The competition China’s Got Talent, aired nationally, has been won by a piano player who plays with his toes due to the absence of arms.
Liu Wei, who lost his arms in an accident when he was 10 years old, captivated the audience with his rendition of You’re Beautiful, originally performed by James Blunt.
He expressed to the judges: “At least I have a pair of perfect legs.”
The musician, who is now 23 and hails from Beijing, has received an invitation to perform alongside Taiwanese pop sensation Jolin Tsai.
Additionally, he has the opportunity to showcase his talent in Las Vegas for three months and a potential recording contract, according to reports from Chinese media.
Zhang Fengxi, a seven-year-old stand-up comedian, secured the second position, while the third place was awarded to 23-year-old singer Cai Xiuqing.
Mr. Liu’s arms were amputated after he endured an electric shock during a game of hide and seek as a child. At the age of 18, he taught himself to play the piano.
The finals of China’s Got Talent, held in Shanghai, included performances from contestants representing other countries, such as the dance group Diversity, winners of the 2009 British edition, and Recycled Percussion, who were finalists on America’s Got Talent that same year.
This show is part of a global talent show franchise owned by British music producer Simon Cowell.
Having premiered in May in China, director Jin Lei stated to the Shanghai Daily that a second season is set to be recorded next year.
“China has a wealth of untapped grassroots talent, and we are confident that the show will retain its nationwide appeal and vitality for the next three to five years,” he shared.
