade Discussions

On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ enduring…
30 California District Attorneys Are a Hard NO on Prop. 50, Gavin Newsom's Gerrymandering Scheme

AAG Dhillon Calms Tensions with Governor Newsom Over DOJ Election Monitoring Plans

The Department of Justice has announced plans to deploy election monitors to…
Chicago volunteers collecting food at El Pollo Cris Cris on SW Side for those in need amid high prices, looming SNAP benefits halt

Local Volunteers Rally at El Pollo Cris Cris to Support Families Facing Rising Costs and SNAP Uncertainty

CHICAGO — As inflation continues to push prices skyward, many families are…
FBI Director Kash Patel plans travel to China in fentanyl crackdown effort

FBI Director Kash Patel to Visit China in Strategic Move to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to travel to China next month,…
Trump’s $230M DOJ settlement bid likely has few legal backstops

Trump’s $230M DOJ Settlement Proposal Faces Legal Hurdles, Experts Say

Former President Donald Trump is pursuing a substantial compensation claim, potentially amounting…
Lewis Hamilton mourns beloved dog ahead of Mexico's Day of the Dead

Lewis Hamilton Honors Late Dog During Mexico’s Day of the Dead Remembrance

MEXICO CITY, Oct 23 – Lewis Hamilton has shared how the recent…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Authorities Determine Teen’s ‘Gel Blaster’ Shooting in Skokie’s Shawnee Park as Antisemitic Hate Crime: Police Report

In SKOKIE, Illinois, local authorities have determined that a teenager’s use of…
Our Chicago: llinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation fostering the next generation of Latino leaders

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Paves Path for Future Latino Leaders in Chicago

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation was established in 2002 by a…

Ex-LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in Shocking 2015 Unarmed Homeless Man Shooting

In a significant legal development, a grand jury indictment was revealed on…
Exclusive -- Trump-Endorsed Massie Challenger Ed Gallrein: Massie 'Not a Statesman'

Trump-Backed Ed Gallrein Criticizes Incumbent Massie, Labels Him as Lacking Statesmanship

During a recent appearance on News Saturday, Ed Gallrein, a seasoned farmer…