Orianthi Penny Panagaris was born on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, Australia. She is known for being one of the world’s most outstanding female guitarists.

Orianthi independently released her debut album Violet Journey in 2005. Soon after, Carlos Santana brought her to Paul Reed Smith’s attention, later getting her signed to Geffen Records.

She released her major-label debut album Believe in 2007. The single “According to You” made single of the week on iTunes and achieved platinum status in the U.S. and Australia. Her other hit “Suffocated” was featured on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Orianthi appeared at the 51st annual Grammy Awards as Carrie Underwood’s lead guitarist. Following the performance, Underwood invited Orianthi to be in the band, but she didn’t join.

Michael Jackson personally chose Orianthi to be his lead guitarist in his upcoming tour This Is It, after seeing her Grammy performance.

In an interview Orianthi said:

I don’t know exactly why he picked me, but he watched my YouTube videos and loved them. He had his choice of guitar players, but I came in and played “Beat It” solo for him. Afterward, he was so happy he got up and grabbed my arm and started walking up and down the stage area with me. He said, “Can you play once for me?” and hired me that night.

Orianthi sang at Jackson’s memorial which was televised live in 2009. She appears in his film Michael Jackson’s This Is It and presented his award at the 2009 American Music Awards.