Orianthi and Jonathan Moffett perform at Joy Awards
2 years ago
Australia Orianthi, a distinguished guitarist, singer, and songwriter, is recognized for her significant contributions to pop rock and hard rock, having collaborated with legendary artists and achieved global recognition for her musical artistry.
Gibson officially announced a new partnership with Orianthi Panagaris. The partnership included the release of the new Gibson Orianthi SJ-200 acoustic custom guitar.
Writers & Rockers Spirits Company Ltd. announced the launch of Orianthi's Lavender Vodka, with Orianthi taking on the role of collaborator and partner in the spirits industry.
Orianthi made a commercial for Panasonic early in her career.
Orianthi Penny Panagaris was born on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, South Australia. She began her musical journey early, playing piano at age three and transitioning to acoustic guitar by age six, followed by electric guitar at eleven. At 15, Orianthi focused on songwriting, beginning her professional career. She performed in bands from age 14 and had her first stage appearance for Steve Vai at 15. A pivotal moment occurred when she jammed with Carlos Santana at age 18, leading to an invitation to perform on stage at his Adelaide concert on March 30, 2003. Orianthi independently released her debut studio album, “Violet Journey,” in 2005. She composed, played guitar, sang, and performed drums on most tracks, producing and mixing the album in her home studio. Her talent was further recognized when Carlos Santana brought her to Paul Reed Smith’s attention, resulting in an endorsement. She moved to Los Angeles, signed with Geffen Records in late 2006, and secured a management deal with 19 Entertainment.
Orianthi’s breakthrough came with her appearance at the 51st annual Grammy Awards in February 2009 as Carrie Underwood’s lead guitarist. This performance, coupled with industry recommendations, led to Michael Jackson’s team inviting her to audition for his “This Is It” concerts. She became Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist and participated in all rehearsals before his death in 2009. She performed at Jackson’s globally televised memorial on July 7, 2009, and appeared in the film “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.” Her debut single, “According to You,” from her 2009 album “Believe,” achieved significant success, reaching No. 3 in Japan, No. 8 in Australia, and No. 17 in the US. The song also earned platinum status in the US and Australia. She received the “2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year” award from Guitar International magazine and was named one of the “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists” by Elle magazine in 2009.
She joined Alice Cooper’s band as lead guitarist on August 29, 2011, making her the first female member. Orianthi completed two world tours with Alice Cooper before her departure in June 2014. In 2014, she joined Richie Sambora for his solo tour in Australia and Europe, and they later toured as RSO. She has released several albums, including “Heaven in This Hell” (2013), “O” (2020), and “Rock Candy” (2022). Her latest album, “Some Kind of Feeling,” was released in 2025. Orianthi has collaborated with various artists, including Allison Iraheta, Fefe Dobson, A. R. Rahman, Hollywood Vampires, and Don Felder. She has also contributed to philanthropic efforts, joining the Honorary Board of Little Kids Rock in 2010.
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