Riverside County's Next Rising Star
Singing Competition
Get ready to showcase your vocal talents at the Riverside County’s Next Rising Star competition! This American Idol-style singing contest is calling for entries starting November 1, 2024, through February 23, 2025. Each aspiring star must submit a YouTube audition video performing a song no longer than 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The application fee is $20, which directly supports the 501(c)6 nonprofit Temecula Valley Community Events, dedicated to nurturing local talent and community enrichment.
The top 50 video submissions will advance to the preliminary auditions scheduled for March 22 and March 23, 2025. Participants must ensure they are available during these dates and also from May 23-26 and May 30-June 1, 2025, as the contest will unfold throughout the Family Fun Fest / Riverside County Fair. In addition to gaining invaluable exposure, the grand prize winner will receive $1,000 and a special vocal lesson from Michael Orland, the esteemed vocal coach and musical director from American Idol for 16 seasons.
This contest provides a phenomenal platform for amateur singers who have no professional contracts to catapult their singing careers. Each contestant will also receive a complimentary ticket to the carnival, inviting them to enjoy a day of fun while they compete. Don’t miss your chance to be Riverside County’s next singing sensation!
About Michael Orland
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 (16 seasons as musical director and vocal coach), 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.
