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Everybody thinks they've got talent

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Liu Wei.[File photo]

Armless pianist

Liu Wei, a 24-year-old armless piano player from Beijing, was the champion in the first season of "China's Got Talent" after he stunned the audience by playing piano with his toes and telling his story.

His motto: "I have only two options - I can die as fast as possible, or I can live a brilliant life. And I chose the latter."

As a contracted star with Starlight Entertainment, Liu performed the Chinese classic "Butterfly Lovers," originally a violin concerto, at the Golden Hall in Vienna in January. He is working on his autobiography and his first album, including original songs. In November he will star in a TV series "My Brilliant Life" in which Liu plays an autistic man.

He has received voice and drama coaching, and feedback from film makers was good, says Fu from Starlight Entertainment. "He's hardworking and truly inspiration." Liu has declined offers to endorse famous brands of watches and digital products, preferring to star in public-service shorts.

He plans to set up a personal charity foundation, give inspirational lectures and help drop-outs to get back into school.

In October he will perform with Taiwan singer Wang Lee-hom at the opening of the 8th National Paralympics in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.