Interview: Michael Orland, Pianist, American Idol Music Director

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Sam meets with long-time friend, Michael Orland and exclaim kismet via Mary Poppins. After a brief tour of the home, and Sam attempting to play the "Big" pool piano, they sit to discuss the origins of Worcester, Forbidden Broadway and turning "Bad Seed" into a Ruthless musical. We learn about their mutual Golden Girls friendships with the late Estelle Getty and now, Bea Arhur. Michael tells us how he became involved with American Idol in it's premiere season, now in season 8. Sam's parallel with the show and Star Search, and now the constant Adam Lambert comparison is inescapable. Michael then tries to explain the fact that he lived with Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke.

They end the video with "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" which they performed together many years ago.

For more info on Michael, please visit:
http://michaelorland.com
http://myspace.com/michaelorland

MICHAEL ORLAND
(Musical Director / Pianist)

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.

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Category:

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[cookie08ification]

Was hoping they would have talked a little more about Clay. To me he's the biggest talent to come out of Idol, bar none.

[SamHarrisCOM]

@cookie08ification There's Pottery Idol now? I have to catch up on these shows.

[minijmin]

sam's so cool. thanks for the very interesting views. really enjoyed this.

[ToriKoz]

This computer thing is changing my life. I love learning about gay men living in California! California is so much more progressive than other states. I never got into American Idol, but I love what comes out of it. Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson are two artists that I love to listen to.

[ToriKoz]

I love watching you two guys. I love learning about gay men and what they are like in California. California is so ahead of everyone else and is so much more progressive than the rest of the United States. I know this is a long time ago, but I have been off the internet for twelve years and now I know what I was missing.

[kelsietaylor9]

Too great artists!!!!

[mdd77mdd77]

you guys rock, - love this sammy that you for this - please continue!!

and i agree STOP playing to the camera - play the character, and if the cam happens to pass ans said character notices then great!!! but ignore it 90% of the time. kisses chickens

[mdd77mdd77]

damnit, im new to SHcom, and now i have to watch every SINGLE friend friday, cause baby, gots da best friends!! YAY, i say yay, a lot, is there a support group?

[OhSweetOz]

TOTALLY agree about the people in theater having better voices than most of those on the radio etc. their voices are more trained, controlled, and can endure much more. i hate when theater is considered a BAD thing =(

[lifeatbay]

I totally agree with what Sam said about Adam, especially with his theater background helping him to improve his performance not detract from it. I hate it when Simon Cowell said that Adam was too theatrical. He was just speaking out of ignorance. Most singers from theaters have much better vocals than current singers heard on the radio. Love Sam, Michael, and Adam. They all are talented. When is your next FF video, Sam? Too bad I can't see your show "First Wives Club" in San Diego.