Everything we know about the third season of “The Piano”

A group of new talent will hit the keys in the third series of The Piano and a panel of expert judges will select a lucky few to play the biggest show of their lives at the Royal Festival Hall.

This popular reality talent show only launched in 2023 but became an instant hit with Channel 4 viewers. In it, we see a selection of amateur musicians taking their place at pianos at various busy British train stations.

Once they’re settled in, they can play whatever they want – from their own interpretations of pop hits to stunning renditions of the great classics. What they don’t know, however, is that they’re being secretly watched by a hidden panel of music icons.

With the third season of The Piano, the show changes things up a bit but keeps the charm right where it is. Here’s what we know about it so far…

When does the third season of “The Piano” start?

There is currently no release date for the third season of Piano, but reports suggest it will premiere in 2025 after a Christmas special airs in late 2024.

Who will host the third season of “The Piano”?

Claudia Winkleman will be back for the third season of “The Piano” after hosting the previous two episodes of the show.

The front woman with the thick bangs has recently become the preferred presenter on television following her success as the sinister puppet master in the BBC hit “The Traitors” and as co-host of “Strictly Come Dancing”.

Who are the judges of the third season of “The Piano”?

There are some changes to the judging panel for the third season of “The Piano”: A new star will help select the best pianists who will perform the show of their lives at the Royal Festival Hall.

Until now, the show’s judging panel consisted of singer-songwriter Mika and Chinese pianist Lang Lang, but the latter has announced that he will leave the show after this year’s Christmas special in late 2024.

The news was confirmed by Channel 4 in June, with Lang Lang citing touring commitments as the reason for his exit.

“Being a mentor at The Piano and spending time with the talented pianists has been a real joy. The level of talent I have witnessed has been phenomenal and it has been a privilege to witness the love of piano playing across the UK,” said the musician.

“I will miss Mika and Claudia terribly, but am very much looking forward to being reunited with them later this year when we film the Christmas special.”

Winkleman was quick to confirm his replacement: Oscar, Grammy and Bafta-winning musician Jon Batiste will join the show. This artist has performed with artists such as Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé and was until recently the in-house bandleader for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

“We are so excited to have @jonbatiste join us for season 3 of The Piano,” Winkleman captioned her post.

Batiste shared his thoughts in a statement of his own, adding, “I am so happy to be a mentor on The Piano and to witness the pianists in the new series express themselves on the instrument to which I have dedicated my life.

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

“It will be a huge pleasure to do just that with the piano and new talent at all of the UK’s train stations. Working with Mika, an incredible songwriter and musician, and Claudia with her own inimitable style, I can’t wait to experience all the exciting musical experiences that lie ahead.”

For the first time in the series’ history, the third season of “The Piano” will be filmed not only at some of the busiest train stations in the country, but also at an airport.

The third season of Piano is coming soon to Channel 4.