Radio Podcast: Michael Orland, Starmaker of American Idol
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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Thank you Michael for an informative, fun show! Ran out of time so….watch for Part II.
MICHAEL ORLAND is currently the Pianist, Arranger and Associate Musical Director for the hit FOX-TV series AMERICAN IDOL. We “discovered” Michael behind the scenes when Adam thanked him after his striking and memorable performance of “If I Can’t Have You” on the Top 7 episode.
We’ll ask Michael how it felt to be publicly thanked by Adam. What other highlights from all his years at Idol does Michael celebrate?
But there’s a lot more to this multi-talented musician than working with Idol contestants. He’s collaborated with many legends and soon-to-be legends in the entertainment industry. Do you have questions for Michael? Post them under Comments and we’ll get to as many as we can!
For more information about Michael and his career visit his website
Please post any questions you have for Michael!
onthemeaningofadamlambert.wordpress.com 
I know that ADAM and MIchael Orland have mutual love, admiration and respect for each other. He does appreciate ADAM’s gratefulness to him and mentioning him every chance he got. I think Orland said that it’s only ADAM who acknowledges his effort in musical arrangement and direction among the Idol contestants throughout Idol’s run.
I LOVE Michael Orland! He is so talented and is obviously such a nice man, just like our muse Adam Lambert. He is the only celebrity that I know (and I “know” so many! ; )) ) who consistently replies to tweets from fans (which I appreciate so much.), even tho he certainly doesn’t have to do so…He is such a gracious and humble man who knows so many fabulously talented performers (so fortunate!!) but also treats his fans with respect as well. No wonder Adam and Michael are good friends and have great mutual respect for each other. They are both sweet and lovely human beings. I love Michael’s joy and enthusiasm when he talks about some of his favorite Idol contestants. We (Adam’s fans) and Michael are certainly all Glamberts for sure! What a fabulous and fulfilling profession he has, working with some the best talent in the country..and helping them to fine-tune their skills and their vision of music! I’ll try to be there on Wednesday, but if I can’t make it, “Hello” to Michael from me.. : ))) And thanks for having him on your show! Yay!! @glitzylady/Mary Mary Quite ; )
You were responsible for bringing Pia Toscano out of her shell and arranging “I’ll Stand By You” for her voice. What’s she like to work with and do you plan other collaborations? BTW, are you an official Sweet Pee?! 🙂
Michael,
I was there when you got your start at Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret in NYC.
I remember you were singing Thats What Friends Are For with a pretty, deaf girl signing. It was life changing.
Rocco
What does the Asst. Musical Director do? You seem to be the accompanist to most of the singing during Hollywood week. But don’t other musicians and arrangers help contestants throughout the season. How is that decided and what do you do with the contestant? Help them pick a song? Arrangement? Styling on the stage?Other musicians and back up singers?
When Adam was “cleared” for Zepplin, he was very excited. Other constestants have complained about songs not being cleared. What is that all about? Had Zepp not agreed before? Was it Adam they were changed their minds about? Now others are singing their songs? Cleared means kind of always?
Do most contestants take a lot of assistance or do they dig in for what they want? How was Adam to work with as we know he kind of knows what he wants?!
I’ve been seeing you around on other tv shows and wonder what else you are doing? Do you write your own music? Any plans for solo work? (Maybe this is stuff I should know!)
Love it Michael!
We’re so looking forward to tonight!
7:15 is perfect.
Kath
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Looking forward to tonight. Sitting on the airplane now heading back to Los Angeles as I type. Can’t wait to hear from all the Adam fans out there.
Michael, I have never known a more true and sincere friend to all who aspire to be the best at what they do..than you. You have given and given your entire life, at least for the nearly decades that I have known you So, I have to think that at some point in your life you have had to say “no” to someone just to keep your sanity…is there anyone out there that you have not worked with yet, that you would like to? Love you buddy- Lloyd
I believe Joshua Ledet also thanked you. I am really digging him. His voice is crazy good! : Which Idol contestant has been the most pleasurable,and the most talented, to work with? Care to share who was the worst?
Great show tonight with Michael Orland! Cannot wait for him to come back. I’m a fan now (and also following him on Twitter!).