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Michael Orland has been at the centre of many great musical moments across his career and they keep on coming. In his role as part of the American Idol team across 16 seasons he’s played with hundreds of talented musicians. As you’ll hear, that brings with it some wonderful insights into music, musicianship and professionalism.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Michaels music upbringing and playing piano at age 3
The Duplex Cabaret / Piano Bar
The life of a break pianist and progressing to five years of playing in piano bars
The huge learning opportunities of musical theatre, dinner theatre and the cruise circuit
Michael’s first MD job: Wayland Flowers and Madame
Michael in action with Jennifer Hudson (and Adam Lambert)
Becoming Barry Manilow’s rehearsal pianist
Joining American Idol
The pace of shooting week on American Idol
Accompanying Idol contestants on Ellen more than 70 times
Katharine McPhee on American Idol
The role of pianist in building a singer’s confidence on American Idol
Adam Lambert – If I Can’t Have You
Working with David Foster
David Foster at Sea
Working on the Celebrity Duets TV show
Some tips for players in today’s social media driven age
Michael’s Instagram
The joy of working with Kristin Chenoweth
Michael’s 2025 album In My Life
Sam Gravitte – Love Is Why We’re Here
Desert Island Discs: The Fantasticks – Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, Gold: Greatest Hits – Carpenters, Ultimate Manilow – Barry Manilow, any Elton John album, any Billy Joel album.
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
