Leno Snags American Idol Assoc. Musical Director

Holley, who in 2009 joined the school's Vocal Department chaired by multiple Grammy-award-nominee Tierney Sutton, has extensive credits singing alongside the likes of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, Usher, Queen Latifah, Sugarland and Rod Stewart. Holley is reunited with longtime friend and colleague Ricky Minor, whom he worked with on Idol for five seasons and who is now the music director for the Tonight Show Band.

"It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks since Leno has been back on the air, but I'm so excited to start this great new chapter in my music career," says Holley. After a quick chuckle he says, "I've been up night and day learning hundreds of songs." Holley will continue his work at LA Music Academy where his newest courses, Stage Presence, Rehearsal Technique and Showcase, were implemented this semester and are available to all students in the diploma and degree programs.

"I think you'll see a new direction, tone and energy with the music performed by the brand new Tonight Show Band," he says. "I'm so fortunate to be playing alongside Minor as well as Randolph Ellis, Miguel Gandelman, Raymond Monterio, Garrett Smith, J.Wayne Linsey, David Delhomme, Paul Jackson Jr., Teddy Campbell and Kevin Ricard. Holley says he's heard the rumors but wouldn't be opposed to playing with Smokey Robinson, Bret Michaels, Shania Twain, Steve Vai or Snoop Dogg. "Supposedly they, and upwards of 70 other musicians, have reached out to Minor to sit in with the band," he says.