Michael Damian talks playing Danny Romalotti on The Young and the Restless, his new music, album, and more.
Actor, singer, director, writer, and producer Michael Damian is back with a brand-new song, “Let Me Into Your Heart,” which has already climbed to #29 on the Adult Contemporary chart — all in less than two weeks since its release. No surprise there!
Beyond his iconic role as Danny Romalotti on The Young and the Restless, Michael has enjoyed a decades-long, successful music career with hits like Rock On, She Did It, Was It Nothing at All, and more.
Michael first kicked off his music journey as part of his family band, The Weirz, and this week, Soap Opera News caught up with the Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter for a chat. Check out what went down below!
Let Me Into Your Heart
SON: “Let Me Into Your Heart” is amazing. How are you feeling now that it’s finally out in the world?
Michael Damian: It’s really exciting! It’s actually part of an album I’ve been working on for over a year. We ended up releasing it a little earlier than planned because the timing lined up perfectly with The Young and the Restless — and even The Bachelor. We had this wild “disaster party” scene we turned into something fun, even after the power went out! It was a blast getting some of the cast to sing with me — that made it extra special. The rest of the album will be coming out next February, so I’m really looking forward to that.
SON: That’s so exciting! The single already hit #29 on the Adult Contemporary chart in less than two weeks. How does it feel to see such a strong response so quickly?
Michael Damian: It feels amazing. I’ve gotten some really positive feedback from both radio and record industry folks — people who’ve been in the business for years — and they’ve had such kind things to say about the song. So we’re definitely off to a great start. And this week, it just hit the Contemporary chart as well, which is fantastic. I’m actually finishing up a more pop-oriented version in the studio right now — something a little hotter for pop radio. We might as well reach all the formats, right?
Michael Damian’s Music Career
SON: You also worked with Grammy-winning producers Larry and Tom on this project. What was that collaboration like, and how did they help shape the sound?
Michael Damian: They’re incredible. They’ve worked with so many amazing artists over the years, and that kind of experience just rubs off on you. They’re creative, fun, and they create such a positive atmosphere in the studio. We brought in some really talented live players and background singers, and it became a true collaboration. I wanted the record to sound current, but also authentic — something that feels real, with that warm, analog vibe instead of being overly digital.
SON: It’s such a beautiful song, full of love and connection. What inspired it? Was there a particular moment or story that sparked the idea?
Michael Damian: It’s really about being closed off and learning how to open your heart again — whether it’s to love, to a new relationship, or even to life itself. I think everyone can interpret it in their own way, based on where they are or what they’ve been through. You can know someone a long time or just meet them, but at some point, you have to decide to open your heart. That’s what the song is about.
Music to My Ears
SON: Exactly! So when listeners press play on your music, what do you hope they feel?
Michael Damian: I hope they feel joy — a little escapism. Music is such a powerful thing; it can instantly transport you to a different time in your life. It can reconnect you to memories — the air, the clothes you wore, the emotions you felt. It’s amazing how one song can do that.
I think what it’s about is it’s the ultimate total recall of feelings and emotions. And if I could be a part of that, when they play the song, they think of wonderful times, wonderful people who were in their lives, or are still in their lives, or who helped them through their lives — that’s one of the great things about it.
Touring has been incredible through the years, too. I’ve traveled to so many amazing places. Music is such an important part of my life. If it wasn’t for music, I wouldn’t have gotten the part on The Young and the Restless to begin with. I owe Bill Bell an unwavering debt of gratitude for creating the character of Danny Romalotti and allowing me to perform and sing all these songs on the show through the years. We all helped each other. It was incredible.
The Young and the Restless: Danny and Christine’s Wedding
I’m really thrilled that Josh Griffith was responsive when I sent the song to him. I said, ‘Hey, maybe this would work for the acoustic, let’s save it for the Bachelor/Bachelorette party moment.’ And we got the fabulous Lauralee to sing some harmonies — which is a first, by the way! She was right there on the piano singing. That’s a first! And then, of course, we’ve got the big 35-years-in-the-making wedding coming up.
SON: What can fans expect from that?
