2024 Jimmy Awards Solo Performance - Damson Chola Jr.

Finalist Damson Chola Jr. from the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards performs "Make Them Hear You" from "Ragtime" at the 2024 Jimmy Awards.
Watch more: • 2024 Jimmy Awards
The Jimmy Awards are presented by The Broadway League Foundation and Pittsburgh CLO, with livestream support provided by Apples and Oranges Arts.
MAKE THEM HEAR YOU
From the Musical Ragtime
Written by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty
Published by Warner Chappell Music Group

[@preferencechola2514]

That’s my brother and I am beyond proud of the winner he is🙏🏾

[@jenniferf2067]

❤❤❤ Preference!!!!! ❤❤❤ He is an amazing performer!!! The world is going to get to hear him now. This was so well deserved. ❤❤❤❤

[@melisaez]

He made me cry. 🥹❤️

[@goddamnrice]

When he said your name in his speech, my first thought was: "Thats a cool ass name" lmaoo

[@-gachaguy-]

Your brother is very talented and deserved that win

[@amandabrown5319]

He’s phenomenal.

[@GraysonCroft]

when he took off the glasses it was a done deal.

[@tatum055]

Fr❤

[@paigemccoy8526]

My favorite part. You just know then that he’s going to impart the most important wisdom. It great acting.

[@velvia73]

I love his acting/singing choice on “Justice was denied.” Every part of this was spectacular 😢

[@broadwaybaby243]

I cannot get over this performance. He has the voice of a man more than twice his age. I'm completely floored that a high schooler can put this much emotion in his voice and storytelling while also being completely in control of his instrument. It's mesmerizing.

[@AmandaQuinn-ww8dc]

I can't get over the range between his Coalhouse and his Seymour. I barely believe it's the same person. Utterly extraordinary talent ❤️

[@StormNothing]

We all knew he’d win when he opened his mouth. So talented!!

[@coastercraziness]

I might go as far as to say this is the best male solo in Jimmy’s history, if not at least top 3. The maturity in this performance is just incredible

[@andrewgoertzel9452]

Totally Andrew Barth Feldman level

[@travilicious]

I've heard that song about a thousand times. It's one of the greats in the Broadway songbook, and I think this is the best performance of it I've ever heard. His textual interpretation is mesmerizing. The way he picks out certain words and emphasizes others - that is SUCH a hard skill to teach. The next time Broadway revives Ragtime, you've got your Coalhouse.

[@jenniehounshell5099]

Agree! Hadn’t seen Ragtime in ages and went to watch some videos of others (legends) singing this and there is no comparison to this young star.

[@brookeprzybylski5482]

i said OH there’s your winner during the character medley then i cried during his solo and that was that

[@MissBroadwayDork]

This kid is incredible. From a specific adorable comedic Seymour to a subtle strong (and still specific) Coalhouse. One of the biggest standouts I’ve seen at the Jimmys.

[@EB-fz5gl]

The contrast between this and his Seymour is insane! Such a deserved win, can’t wait to see him on Broadway some day

[@laurenoberdorf6753]

Absolutely breathtaking. Incredible voice, incredible person. Such a well deserved win. Can’t wait to see him on Broadway soon.

[@imateakettle]

For anyone wanting audition tips, this man’s song choice is a perfect example of good choices. (song wise) He knew the judges had seen one part of his voice and chose a song to showcase another. It’s very smart and can show great duality. So if you’re auditioning for something and they ask for two songs, pick things that contrast each other (unless they give you guidelines already).

[@youalreadyknow9259]

the MOMENT he took off his glasses, i knew. Extreme talent, probably just booked some roles.

[@wayne6194]

Can we get some commotion for the song choice literally perfect for his voice and personality

[@qprimera]

I'm gonna reinforce what a lot of people are saying, he won this for me in the first maybe 3-5 seconds and that's not an exaggeration. I'm just in awe and can't wait to see what he does in the future.

[@allisonstankey8077]

I performed with him in Ragtime, he’s an amazing person as well as an immense talent.

[@quinnbauer3205]

THE ACTING THE ACTING THE ACTING!!! He is already so talented, he acts as though he has been doing it for tens of years!

[@imjustkenough]

Holy shit holy shit holy shit put him on Broadway now Im in love

[@cwh540]

This young man is the realest of the real deals! I have seen a ton of musical theater in my days. I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting with bated breath for the next note. His 1) breathe control 2) range 3) passion, 4) and his authenticity of character 5) natural presence on stage - the "It" factor , result in a perfect storm of musical magic. We (my husband who is a theater critic and I) look forward to years and years of watching this man share with us all his gift of song.

