THE PIANO RETURNS FOR THIRD SERIES ON CHANNEL 4, FIRST TEASER RELEASED

The Piano returns for a third series on Channel 4 this April, with five-time Grammy award winner, Jon Batiste, joining Claudia Winkleman and fellow judge Mika.

Batiste, who is a globally celebrated singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and composer, replaces virtuoso classical pianist Lang Lang as judge and mentor for the upcoming seven-episode series on Channel 4 and produced by Love Productions.

Batiste will be joined by Mika and Claudia Winkleman as the trio travel to five iconic new railway stations to give gifted amateur pianists the chance to showcase their prowess on public pianos up and down the country.

Bringing a multitude of talent, knowledge and experience to The Piano, Batiste has recorded and performed with the world’s biggest superstars including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran and Lana Del Rey. As well as having five Grammy wins under his belt, he has also won an Oscar for his work on Pixar’s 2020 film Soul and was nominated for an Oscar for the song ‘It Never Went Away’.

Most recently, Batiste made history and music with global megastar, singer-songwriter, Beyoncé as he joined forces with her as one of the collaborators on her hit country album, Cowboy Carter. Batiste and Beyoncé collaborated on the genre-bending track ‘American Requiem’, which Batiste wrote.

BAFTA nominated The Piano’s return to Channel 4 celebrated a consolidated audience of 3.4m for the first episode and the series average was 2.1m. Viewers heralded the programme as the most joyful show on TV and said it offered up a completely fresh perspective on music talent shows.

The spectacular final concert of series two saw Liverpudlian Brad chosen as performance of the night after he touched the hearts of Claudia, Mika and Lang Lang with his soul-stirring own composition as a thank you to his foster parents.

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.”

Ian Katz, Channel 4, Chief Creative Officer said: “After helping to establish the Piano in just two series as one of the country’s best loved and most joyous TV shows, Lang Lang leaves big shoes to fill but if anyone can fill them it is Jon Batiste, an astonishing musician as accomplished playing a Beethoven concerto as creating hits with Beyonce.

“Along with Mika and Claudia, Jon Batiste will trawl the nation’s train stations – and for the first time an airport – looking for the remarkable amateur pianists who prove that musical magic can be found in the most surprising places.”

Transmission details will be announced in due course.