Armless Toe Pianist Wins ‘China’s Got Talent’

SHANGHAI (AP) — A musician who lost both arms in a childhood accident and plays the piano with his toes has won “China’s Got Talent,” performing his version of James Blunt’s wistful love song “You’re Beautiful” to a packed audience at the Shanghai Stadium.

Armless Toe Pianist Wins Chinas Got TalentAll three judges on the show Sunday praised 23-year-old Liu Wei for his determination, urging him to keep on pursuing his dreams, and the Beijing native said he would try, quipping, “At least I have a pair of perfect legs.”

For winning the Chinese version of the show that helped make Britain’s Susan Boyle a singing star, Liu will be invited to play as a guest performer with Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai. He also has the chance for a performing contract.

Liu’s arms were amputated after he suffered an electrical shock while playing hide-and-seek when he was 10. At age 18, he decided to pursue a career in music, using his feet to play the piano, much as he uses them to navigate on the computer, eat, dress and brush his teeth.

“China’s Got Talent,” a weekly program shown on local channel Dragon TV, has helped draw attention to the hopes and challenges of disabled and otherwise disadvantaged Chinese. It featured scores of acts, including a 7-year-old standup comedian, Zhang Fengxi, who won second place.

The program, which began in July, is part of British recording executive Simon Cowell’s “Got Talent” franchise, which now has versions broadcasting in more than 30 countries.

Comments (26)

  • JohnLocke
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:19am

    That is greatness.

    Report Post » JohnLocke  
  • suehal
    Posted on October 12, 2010 at 4:55pm

    Wow, what a story of triumph over adversity. We need to have more stories about people like this young man and less stories about self indulgent celebrities. And here that lady (?) in Great Britain would have had him snuffed out because he is less than perfect-well, at least perfect as INTELLECTUAL SNOBS define it.

    Report Post »  
  • firedragon
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 8:49pm

    this guy is so talented. I have been taking piano for 5 yrs.He inspires me to be more focused. God bless the very brilliant young man. His talent is b/t/ful & God given gift. Music of the spheres !

    Report Post » firedragon  
  • EZDOZIT
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 8:22pm

    Bravo!

    Report Post »  
  • HTuttle
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:51pm

    Much better than I was expecting.
    When he plays with friends do they call it a Toe Jam?

    Report Post »  
    • WhiteNoise
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 4:15pm

      If the piano lid falls, do they call a ToeTruck?

      Maybe they can just grad a bag of FreeToes.

      I prefer to play by ear.

      Report Post » WhiteNoise  
  • akamaikamaaina
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:32pm

    These are some very serious people. Compared with American Idol‘s judges or American Idol’s audience, the faces and eyes of these people reveal an intelligence and gravitas that is no longer present in the America that we live in. We have become bovine, amlessly grazing the grasses of greed; obeise wretches, chewing our respective cuds, ruminating drivel.

    Report Post »  
    • messenger
      Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:58am

      America; all the world’s stage, where all the world converges on your doorstep.

      Even the stars seem small by comparison with the size of your beacon, a ray of hope amid an endless realm of darkness.

      Do not unjustly associate many unknown souls with mediocrity and malaise.

      America will be tested like no other at no other time.

      The calm before the storm belies her call to readiness.

      She is not a single entity but many; a race of Humanity.

      Watch her meld into the face of an almighty spirit when challenged with defeat.

      It would be unwise to think her truly done for good.

      Although evil knows no bounds, America knows no limits.

      One is prone to bending the rules with the other upholding the laws.

      The only constant in this world?

      Change.

      Report Post »  
    • txpiper
      Posted on October 12, 2010 at 1:15pm

      I wish your observation was wrong.

      Report Post » txpiper  
    • messenger
      Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:31pm

      You can’t be that much of a hopeless realist, not with the ability to “wish” still intact.

      Take heart, friend.

      Not everything’s left to happenstance.

      Report Post »  
  • ichbin
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 4:58pm

    Inspirational! Hats off to those who show us nothing is impossible.

    Report Post » ichbin  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 3:35pm

    I’d bet that the HuffPo has uplifting stories like this every day … after all, we conservatives are heartless, hateful racists. Right?

    Report Post » OK3Wire  
  • joseph Fawcett
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 2:47pm

    God is so great, I don’t think we understand how great He made us until people like this come along and expand our concept of what is really possible. I am humbled and agree with the judges, how can I complain about my personal life when this young man has put me to shame for my own self doubt and looking at what I think are my limitations. May God Bless that young man even more than He has in just thanks from me for showing me how great is our God.

    http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
  • Rowgue
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 2:20pm

    Inspiring.

    Report Post »  
  • snowleopard3200
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 2:09pm

    Incredible, so many people can overcome any adversity in their life if given a chance.

    http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mixed art)

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • zippy
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 1:46pm

    All I can say is God is good.

    Report Post »  
  • 123gone
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 1:27pm

    God bless him, that was beautiful. Sure makes you think about the heart of this young man.

    Report Post »  
  • Ellie
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 12:59pm

    Amazing.

    Reminds me if the guy that played the guitar for the Pope some years back. I think it was this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PkgtMB24uQ&feature=related

    Click my name for some cool new Anti-progressivism designs.

    Report Post » Ellie  
  • hopester55
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 12:59pm

    Feel-good story of the day. Great music, great story

    Report Post »  
  • overlumber
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 12:55pm

    We should watch it every morning before we start our day, remember WHOSE we are and praise HIM as this young man has done. We often don’t invest very much of our hearts, minds, souls and bodies do we? How wonderful and what courage!

    Report Post »  
  • Ezekiel38
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 12:01pm

    I remember listening a lot to Richard Clayderman‘s Mariage d’Amour as a child. Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCl-0lu0vHM

    Report Post »  
  • Ezekiel38
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:50am

    Amazing!

    Report Post »  
  • charliego
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:29am

    Beyond beautiful. Proves that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE when you invest your heart and soul.

    Report Post » charliego  
  • misternifty
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:29am

    Amazing

    Report Post »  
  • black9897
    Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:29am

    Would not want to encourage him with “break a leg.” lol.

    Report Post » black9897  
    • WhiteNoise
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 4:07pm

      He is good with his feet, but I player better by ear.

      Report Post » WhiteNoise  

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