When Michael Jackson prepared for his highly anticipated “This Is It” concerts at London’s O2 Arena, a series of shows envisioned as a grand return, his musical director sought a guitarist who could electrify the stage. They discovered Orianthi Panagaris, an Australian guitarist who had just captivated audiences at the 2009 Grammy Awards alongside Carrie Underwood. This recommendation led to Orianthi’s incredible journey as Michael Jackson’s guitar player.
Orianthi’s fascination with the guitar sparked at a young age after witnessing Carlos Santana perform. Her rapid progress led her to share stages with guitar legends like Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, and Prince. However, auditioning for Michael Jackson required a different kind of nerve. She recounted the experience: “Michael came in and sat on the couch and I was told to play Beat It. He was sitting there just looking at me, staring into my face, watching every single thing I was doing.” The King of Pop’s intense focus didn’t stop there. “He was walking up and down at the front of the stage and asked me if I could play the Beat It solo while I followed him around at the pace he was walking at. He hired me that night.” This impromptu, dynamic audition solidified her role as Michael Jackson’s guitar player.
Orianthi Panagaris, Michael Jackson's chosen guitarist for the 'This Is It' concerts, performing with a guitar
Tragically, Orianthi’s rehearsals with Jackson extended to the very night before his untimely passing. The opportunity to perform with the icon left a lasting impression. “I can’t believe I got to play with him,” she expressed in an interview shortly after his death, “and I can’t believe he’s gone. It hasn’t sunk in yet.” The cancellation of the “This Is It” concerts was a profound loss, not just for fans worldwide, but also for Orianthi, who was poised to contribute her guitar prowess to what Michael Jackson envisioned as his “personal best” performances. Orianthi’s story remains a testament to her exceptional talent as a guitarist and her unforgettable experience as Michael Jackson’s guitar player.
