11/20/2010

Armless pianist to tour after winning China's 'Britain's Got Talent'

An armless Chinese pianist who uses his toes to play is set to take his remarkable skills on a world tour after winning China's version of Britain's Got Talent.

Liu Wei plays the piano with his toes during a practice session for a promotional event in Beijing: Armless pianist wins China's 'Britain's Got Talent'
 
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Liu Wei won China's version of Britain's Got Talent Photo: REUTERS
Liu Wei, 23, from Beijing, has been playing the piano with his feet since he lost his arms in an electrical accident at the age of ten.

He shot to fame in China after winning the first series of China's Got Talent, a franchise of Simon Cowell's "Got Talent" series.

Paul Potts, the opera singer, and Susan Boyle were both also made famous by the show.

In the final, Mr Liu wowed the crowd at the Shanghai Stadium with a version of James Blunt's wistful love song "You're Beautiful".

"I feel that I'm not different from other people. I've lost my arms, but I can still do the things that I like. At least I have two perfect legs," he said. Although he needs help to eat and drink, Mr Liu practises on the piano for seven hours a day, after learning five years ago.

Mr Liu is about to fly to the United States, and has signed up for the Las Vegas performances of the Got Talent international tour. He will also visit Hong Kong, Paris, Vienna and Taipei, but his assistant said it was unclear whether or not he will play in Britain.

"We have confirmed he will take part in the international tour, but we have not worked out all the details yet," said Du Jia. "He has been frantically busy booked up with interviews and appearances since he won the show," she added.

Read and view more at the Telegraph

Liu Wei: Armless pianist wins China's 'Britain's Got Talent'
 
Image 1 of 2
In the final, Mr Liu wowed the crowd at the Shanghai Stadium with a version of James Blunt's wistful love song 'You're Beautiful' Photo: REUTERS
Nov 20, 2010 8:39:54 AM | Current Affairs

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