The Scouser from Channel 4’s The Piano hit ‘rock bottom’ before his life-changing moment

A Scouser has gone from having “absolutely nothing” to becoming a TV sensation.

Brad Kella, 22, from Fazakerley, appeared at The Piano last month. The Channel 4 show sees Claudia Winkleman, pop superstar Mika and pianist Lang Lang tour stations around the country to hear from the UK’s best amateur pianists.

The team were spotted filming in Lime Street station earlier this year. These scenes aired on May 26, and one standout performer was Brad Kella, performing his original song New Beginning.

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On the show, Brad talked about his difficult upbringing. He said: “When I was growing up, I had no routine. I never went to school. We used to roam the streets all day until about 10:30/11:00 PM at night causing mayhem.

“I was placed in foster care when I was seven with my twin brother. I was so confused. I remember hanging on to the railings outside my adoptive parents’ (house) and not wanting to go in.”

However, Brad now credits his adoptive parents Ev and Frank for turning his life around. He said: “What they did for me and my brother was absolutely everything. They would make sure we were ready to start school, routine, get up early, go to bed early. They gave me absolutely everything and more.”

Ev and Franks were instrumental in the start of an unlikely music career, with Ev putting up the difference with his childcare budget to buy a piano. He said: “I didn’t start playing the piano until I was 14.

“I can’t read music, I’ve never had a lesson in my life. But when I hear music, there’s something about it. I feel it differently than normal people.

“Ev put some money into buying a piano. From that moment on, my life changed.”

Brad said he used to spend hours practicing the piano and teaching himself. He said: “Once I started playing the piano, I started to feel this unique sense of myself, of being my own person.

“I owe everything to my adoptive parents, because before them I had no one who believed that I would be able to play the piano. They are the best people in the world.”

In 2020, Brad and his girlfriend Abby became parents themselves with their daughter Phoebe. He explained on the show that he was entering the competition for his daughter, as well as to show encouragement to other children in care.

He said: “I want to show people that anything is possible if you believe because I had everything against me. Some people think my story is a sad one. The best thing about my story – it’s not over yet. I don’t think it will end in a sad story.

“Children in care are treated as just a number. I feel like I could be a voice for kids like that.

“There is a new beginning for everyone. You just have to look for it.”

His performance was praised, with Mika saying it was “brilliant”. When Brad was told he was through to the final, he said: “It was absolutely crazy to be here. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity, I will not let you down.”

Brad has since taken to social media to say he has overcome difficult times in his life and thanked viewers for their support. In an Instagram post, he said: “There was a time in my life when I had absolutely nothing and was completely down, struggling to get by day to day… But now I look at life in a in a way I didn’t think was possible.

“The past few months have been life changing and with so many opportunities coming my way, I know it will only get better for me and my family. Thank you all for all the constant support and love you show me, it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Fans were quick to share their support for Brad. One said: “No words for what a huge talent you are, you should be so proud of yourself, I can’t wait to watch the rest of your journey, amazing.”

Another said: “Brad, you are extremely talented and very special, the world needs to hear all about you and the beautiful music you have composed, your music speaks to the heart and soul. You have a very bright future ahead of you.”

A third person added: “So amazing! I just looked at the piano. Your music is so moving and you are a true star. To show such courage and emotion is absolutely inspiring. Good luck to you and your family.”

The final episode of this series of The Piano will be broadcast on Sunday 9 June on Channel 4 at 9pm.

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