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
Tuesday Morning Minute: Trump's DOJ Is Winning

Tuesday Morning Update: Trump’s Department of Justice Sees Success

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ Red-Hot at RedState  That’s the Democrat party in…
Ponte Vedra man charged with enticement of a minor

Ponte Vedra Resident Accused of Attempting to Entice a Minor

He faces federal charges for allegedly posing as a tutor online to…
2025 Emmys Snubs & Surprises: ‘Paradise’ Is In (Yay!) But ‘Landman’ Is Out (Boo!)

Unexpected Results at the 2025 Emmys: ‘Paradise’ Scores a Nomination While ‘Landman’ Misses Out

The 77th Emmy nominations are here and they are chock-full of snubs…

Tragic Incident: 19-Year-Old Factory Worker Loses Life in Meat Grinder Accident Despite Colleagues’ Efforts

A TEENAGER working at a burrito factory has been killed by a…
Rep. Wesley Hunt probes how many of New York’s 670K illegal immigrants are on Medicaid

Rep. Wesley Hunt Investigates Medicaid Enrollment Among New York’s 670,000 Undocumented Immigrants

Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt is seeking clarification from New York Gov. Kathy…
Photo of Jodi Huisentruit holding a video camera.

Eerie Images of Jodi Huisentruit’s Missing Persons Case: Abandoned Shoes Found Near Her Car 30 Years After Disappearance

CHILLING crime scene pictures show red heels, a hair dryer, and a…
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has watered down sex-ed guidance in schools

Public Uproar Over Cancellation of Proposed Ban on Sex Education for Children Under 9 by Bridget Phillipson

EDUCATION Secretary Bridget Phillipson sparked fury today after scrapping plans to stop…
JSO: Former Duval County music teacher arrested on child sex crimes

JSO: Ex-Duval County Music Teacher Charged with Child Sexual Offenses

Gregg Gafford, 42, stands accused of crimes allegedly committed during his tenure…
How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department after Supreme Court ruling

Trump’s Strategy to Overhaul the Education Department Following Supreme Court Decision

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is poised to act swiftly following the Supreme…

Heroic Rescue: Father Saves 5-Year-Old Daughter After She Falls 50 Feet from Disney Dream Cruise Ship

COPS have revealed how a five year old girl fell into the…
President Trump speaking to reporters.

Trump Advises Zelensky Against Targeting Moscow After Discussing How to Impact Putin

DONALD Trump has advised Volodymyr Zelensky against using US-made missiles to attack…
Illegal migrant enters plea in crash that killed boy one day before his 12th birthday

Undocumented Immigrant Pleads Guilty in Crash That Killed Boy a Day Before His 12th Birthday

A woman who was in the U.S. illegally admitted to causing a…