Teen who lost her fingers to meningitis wins Channel 4's The Piano
Grace Matthews, a 19-year-old pianist who lost most of her hands and lower legs to meningitis, has been crowned the winner of Channel 4'sThe Piano The final, held at Birmingham Symphony Hall, saw Matthews perform to a sold-out audience of 2,262 people, who rose to their feet in applause and were moved to tears.
Matthews, who plays using her palm, half a thumb, and the stub of a little finger, lost all of her fingers when she was four years old after contracting meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia. Her mother, Vicky, told the programme that Grace was named after the song “Amazing Grace” because she was delivered by her dad at home.
The audience at the symphony hall gave Matthews a standing ovation after her performance, and viewers at home also reacted emotionally. On X (formerly Twitter), one person wrote: “Well done Grace, even I had a tear,” while another said: “It was really good Grace. Not me crying.” A third commented: “How is that girl making such a beautiful sound on a piano? Extraordinary.” Another viewer added: “Watching #ThePiano and just witnessing something truly extraordinary. If Grace doesn't win there's got to be riots. Absolutely incredible.”
After being announced as the winner, Matthews told the audience: “That is insane. I did not think this would be the outcome at all, but thank you for coming and watching.”
The show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, featured amateur pianists who auditioned at Birmingham New Street Station. Matthews was chosen from scores of talented performers who took part in the competition.