(Musical Director/Pianist) is the Pianist, Arranger and Associate Musical Director for the hit Fox TV series American Idol. He has appeared on Oprah, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Entertainment Tonight, and The Wayne Brady Show, and has collaborated with music industry giants such as Burt Bacharach. He also Associate Produced two hit singles (“God Bless the U.S.A.” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love”) for American Idol. Additionally, Michael has played and conducted for celebrities such as Lucie Arnaz, Jennifer Holliday, Gladys Knight, Barry Manilow, and Chita River. He played in the orchestra for Los Angeles productions of Forbidden Broadway, Ruthless, and When Pigs Fly. Michael is also a highly accomplished songwriter whose music has been featured on countless television shows. michaelorland.com