[@allisonhammond6131]

So proud to say that I went to high school with him!!

[@marciaw.2194]

what an old soul kid. Like he's lived 60 years already. Here he comes, Broadway.

[@t.lorekblakesley5509]

Just want to share for posterity that the live chat erupted with “winner!!!” when he opened his mouth. Congrats!

[@claritymorrison5802]

DJ I am more than proud to be your sister! We always knew you were a star, and now the world is realizing it too! Love you!

[@preferencechola2514]

❤️

[@Getwreckedondeck]

The first two words he performed , I KNEW he was bound to be a broadway star. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jacquelynlane7905]

My god, he is incredible. His voice and acting are amazingly mature for his age. I know he'll having an incredible career - can't wait to see what he does on Broadway!

[@daveburchall2887]

That guy going to be a huge star

[@alliewankenobi]

I was rooting for him to be a finalist the second he opened his mouth in the character medley. His win is SO deserved!!

[@lucym97]

Love musicals but didn’t know about this one. Since hearing this, I’ve listened to this song so many times. IMO he does a better job than the official cast recording. Absolutely amazing!!

[@branchigg6231]

I’m hoping to see him on broadway at some point in my lifetime.

[@1.21media]

Saw him perform “Javert’s Soliloquy” at the Texas Thespians Festival. This win was absolutely deserve. Broadway bound 🎉

[@Shaindl]

As I watching I thought he'd make an excellent Javert. Glad to know my gut instinct was right!

[@stella-superstar]

I cried when he sang it. He is so good 👏👏

[@DragonPrincessAoife]

I was enchanted from the first note...

[@fiishgirl]

i saw him perform at the texas thespians festival AND the broadway dallas awards!!! i don’t know him personally, but it’s so surreal for me to think about

[@Soundwave39]

Saw DJ at Texas Thespians and IMMEDIATELY knew he was bound for stardom. This is so incredibly deserved

[@sophieuijtewaal4833]

DAMSON FOR PRESIDENT

[@transcendentalist73]

what an insane talent

[@Thestoryiswrong]

My jaw is on the floor. This young man is a powerhouse.

[@harrietagyeman4216]

He was at JTF when I first heard this breathtaking voice!

[@otraroadsideservices9464]

Way to Go Damson! I bet your Father is so proud. Tell him we said Hi!

[@mialackey7513]

Absolutely beautiful! His performance and voice were simply moving and amazing. This young man is defiantly going places.

[@Abby-gv3et]

Exquisite. The amount of times I’ve rewatched this…I’m so proud of him. His talents are immaculate and I can’t wait to see him on Broadway. Privileged to know you, DJ.

[@ellynstein4445]

Cast him NOW!!! ❤

[@daniellem_24]

wow. i am absolutely blown away by his talent. the first time he opened up his mouth as Coalhouse i started to tear up. what a dynamic performer to go from Seymour to Coalhouse and perform both effortlessly

[@AdmiralPaulsey]

I am so so lucky to be able to say I know this brilliant actor, having sat in so many callbacks for shows that I didn’t get in but he starred in. Selfishly sad he won’t be coming back to our little town, but so so excited to see where he goes.

[@MariannaPorter-v1c]

Great selection and absolutely amazing performance. CONGRATULATIONS, Damson!!!

[@effervescent6979]

I saw him at Texas Thespians and everyone from my group agreed he is destined for greatness.

[@paxtonw.7254]

The legendary DJ, love that guy, most charming and nice dude to the people around him, hes gonna go far!

[@OliverStarfall]

It was such a genuine privilege to work with him during Anastasia and see him performing Javert in Le Mis We were all cheering for him from Plaza

[@spirtssb6009]

Who did he play in Anastasia?

[@OliverStarfall]

@@spirtssb6009 Gleb Vaganov

[@firefly953]

@@spirtssb6009Gleb!! He was outstanding 🎉

[@OliverStarfall]

@@spirtssb6009 he played Gleb

[@tatum055]

@@OliverStarfallI CALLED IT

[@Itstonytime77]

And his voice is only gonna mature and get even better! Good job!

[@SourceofDreams18SDAK]

Ive seen this guy in an Anastasia production, and my goodness, the raw emotion pouring out from this guys is amazing. And his voice... truky angelic and powerful.

[@lester10023]

In tears...

[@blonjon]

Not only a great singer (I have watched and been moved at least 30 times) but I think he has the understanding and the vision of a great leader.