Damian: They can expect to see some nostalgic, familiar characters from way back coming in for the special event. A lot of fun, a lot of drama, a lot of emotion — 35 years of wanting this to happen. Cricket wanting to be together with Danny, and a lot of people have been rooting for us. I think this is really awesome. It’s for the fans — they’re the ones who made this happen. They’ve been so vocal on social media.
But I guarantee you, it’s not going to be just a walk in the park or a walk down the aisle. It’s going to have some ups and downs. That’s what makes it interesting and unpredictable. I think the fans are really going to enjoy it. The 21st and the 24th (of November) are the wedding days.
Revising the Romance
SON: Did you ever think you’d get a chance to revisit this romance?
Damian: When we reconnected, it was during COVID. Things were kind of quiet, and they said, ‘Hey, you’re making movies, but can you pop into Genoa City?’ I said, ‘Okay, yeah — in between my film company business, I’d love to.’ But I did not think we would get to where we are now. I’d hoped it would get there, but it couldn’t have been rushed. She was with Paul, and that whole thing had to end first.
You don’t want it to be, “Oh, it’s over with Paul, okay, let’s get married next week.’ Danny has always said, ‘I’ll never give up on us.’ He’s said that many times. And here we are.
It’s really great. It’s going to be fun for daytime. And it’s awesome that we’re doing this big event wedding, bringing back Patty Weaver and Tricia Cast. We had such a great time shooting those shows — it felt like the good old days.
SON: What does it mean to you to still be connected to Danny’s story and the fans after all this time?
Damian: It’s such a thrill and an honor to have played this character. He hasn’t been replaced — I don’t think he could be. Even when I left to do other things — like moving to France for three years or leaving for Joseph — the show always kept him consistent. The fans have been so loyal.
I know it upset them a bit when he was being extra nice to Phyllis. But he survived it, turned it around, and everything’s back on track. Maybe it was just to make sure he wasn’t too perfect. (Laughs) She is the mother of his child, after all. He can’t just push her off the side of the boat completely! He’s trying to keep a harmonious family dynamic going. But at the end of the day, you can’t have it both ways — you have to choose.
SON: What’s one thing that The Young and the Restless has taught you about performing?
Damian: One thing I’ve learned from the show is about being prepared, rehearsed, and focused. I’ve always been that way, but the show pushes you to another level. The amount of dialogue you have to memorize, interpret, and perform, and then delete and move on to the next day, is incredible.
I used to do maybe five pages a day. Now it’s 25 or 30. That’s the new pace, and I kind of like it. It’s really challenged me. I’ve learned a new rehearsal process — I now snapshot the dialogue in my mind, like a photograph. I do that with music, too. Whether you’re singing or acting, it’s all about emotion and honesty, making it real and believable.
You don’t want to sound like you’re reading lyrics or dialogue off the page. That’s something I’m still working on and trying to get better at. I try not to get too comfortable — I want to keep growing. I’m doing that with my music too. Hopefully you’ll like the new songs!
I’m working on my voice a lot — vocalizing, strengthening. The music has helped my acting, and the acting has helped my music.
SON: You’ve had success in film as well. What drives that ambition?
Damian: I’ve always set high goals for myself. When I’m making a movie, I tell the cast and crew, ‘Don’t you understand? We’re making a movie that’s going to be the number one movie in the world.’ That’s the mindset. My dad always said, ‘Go do it all out, full throttle, or don’t do it.’ And my mom was the same way — both were passionate about finishing what you started and giving 100 percent.
I’m really grateful for my parents and my siblings. They were so supportive. When I didn’t want to practice, they pushed me. You have to have discipline and make sacrifices if you want to go the distance. It takes perseverance, sacrifice — and maybe a little bit of delusion!
Balancing Music and TV
SON: How are you balancing the whirlwind of music and TV right now?
Damian: You’ve got to have good time management and a solid calendar. I make time for writing and recording — usually on weekends, since the show doesn’t film then. When I’m in movie production, it’s a different setup. Right now, I’m in writing mode, prepping a couple of projects, and working on music. The key is getting up early — and going to bed early.
SON: And finally, what can fans look forward to next?
Damian: The full album will be out in February. And of course, the big wedding episodes on The Young and the Restless — they’re something really special.
So, are you excited for the wedding? What do you think of Mihael’s new song? Leave a comment below!
