10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Shahadi Wright Joseph

Get to know the “Hairspray Live” star!

If Shahadi Wright Joseph wasn’t on your radar before “Hairspray Live” Wednesday, she surely is now! The 11-year blew everyone away with her singing and dancing skills playing Little Inez in NBC production. What a great start to a bright future career!

If you’re still unfamiliar with Ms. Wright Joseph, here are 10 pieces of info that’ll help you get to know her better:

1. She starred as Madison in School Of Rock on Broadway:

2. She was an understudy for Tomika in the show as well:

3. Shahadi played a Young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King too:

4. She’s a HUGE Hamilton fan. (Here’s an adorable video of her reacting to some of the cast following her on social media!):

5. She’s also a major Lin-Manuel Miranda fan. (Here’s a video of her SLAYING a cover of a song from Lin’s first Broadway musical, In The Heights):

Lin actually tweeted Shahadi recently, and she was definitely excited about it!

6. She released a mini holiday EP in November – on which she sounds incredible, of course:

7. Shahadi likes science! #ScienceGirlsRock:

8. She was the youngest “Hairspray Live” cast member:

9. She played Jennifer Hudson’s daughter and Ephraim Sykes’ sister aka #FAMILYGOALS:

10. And, even though it goes without saying, she’s an absolute S-T-A-R:

We are so proud of you, Shahadi!