The Piano in judging panel shake up as star exits show – and is replaced by US star
A FIVE-time Grammy award winner is set to join a hit Channel 4 programme.
The Piano is hosted by Claudia Winkleman and sees amateur musicians perform on street pianos in major UK railway stations.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer Jon Batiste, 37, is joining the programme for its third series.
He will be replacing classical pianist Lang Lang as a new judge and mentor when the show returns to screens next year.
Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran and Prince are among his past collaborators.
The bandleader is now bringing his talents to a whole new audience, joining Mika and Claudia in giving gifted amateur pianists a chance to showcase their prowess.
As for Lang Lang, 42, he will say his final farewell to the show during the upcoming Christmas special.
This special edition will see the return of talented pianists from series two, who will be returning to the train station once again.
These familiar faces will perform their favourite festive songs to commuters while taking to the piano alongside special guests with surprises of their own.
Jon, who has also won an Oscar for his work on Pixar’s 2020 film Soul, will officially take the reins after the special.
Recent work has seen him join forces with global megastar Beyoncé, as one of the collaborators on her hit country album, Cowboy Carter.
They teamed up on the genre-bending track “American Requiiem,” which Jon wrote.
Series two of The Piano ended with Liverpudlian Brad having touched the hearts of Claudia, Mika and Lang Lang with his soul-stirring own composition as a thank you to his foster parents.
Brad took to the stage at Manchester’s Aviva Studios, while money raised from tickets sales went to the placing and maintaining of street pianos in train stations across the UK.
Jon Batiste said: “I am so happy to be a mentor on The Piano and to witness the pianists for the new series express themselves on the instrument I’ve dedicated my life to.
“This show will bring together my unique history of performing in both train stations and concert halls.
“No matter where, I always have believed that music at its best creates community and brings folks together in divided times. It will be a massive joy to do just that all around the UK train stations with the piano and new talent.
“In collaboration with Mika, an incredible songwriter and musician and Claudia with her own inimitable style, I can’t wait for all the thrilling musical experiences ahead.”
Lang Lang said: “Being a mentor on The Piano and spending time with the talented pianists has been a true joy.
“The level of talent I have witnessed has been phenomenal and it has been a privilege to see the love for playing the piano across the UK.
“Due to international concert commitments, I will be stepping down for series three but am delighted to be passing the baton to my dear friend Jon Batiste, who I know will be fantastic in the role.
“I am going to miss Mika and Claudia terribly but am very much looking forward to being reunited with them later this year filming the Christmas Special.”
The Piano airs on Channel 4.