Bright Stars Shine on Broadway: Josh Groban Hosts 16th Annual Jimmy Awards
The curtains drew open on Monday, June 23, at Broadway's iconic Minskoff Theatre, as 110 talented high school students from across the United States took the stage for the 16th annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards, affectionately known as the Jimmy Awards. Hosted by Broadway favorite Josh Groban, this spectacular event celebrated the future of Broadway, showcasing outstanding performances, and honoring the best in high school theatre actors.
The star-studded ceremony featured a range of performances, including production numbers, medleys, and solo acts, with special guest presenters Julia Knitel, Apollo Levine, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Aki Nishino, and Jasmine Amy Rogers. The evening's highlight was the presentation of awards, with Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Chris Hayes taking home the coveted Jimmy Awards for Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor, respectively. Each winner received a $25,000 scholarship to further their education, presented by the Nederlander Organization. In addition to the top honors, a total of 16 awards and scholarships were presented to participants, recognizing their exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. Six finalists received $5,000 scholarships, while other awards included the Rising Star, Best Dancer, Spirit of the Jimmys, and Outstanding Performance in an Ensemble.
The Jimmy Awards, founded in 2009 by Nederlander Alliances LLC, Pittsburgh CLO, and Broadway Education Alliance, aim to raise the profile of musical theatre in schools, honor dedicated teachers, and inspire the next generation of performers and enthusiasts. Since its inception, the program has been the catalyst for over $6,000,000 in educational scholarships. This year's nominees underwent a rigorous 10-day theatre intensive in New York City, featuring coaching sessions, training, and rehearsals led by some of Broadway's most accomplished professionals. The program has already produced 15 notable alumni who have gone on to become theatre favorites.
The 2025 Jimmy Awards was a resounding success, showcasing the immense talent and potential of the next generation of Broadway stars. As the program continues to grow and inspire, it's clear that the future of musical theatre is in good hands. With the support of organizations like the Nederlander Organization and The Broadway League Foundation Inc., these talented students will have the opportunity to hone their craft and make a lasting impact on the world of theatre. The ceremony will remain available online for three days, through June 26, giving audiences a chance to experience the magic of the Jimmy Awards. As the curtain closes on this year's event, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for these bright stars. One thing is certain – the Jimmy Awards will continue to be a beacon of excellence in high school musical theatre, inspiring and nurturing the talents of tomorrow's Broadway legends.