Michelle DeBellis ’09: Driving Force of The Four
Communication Alumna Thrives on the Thrill of Live Television
By Alex Lyman ’12/G’16
Seven years ago, Michelle DeBellis ’09 made the connection of a lifetime while working at a Long Island, New York restaurant. That chance meeting was with a producer on American Idol (back when it aired on FOX), who was also the COO of 19 Entertainment. He then invited her in for a job interview that landed her a position as a talent coordinator and music manager for the show. Within one month, DeBellis packed her bags and moved to Los Angeles to begin her adventure in the entertainment industry.
That was just the beginning for DeBellis. Since then, she has worked as a field producer, filming rehearsal packages on Dancing with the Stars; stepped up her position to a producer on Idol (this time with ABC); and currently works as a producer on the hit show The Four: Battle for Stardom.
Her role on The Four spans the show’s entire season. She invites potential contestants to an unaired audition, and later delivers the news about their future on the show. Once a contestant makes it to the live show, DeBellis becomes akin to their manager. She learns the contestants’ backstories and goals, which helps the story team create the introductory packages aired on the show. DeBellis also advises contestants on wardrobe, stage notes, and musical arrangements with the band so that everything goes smoothly during episode tapings.
“My job is to become friends with them,” she explains. “I’m the person they feel safe with. If they aren’t comfortable, or if something great has happened, I’m the person they come to. I set the tone for their performances, which is important, because it reflects back on the live show.”
On show day, DeBellis stays backstage with the contestants, providing moral support and coaching them on different scenarios that could play out live.
“I really enjoy being a part of helping people’s dreams come true,” she says. “Whatever their story is, they all have a dream to make it big and they’re using this show as a platform. I get genuinely invested in their journey.”
While the entertainment industry seems elusive to many, DeBellis maintains her success through commitment, passion, and true attention to personal relationships. Her B.A. in Communication from Western New England gave her the technical foundation needed to get the job done, and the busy college schedule prepared her for 18-hour show days and the chaos that tends to ensue.
Her jobs on three major network television shows gave her experience in casting, camera operation, interviewing, music clearance, and segment creation, to name a few. However, general soft skills are equally as important, such as clear communication, compassion, and grace under pressure.
“At the end of the day, you need to go into the job interview and explain what you bring to the table,” she says. “You need to sell yourself.”