[@BrookeKimball-ry2ee]

DJ is such a sweet guy and I’m in awe every time I see him perform!! Love ya!! 🙂

[@808HawaiiLS]

What an amazing talent! Stunningly beautiful rendition. I love this song from Ragtime, and he just made it even better. ❤ Looking forward to seeing DJ on Broadway one day very soon.

[@Jfad18]

He is just fan-freakin-tastic. What a voice!! Congrats sir!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@JevRango]

Proud of Damson Chola for his amazing solo performance, I am proud of his win, He's talented.

[@janenix3663]

I am at a loss for words. Thank you Damson!

[@jasvwong]

what an absolute star. wow.

[@TheHorselessCantor]

When he sang as Seymour I knew he'd be a finalist. Then he wasn't even singing this for two seconds and I was like, "he's definitely won it!" ❤❤❤ Congratulations Damson!!!

[@tatum055]

DJ!! Im so proud of you and happy for you!!❤❤❤

[@robertmcdannold3757]

He deserved to win, he was my favorite and a clear favorite of others. One false move, his hands found their way to his pockets, but I found a way to forgive him, lol.

[@christieclark6420]

The most amazing talent! He voice is phenomenal and acting spectacular! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thegamingking2823]

Yes! Dallas for the win!! And such an incredible baritone with so much richness

[@brokenragamuffin]

What a voice! 😮 ❤ A great talent and well deserved win! Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@marisabannworth9781]

Goosebumps! I can’t wait to see what this young man contributes to Broadway in the future!

[@travelmom]

I got goosebumps. I didn't expect that. Wow

[@nevershutupagain]

CONGRATULATIONS! i love his energy and his voice is absolutely stunning. proud of you, damson!!

[@cathyhirsch7490]

Absolutely brilliant performance

[@PiaPancakes]

His range is phenomenal. I about gasped when he started off.

[@francesco93vr]

Simply incredible. Bravo!

[@karinkerby7715]

A few years ago, I happened to catch this kid's performance as the Lion in the Wizard of Oz when he was a youngster in high school. I had never before said this, but that night, I said to my sister - "that boy is going to Broadway". And wow - he certainly will. This performance is one of the best of all time, anywhere..

[@LauraEstrada-z1z]

This talented young man is definitely a winner tonight!

[@kmetzz1]

Crazy crazy TALENTED young man! WOW!

[@emilyle845]

Yeah that’s absolutely bananas. BRAVO.

[@tylerkrumm152]

LET'S GOOO, MY MAN MY DUDE!!!!!

[@allisonstankey8077]

Krummcake! We knew him when!!!

[@laurenjohnson7982]

He will never know how many people cried at his performance. I wish I could watch it for the first time again

[@wizardglick7762]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@davidkuklin995]

it's gotten to the point where im just putting this on in the background because I've already seen the video many times and now it's just incredibly pleasant music to just listen to

[@danicago]

his performance is beautiful and oh so emotional🥺♥️

[@jaelynn6087]

so mature at such a young age! he has such a promising future ahead of him!

[@emilytolman46]

Omg hes incredible!!!

[@loganrichardson2006]

He would be an absolute legendary Hades in Hadestown!!!

[@tatum055]

THATS WHAT IM THINKINGG

[@chlomo368_2]

insanely talented

[@SamuelPlumblee]

I need this released on Spotify

[@paz7058]

I hope to be where he is. Such an amazing singer and actor.

[@mycollegeaudition]

Incredible!! 👏👏👏

[@RyanFaison]

What a talent! A star! ⭐️

[@briley2177]

When people speak of a “dynamic performance” this is that of which they speak!

[@ellawalsh9101]

My whole family was rooting for you you’re a powerhouse

[@kellymc1128]

An absolute star!! What a voice!

[@be1037]

Beautiful song and he knocked it out of the park.

[@BCambron1000]

Fabulous performance and beautiful voice. I love this!!!

[@m.moseley1964]

Wow! Gotta watch this guy. Such a phenominally talented young man.

[@rileyfilms3]

I saw him perform a Les Mis song at State Thespian Festival and was floored, he deserves this so much 🙌

[@Skrtexas]

I can’t wait to see this incredibly talented young man on broadway ❤

[@triciasmith9933]

I'm PROUD of him, too👏🏾🫶🏾👏🏾 Deserved THAT award and recognition 🎉🎉🎉

[@1heyjules]

I can hardly wait to see him perform at a Broadway Dallas performance some day!!

[@sisivincent4347]

Represent Dallas!

[@fromtheashes21]

Absolutely incredible

[@HanaSlevin]

He's in high school?? Dang! That voice!

[@elisabethnerolk2283]

beautiful voice!!! I heard it from brian stokes Mitchell and fell in love with it..