Orianthi

orianthi panagaris people

Orianthi Panagaris, known mononymously as Orianthi, is a powerhouse in the world of music, revered for her exceptional guitar skills and dynamic presence. Born in Adelaide, Australia, she picked up the guitar at the age of six, inspired by iconic musicians like Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix. Her dedication and prodigious talent quickly set her on a path to international stardom.

Orianthi’s big break came when she was handpicked by the late Michael Jackson to be his lead guitarist for the highly anticipated “This Is It” concert series. Although the tour was ultimately canceled, the experience catapulted her into the global spotlight. Since then, Orianthi has collaborated with a range of legendary artists, including Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, and Carrie Underwood, showcasing her ability to transcend genres with ease.

A defining chapter in her career has been her collaboration with the illustrious musician and producer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame. Together, they formed a creative partnership that melds Orianthi’s vibrant guitar work with Stewart’s seasoned production expertise. Their joint efforts have resulted in projects that not only highlight Orianthi’s exceptional musical prowess but also push the boundaries of contemporary rock and pop music.

Orianthi’s discography features acclaimed solo albums that boast chart-topping singles and demonstrate her evolution as an artist. Whether she’s delivering blistering guitar solos or crafting emotive ballads, her music resonates with authenticity and passion. Beyond her technical skill, it’s her charisma and energy that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Orianthi Penny Panagaris is an Australian guitarist, singer and songwriter known for her virtuosic playing and genre-spanning career. Born in Adelaide in 1985, she began playing guitar at age six and was performing professionally by her teens. Her breakthrough came when she was selected as Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for his planned This Is It tour in 2009. She also performed at Jackson’s memorial service and appeared in the This Is It documentary, which showcased her talent to a global audience.
Her solo career took off with the release of Believe in 2009, featuring the hit single “According to You,” which charted in the US, Australia and Japan. Orianthi has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora, and Dave Stewart, who produced her Fire EP and contributed to her third album Heaven in This Hell. She has toured extensively, played at major festivals, and appeared on shows like American Idol and the Billboard Music Awards. Her later projects include the albums O (2020) and Rock Candy (2022), and she continues to release new music, including her 2025 single “Attention” on Woodward Avenue Records.

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