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.
Soon to be released by Delores Hershey! Crossover song: Written by the music director & vocal coach of AMERICAN IDOL - MICHAEL ORLAND: “I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU“- DELORES HERSHEY
MY NEW SINGLE!...'MY COWBOY!' A SNEAK PREVIEW ONLY UP FOR 1 WEEK. PLEEEEASE GO TAKE A LISTEN AND LEAVE A COMMENT! :D :D :D God Bless, Mishavonna Phil 4:13
Show Choir! - The Musical is thrilled to announce the kickoff of their new Official Website! Swing by to check out our page! Purchase Tunes! Get your official Show Choir merchandise! While you’re there, be sure to join our mailing list to be kept up to date on all the Show Choir news!
My new cd WIN SOME LOSE SOME is now available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby!!! Visit my page to listen and then follow a link to BUY! I would really appreciate your support.
Dropping in to tell you I just added some pix and two songs from my upcoming cabaret act: "Distillation of Life: Saloon Girls in History & Hollywood". Enjoy.
Hey Michael! Thanks for the add! Lindsay has an awesome time working with you in October and we really loved seeing you throughout the season on AI and on The Today Show accompanying Adam a few days ago. Excellent work, as always!
The show was great this year and I saw you Several times. Hope you have a few minutes to check out this artists I am trying to promote and help get a break. Her name is SONIA BETTENCORT.JUST CHECK OUT THIS SUPER STAR IN THE MAKING AND i HAVE A HIT SONG WITH HER- "JOHN DOE" WRITTEN BY JEFF RIDLER AND IN MY PUBLISHING COMPANY- SOUNDS OF AICRAM, BMI
Hello, Michael! Please forward to your NY singer contacts. Wednesday is Dolores Hope's 100th Birthday! She is the wife of Bob Hope! CBS is doing a celebration and I am getting a group together to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY Live on the air for her at the request of Delores' publicist! We will gather at CBS between 7AM & 7:15 to sing Happy Birthday to Delores!We want 100 voices for 100 years! Time: 7:15AM at 59th and 5th (next to Apple store). We are working on securing individuals now. Are you interested? Please forward this to EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
I can be reached at 845-365-0720.Please call to confirm! DRESS NICELY! This will be seen nationally!
Thanks for everything. Dolores will be in Los Angeles, where the party will be held that day. TEN DECADES OF DOLORES. With grateful XOXOXs! Richard Skipper 845-365-0720