MICHAEL ORLAND (Musical Director / Pianist)
is currently the Pianist, Arranger and Associate Musical Director for the hit FOX-TV series AMERICAN IDOL. Through this amazing opportunity, Michael has appeared on OPRAH, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, and THE WAYNE BRADY SHOW, and has collaborated with music industry giants such as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, and Diane Warren, to mention just a few. He also served in the same capacity for the successful summer series AMERICAN JUNIORS and has Associate Produced two hit singles (GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. and WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE) for AMERICAN IDOL as well as the hit compilation CD from AMERICAN JUNIORS.
Michael began his impressive musical career in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts at the tender age of three, when he escorted each member of his family, one by one, to see MARY POPPINS and then sat down at the piano and played the songs by ear. Since this auspicious beginning, he has become one of the most acclaimed musical directors on the concert and nightclub scene.
In addition to playing and conducting for many celebrities including Lucie Arnaz, Kaye Ballard, Deborah Gibson, Shecky Greene, Jennifer Holliday, Lainie Kazan, Sally Kellerman, Gladys Knight, Barry Manilow, Chita Rivera, and the late Nell Carter and Wayland Flowers & Madame, Michael played for the hit shows FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, RUTHLESS!, and WHEN PIGS FLY in Los Angeles. He made his Hollywood Bowl debut accompanying the legendary MGM star Ann Miller.
Prior to AMERICAN IDOL, television appearances have included The Rosie ODonnell Show, Leeza, The Maury Povich Show, and Geraldo. He also appeared on the hit sitcom THE NANNY performing an original song. Look for an upcoming appearance on the UPN sitcom HALF & HALF where Michael not only performs an original song, but also nails a line of dialogue with the perfect comic timing he has acquired from sitting through years of nightclub acts.
An accomplished songwriter, his songs have been featured on several daytime soaps and primetime shows. On recordings, he can be heard on Debbie Gravittes Alan Menken Album and MGM Album; Rita McKenzies Ethel Mermans Broadway, Ruthless! The Musical, and produced and arranged Roslyn Kinds Come What May. Michael is currently working on a solo piano album due out soon.
Hi Michael! Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions at Castrocopia. You are so accomodating and generous with your time. Your nurturing attitude is one of a kind.
hi Michael- I just wanted to stop by and personally thank you for chatting with us over at Castrocopia last night. It's great to hear from someone as knowledgeable and as insightful as you...and you do have a personality! I laughed at your jokes haha Good luck on tour! :)
Missed you at Castrocopia last night, yet read the transcript this AM. I love the way you care so much about each of the idols! Such talent to have the gift of music and also to be able to nurture and grow the same gifts in others! You love your work and yet take the time out of a very hectic schedule to share your insights and pearls of wisdom.
Hi Michael, Thanks for another great interview on Castrocopia about Jason Castro! I really enjoyed reading the transcript. It's wonderful to hear your positive comments about Jason and his strong work ethic. Sounds like you're a great motivator, teacher and friend to all the Idol contestants and I loved your individual work with them on "Access Hollywood" and "Ellen". Those performances of Jason's "Daydream" were a couple of my favortes! Have a blessed day!
Hi Michael! Glad we're friends. I saw that you will be on Castrocopia again next week. I sure enjoyed your last visit! Looking forward to next week. You do a great job on Idol! Dianne Dreadhead # 1641
