Chennai: Musical prodigy, Lydian Nadhaswaram, has won the finale of the first season of reality talent competition, 'The World's Best'.
A pianist, Lydian Nadhaswaram is the son of Tamil music director Varshan Satish. He edged Kukkiwon, a martial arts cum acrobats team from South Korea, in the final round of the contest to take home the prize money of USD 1 million.
In the finale, after Lydian was awarded an average score of 47 points against Kukkiwon's 50 by the American judges, the competition was opened to voting from the public. What began as a tight voting round soon turned in Lydian's favor. At the end, he had scored 84 over Kukkiwon's 63.
The 13-year-old boy, who has earned the moniker 'Mini Maestro', has enthralled millions of music lovers through his electrifying performances and the lightning speed of his magical fingers. He possesses an incredible talent of playing different compositions on two pianos simultaneously. He had also awed the audience by playing the piano blindfolded. For his final performance at 'The World's Best', Lydian played a medley of Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' and Chopin's etudes on two pianos simultaneously.
Based in California, 'The World's Best' television series' three-member judge panel comprises Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore, Hollywood actress and singer RuPaul Andre Charles, and American singer Faith Hill. The show is produced by Mark Burnett and Mike Darnell, and was hosted by British actor-comedian, James Kimberley Corden.
Lydian, who lives in Chennai is a full-time music student and is practicing under the tutelage of Augustine Paul. His sister Amrithavarshini is also an expert flute player.
