Brad Kella, the breakout star of Channel 4’s The Piano, captured the hearts of thousands once again when he silenced a roaring Grand National crowd with a breathtaking piano performance at Aintree Racecourse earlier this month. The moment, which kicked off Grand National Saturday, was a powerful symbol of just how far the 23-year-old has come in the past year.
The Bootle-born pianist, now living in Fazakerley, described the surreal contrast between this year’s prestigious performance and his experience just one year earlier. “Last year, I was climbing up trees to see the race with my mates. We’d take camping chairs and just wait for it to start,” Brad shared in an exclusive interview. “And now I was sitting on the sideline next to a grand piano—playing while the King’s Guard stood beside me.”
He added with a laugh, “Not only that, I was in a lounge with free ale! But really, to perform in front of 70,000 people—I can’t even wrap my head around it. If you’d told me last year that I’d be here now, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Since winning season two of The Piano, Brad has experienced a whirlwind of success and recognition. His original audition at Lime Street Station showcased his remarkable talent, earning him nationwide acclaim and opening doors he never imagined. He still finds it hard to comprehend the impact he has when he sits at the keys.
“When I started composing, someone told me I had the power to make a big room go silent,” he recalled. “That always stuck with me. To come to one of the loudest events in Liverpool, where people are here for racing and Jack Daniels, and to make them sit down and listen—that’s a feeling I’ll never forget. I feel really privileged.”
That powerful presence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Brad has now been recruited by none other than Gary Barlow to join his Songbook tour across the UK. The tour kicked off this week on the Isle of Man and will stop at the Liverpool Empire on April 29.
“I’ve never been on tour before, and to be doing it with Gary Barlow is unbelievable,” Brad said. “I get to experience a high-level tour surrounded by elite people—top promoters, top band members. And I’ll be joining Gary on stage every night. It’s the icing on the cake.”
Despite his rising fame, Brad remains grounded. When his manager first mentioned the opportunity, he couldn’t believe it. “I said, ‘Wait, you mean the judge off The X Factor? Why me?’ Gary could have picked anyone, and he picked me. It’s mad.”
As his star continues to rise, Brad is preparing to release his debut album, Phoebe’s Melody, on June 6. The album, which he describes as a personal journey told through music, reflects the highs and lows of his life.
“I’ve left my heart on that piano in the studio,” Brad said. “This album is my story, and I can’t wait to hear what people think. I’m so excited for what’s to come.”
Behind his music and success, Brad credits his foster parents for instilling values that have shaped his path. Now a proud father of two, Brad said the most rewarding part of his success is the ability to give his children the life he never had.
“My kids are absolutely blessed,” he said. “I can give them what they want—not spoil them, but give them more than I had. I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon, and I don’t want them to think life’s just handed to you. But being able to treat them—it means everything to me.”
As the tour wraps up and the album release nears, Brad is already dreaming about what comes next. “I can’t wait to get off tour, go on a nice long holiday, and just chill with my kids,” he said with a smile.
From climbing trees to catch a glimpse of the Grand National to commanding the stage with Gary Barlow, Brad Kella’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and raw talent. And he’s just getting started.
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