Orianthi Penny Panagaris (born 22 January 1985 in Adelaide, South Australia), known professionally as Orianthi, is a Greek-Australian musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. She is widely recognized for her virtuoso guitar skills, gaining international attention as Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for his planned “This Is It” concerts and later as a member of Alice Cooper’s touring band. As a solo artist, she has released several albums, including “Violet Journey” (2007), “Believe” (2009), “Heaven in This Hell” (2013), and “O” (2020), along with the EP “Fire” (2011). Her most successful single, “According to You,” became a global hit. Orianthi showed musical talent at an early age, beginning piano at three and switching to guitar at six, encouraged by her father. She later focused on electric guitar and songwriting in her teens, performing internationally and sharing the stage with Steve Vai at just 15. These early experiences helped launch her professional career. Her debut album, “Violet Journey,” featured her as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, but her breakthrough came with “Believe” and its lead single “According to You,” which charted in several countries, including the United States and Australia. The album was later reissued with additional material. In 2011, she released the EP “Fire,” produced by Dave Stewart, with its tracks later included on her third album, “Heaven in This Hell.” This release marked a stylistic shift toward blues and country influences, highlighting a rawer sound compared to her earlier pop rock work. Beyond her solo career, Orianthi has collaborated with numerous artists and performed alongside musicians such as John Mayer, Adam Lambert, and Richie Sambora. She has appeared on television programs including “American Idol” and performed at major events like the Billboard Music Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors. She also contributed guitar work to international projects, including film soundtracks. In 2011, Orianthi joined Alice Cooper’s band as lead guitarist, becoming its first female member and touring worldwide until 2014. She later continued touring and recording, including projects with Dave Stewart and the duo RSO with Richie Sambora. Her reputation as a versatile and technically skilled guitarist has earned her industry recognition, including being named among top female electric guitarists by Elle magazine. In June 2025, she released the album “Some Kind of Feeling,” continuing her evolution as both a guitarist and vocalist. Throughout her career, Orianthi has remained known for blending rock, blues, and pop influences while maintaining a strong presence as a live performer.
