It’s been 15 years since Cleveland’s Jal Joshua, then aged 12, won fame as runner up in Australia’s Got Talent.
The achievement shone a spotlight on Jal’s vocal abilities and now the world is looking at Jal’s dexterity as a dancer in Madonna’s current world tour.
Previously Jal had danced for Spanish singer Rosalia’s Motomami tour.
Jal’s mother Jocelyn Lebumsacil, of Cleveland, said Jal was on the way back to Australia from dancing with Rosalia when they got a call from Madonna’s team asking Jal to attend an intensive workshop in New York in January and February this year.
Jal was successful and started touring in April and continues through to the end of April next year.
The Celebration tour commemorates Madonna’s four decades of performance with shows throughout England, Europe and America, including shows on January 22 and 23 in Madison Square Garden, New York.
“Jal loves to dance. It makes me really happy that Jal is happy,” Jocelyn said.
“It is very fulfilling. I cannot believe what Jal has achieved.”
Jocelyn said Jal was the only one of her three children to embrace the arts.
While attending Cleveland primary and high schools, Jal was involved in Creative Generation and the Redfest vocal contests.
Mentor Alan Beard said he took Jal to Germany for a World Vision television special in 2012.
“Jal was named as one of the seven most talented kids in the world.,” he said.
“By the time we got there Jal’s voice had broken and Jal was unable to perform at their best.
“Jal hasn’t sung since as far as I know. I regard Jal as the best young singer I’ve ever heard.”
“Once the voice broke, Jal lost interest in singing … and asked to take up dancing instead,” Jocelyn said.
“I could only afford a few sessions a week. Then, in Year 10, Strictly Dance (Cleveland) offered a scholarship,” she said.
“That meant Jal could go to as many classes as possible. That was where Jal went after class in high school.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity. It had a great impact for Jal.”
Since that time, Jal has also danced in the Cats musical in Korea for two seasons.
