IT was an emotional evening for so many people when a lad from Bootle called Brad Kella sold out the Philharmonic Hall.

Earlier this year he was just an unknown self-taught musician who won the second series of Channel 4's series The Piano.

Brad's life could have gone completely off the rails if he and his twin brother Aron had not been fostered by Frank and Eve Kilmartin.

The rest is history for the likeable 23-year-old, dad-of-two who now lives in Fazakerley with girlfriend Abby.

His proud family were there to celebrate a musician who has the brightest of futures ahead of him - a rising star with an album out next year.

So why was this concert so moving? Because Brad himself was overwhelmed by the love and support in the Hall from people who could see in him someone who had magically turned his life around.

Near to tears, he introduced each of his beautiful, self-penned pieces and talked about who and what inspires him.

Before he took to the stage the wide-aged group audience gave a huge welcome and stirring applause for fellow The Piano finalist - Ukrainian refugee Darla Golovchenko who presented a short set of classical works.

Brad, dressed in smart grey suit (what a contrast to his former trackie) charmed everyone with his self-effacing Scouse humour.

It's impossible not to like him or his optimistic philosophy.

He wants to be a role model saying through his music and success: 'look at me, if I can do this - you can, too.'

His distinctive music ranges from the melancholy to the uplifting. He will be a great film soundtrack composer - just one of his ambitions.

Home to Me, Levels, New Beginning and Shelter are songs with biographical elements.

One of the most poignant of numbers is his tribute to his foster parents with the mesmerising Eve and Frank.

There was another pair of influential people he has paid homage ton- his daughters saluted by him in the delightful lullabye-esque Phoebe and Melody.

The standing ovations throughout the entire hall from stalls to circles spoke volumes.

On an atmospherically lit stage he was joined by his musical mentor Rosie Danvers who brought along an outstanding string ensemble.

It was a night to remember - a joyous celebration for a local hero and home-grown talent Brad explained that while at school his classmates would aspire to be the next Steven Gerrard.

He wanted to be the next Beethoven.

Forget that . . . he is the first Brad Kella.

VERDICT: A Keyboard Wizard 5 stars