Brad Kella Delights Crowds with Surprise Performance in Liverpool

Brad Kella, the winner of the talent show The Piano, captivated shoppers in Liverpool this evening with a surprise performance at Liverpool ONE. The event took place at the Sugar House Steps, a location significant to Kella’s musical journey, where he first garnered public attention.

Crowds gathered to enjoy an impromptu concert featuring tracks from his debut album, Phoebe’s Melody, as well as some fan-favourite pieces. A particularly heartwarming highlight occurred when six-year-old Teddie Nugent joined Kella on stage for an unexpected duet, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

From Humble Beginnings to Nationwide Tours

This performance marks Kella’s last appearance in Liverpool before he embarks on a nationwide tour next month. His journey to success has not been without its challenges; growing up in Bootle, he entered foster care at the age of seven and faced periods of homelessness. His breakthrough moment came when he played on one of the public pianos at Liverpool ONE, which caught the eye of producers from Channel 4, leading to his participation in The Piano.

Since winning the show, Kella has performed at prestigious venues including the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, and he has supported renowned artist Gary Barlow on his national tour. Just last month, he participated in the Tickle the Ivories Piano Festival, celebrating its upcoming 15th anniversary in 2025.

A Personal Legacy Through Music

Speaking to the ECHO about his achievements, Kella shared his feelings about returning to the venue where it all began. He reflected, “A year and a half ago, I was homeless playing on these streets trying to earn money through a bucket, so the fact that I’m here today after finishing a tour with Gary Barlow and the album being out is just amazing.”

His debut album, released in June 2023, is named after his two daughters, Phoebe and Melody, which Kella describes as a “pure legacy.” He expressed his desire for them to understand the efforts he has made in his career, saying, “I know I’m not going to be here forever, but I want them to know that their dad has tried his best and has got an album with their names on.”

Kella described fatherhood as “a massive responsibility,” admitting he was initially apprehensive about becoming a parent. He noted that his daughters have brought a new emotional depth to his music, motivating him to create high-quality work in order to provide for them.

At just 24 years old, Kella has accomplished remarkable feats, including a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” for the John Lewis 2024 Christmas advert and a sold-out performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic. His ambitions continue to grow, as he plans to perform at various festivals across the UK this summer and aspires to compose music for a major film.

The excitement surrounding Kella’s surprise performance underscores both his personal journey and the community’s enthusiasm for his music. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the power of music.