A MOUNT Gambier girl has been left starstruck after catching the attention of Australian icon Hugh Jackman during a recent Adelaide performance.
Maria Hosking and her mother Sofia recently travelled to Adelaide for Jackman’s The Man, the Music, the Show touring act.
An avid fan, Maria dressed as PT Barnum, the character portrayed by Jackman in the award-winning film The Greatest Showman, while also holding an eye-catching sign with her name on it.
Seated close to the stage, it did not take long for Maria to be noticed by the actor.
“He saw me and because I had the name on my sign, he knew my name,” the young fan said.
“Then he called me closer to the stage and gave me a high five.
“He also kept coming back to me and kept smiling at me and so did all of his dancers.”
Maria said the experience was one she would “never forget” as she idolised the singer.
“My favourite movie of his is The Greatest Showman because of all of the singing,” she said.
“I sing too now so it is really cool to see him in person.”
Her mother Ms Hosking complimented the star stating the experience had allowed Maria to “reach for the stars” herself.
“Seeing her idol on stage like that was just an awe-struck moment,” Ms Hosking said.
“It was amazing for her because she sees him on stage and now thinks if he can do it so can she.
“Hugh Jackman was also so lovely to her and so kind and understanding we really could not have asked for a better experience.”
Maria is now more determined than ever to improve her singing.
“I love singing and now I want to sing more,” the young fan said.
“And at the end of the concert he told everyone to dance and when we did, he even gave me a drumstick so I might start playing the drums too.”
Maria said the brush with the Hollywood superstar would “stay with her forever”.
