The musician opened up about his ‘amazing year’
Brad Kella said he wants to be an ‘amazing role model'(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Brad Kella said “there’s no better feeling” as he returned to The Piano. The 23-year-old from Bootle, who now lives in Fazakerley, won season two of the Channel 4 show this summer and captured the hearts of the nation with both his music and his inspiring back story.
Brad was raised in the care system with his twin brother Aron. He praised foster parents Eve and Frank Kilmartin for turning their lives around after a difficult upbringing.
The musician was given the performance of the night in the show’s finale with judges Mika and Lang Lang praising his skill on the piano. Brad is in a long-term relationship with his partner Abbie Lewis and during the series spoke of their love for their daughter Phoebe.
The couple’s second child, Melody, was born in July. Brad has now spoken about how his recent success has made a huge difference to his family.
The musician returned to TV screens on Christmas Day in a festive special as he revealed the inspiration behind the name of his second child. He said: “One thing that Lang Lang said stood out about me was my melodies, so we thought to call our new daughter Melody.”
Brad brought Phoebe on stage during his sell-out show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall which he hopes will be a moment to remember for years to come. He said: “I had the privilege of taking Phoebe to watch me perform.
“I just want to be an amazing role model to my daughter. I hope it’s a core memory for her, so when she gets older she thinks, well if I can do that with the background I’ve had, anything is possible.
“I’ve had an amazing year but when I am away and I am working, I can’t wait to get home and see the kids. And the fact I’ve got another daughter to bring up and be a role model to means more than any opportunity.
“Melody came out with practically a mophead like me but I remember setting eyes on her big blue eyes and it melted my heart. There’s no better feeling in the world.”
Brad, Abbie and Phoebe were homeless for a period before he appeared on the show. The musician said the festive period would be extra special for him this year given his recent success.
Brad said: “I absolutely love Christmas. I remember my first Christmas with Eve and Frank and coming down the stairs and seeing so many presents. They spoiled us rotten.
“Now that I’ve got kids, I think Christmas is even more magical, especially now. I’m in a situation where I can comfortably look after my daughters and give them anything they need, which I’m so proud to say because when Phoebe was younger, we went through a hard time. I’m like the Santa of the house now, it’s boss.”