Why Lang Lang is missing on The Piano – everything we know

As The Piano returns for a third season on Channel 4 with Claudia Winkleman and Mika, viewers may notice a familiar face is missing.

It’s that time of year again when Britain’s most talented amateur pianist show off their musical genius in the nation’s busiest train stations.

All with the chance of reaching the final and performing to thousands in a concert hall.

As usual, The Traitors star will be back to guide our skilled instrumentalists through the highs and lows of making their dreams come true while Mika will resume dispense wisdom and advice to the contestants in his position as mentor.

After two hugely successful seasons, however, the internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang will not be joining the Grace Kelly hitmaker.

So where is Lang Lang and who will be taking over in his absence… read on to find out.

Why is Lang Lang not in The Piano season three?

In June last year, it was announced that Lang Lang would be stepping down due to international concert commitments clashing with the filming schedule for The Piano.

His last appearance was during The Piano Christmas special.

In a statement at the time, he said: ‘Being a mentor on The Piano and spending time with the talented pianists has been a true joy. The level of talent I have witnessed has been phenomenal, and it has been a privilege to see the love for playing the piano across the UK.

He added that he would miss Claudia and Mika ‘terribly’.

In an interview with Metro, Mika shared his sadness at Lang Lang’s departure.

‘‘For me, Lang Lang going away was destabilising,’ he said, before adding: ‘Sometimes I had to explain to Lang Lang what ABBA was which in itself was so glorious because he was so pure. He knows all the classical music very well.’

And Claudia echoed: ‘[Lang Lang] is adorable. Once you’re part of The Piano, you’re always part of The Piano. That’s what we say to our pianists as well. People from series one still message going: “what are you doing?”

‘Or I speak to Lucy’s [season one winner] mum so that’s a lovely thing.
Lang Lang will forever be with us. There was no goodbye, because that would be too difficult.’

As for whether the piano virtuoso would ever return to the show, Claudia said she had no idea but he would ‘always be welcome’ while Mika joked that they have been keeping him abreast of the journey through texts.

As for Lang Lang, his upcoming tour commences in April. It starts in London before travelling across cities in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US.

Of course, Channel 4 has lined up an epic replacement.

Who is replacing Lang Lang in The Piano season three?

Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and composer Jon Batiste is joining season three of The Piano as Lang Lang’s replacement.

The Grammy winner has previously worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran and Lana Del Rey. Now he is bringing his expertise to the Channel 4 competition series.

When his casting was announced, Jon said: ‘I am so happy to be a mentor on The Piano and to witness the pianists for the new series express themselves on the instrument I’ve dedicated my life to,” he said.

‘This show will bring together my unique history of performing in both train stations and concert halls. No matter where, I always have believed that music at its best creates community and brings folks together in divided times.

‘It will be a massive joy to do just that all around the UK train stations with the piano and new talent. In collaboration with Mika, an incredible songwriter and musician and Claudia with her own inimitable style, I can’t wait for all the thrilling musical experiences ahead.’

And Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief creative officer, added: ‘After helping to establish the Piano in just two series as one of the country’s best loved and most joyous TV shows, Lang Lang leaves big shoes to fill – but if anyone can fill them it is Jon Batiste,

‘An astonishing musician as accomplished playing a Beethoven concerto as creating hits with Beyoncé.’

Mika told Metro about the differences between the two mentors.

‘‘[With Jon Batsiste] it brought the level of conversation to a different kind of energy, it was stimulating and I think change is good,’ he said about Jon’s wide-ranging repertoire knowledge.

The show has not officially been greenlit for a fourth season so Jon’s future on the show will likely be confirmed at the same time.

The Piano airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.

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