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, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and a record number of appearances on THE ELLEN SHOW. At the end of every IDOL season, Michael also accompanies the top 3 contestants to New York for appearances on REGIS & KELLY, CBS EARLY SHOW, and concerts on the plaza for THE TODAY SHOW. He has collaborated with music industry giants such as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Diane Warren, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Jennifer Lopez, and Tony Bennett all as a result of American Idol. He also served as a pianist/coach for the successful summer series AMERICA’S GOT TALENT (Seasons 1 & 2) and a few seasons back 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, theater, and nightclub scene. In addition to playing and conducting for many celebrities including Susan Anton, Lucie Arnaz, Kaye Ballard, Lynda Carter, Sam Harris, Jennifer Holliday, Lainie Kazan, Sally Kellerman, Gladys Knight, Barry Manilow, Maureen McGovern, Chita Rivera, Cybill Shepherd and the late 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 O’Donnell Show, Leeza, The Maury Povich Show, The Wayne Brady Show, and Geraldo. He also appeared on the hit sitcom “THE NANNY” performing an original song. He also played a pianist (it’s a stretch) on the WB sitcom “WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU” and the UPN sitcom HALF & HALF. Every winter, Michael musical directs one of the touring companies of the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR starring the world-famous Rockettes. And he is now a published author in the best-selling book “Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul” An accomplished songwriter, his songs have been featured on several daytime soaps and primetime shows. On recordings, he can be heard on Debbie Gravitte’s “Alan Menken Album” and “MGM Album”; Rita McKenzie’s “Ethel Merman’s Broadway”, “Ruthless! The Musical”, and produced and arranged several CD’s for cabaret artists. Michael is currently working on a solo piano album due out soon. Please visit Michael's site or Facebook Page periodically for news and updates.