Jon Batiste Joins Channel 4’s Acclaimed Series The Piano for its Third Season

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Five-time Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste is set to join Channel 4's popular series, The Piano, as a judge and mentor for its third season. Batiste, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and composer, will replace classical pianist Lang Lang when the show returns next year.

Lang Lang will make his final appearance during a special one-hour Christmas episode this December, featuring talented pianists from the second series performing festive tunes for commuters, alongside special guests and surprises.

Batiste brings extensive experience to The Piano, having worked with stars like Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Beyoncé. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and an Oscar for his work on Pixar's "Soul."

Joining Batiste will be Mika and Claudia Winkleman. The trio will visit five iconic railway stations across the UK, giving amateur pianists a chance to showcase their talents on public pianos.

Series two concluded with Liverpudlian Brad performing his own composition at Manchester's Aviva Studios, moving the audience and raising funds for street pianos in train stations nationwide.

Jon Batiste expressed his excitement, stating, "This show will bring together my unique history of performing in both train stations and concert halls. Music at its best creates community and brings folks together in divided times."

Lang Lang shared his joy of being part of the show and his confidence in Batiste, saying, "Jon Batiste will be fantastic in the role."

Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer Ian Katz and Love Productions' Executive Producer Richard McKerrow both praised Batiste's addition, highlighting his musical versatility and passion for mentoring new talent.

The Piano is commissioned by Channel 4's Shaminder Nahal and Madonna Benjamin and produced by Love Productions.