Orianthi
It was a dream come true. Orianthi was handpicked to join Michael Jackson on his “This Is It” comeback tour as the lead guitarist. As she attended rehearsals, practicing songs she grew up listening to, she could only imagine what the real shows would be like. Grinding her axe in front of hundreds of thousands nightly at the O2 Arena in London. Jamming right next to the legendary King of Pop. It was an honor only few are lucky enough to experience, and here, at only 24 years old, Orianthi was about to do it.
June 25, 2009 came. Michael slipped away from the world unexpectedly, and Orianthi’s dream gig was no more.
A huge opportunity was lost, but it wouldn’t be the first for the blonde Aussie, who not only plays a mean guitar, but is also a brilliant singer. She was discovered by guitar god Carlos Santana and played along side ZZ Top and Prince, before stealing the spotlight at the 51st annual Grammy Awards with Carrie Underwood.
This fall will be an exceptional one for Orianthi. She’ll be heavily featured in Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert documentary on October 28, and a day earlier she’ll release her debut album, Believe. The set is led by her first single “According To You.” It’s Alanis Morissette meets Slash — the lyrics are sensitive and cool, but the instrumental packs a fierce punch as it’s blanketed by lush guitar rifts throughout.
So, yes, fate snatched a huge opportunity from Orianthi, but with the extraordinary talents she possesses, it most certainly will not be the last.
Visit: Orianthi’s Official Website to hear “According To You”
Watch: Orianthi jams with Michael Jackson
Watch: Orianthi Performs “We Are The World” At Michael Jackson’s Memorial
Watch: Orianthi plays the Grammys with Carrie Underwood
she soooooooooo lucky! mj will always be the king!
Oh wow! I remember her performance on the Grammies. I wondered who that girl was. Nice!!!
Orianthi sounds a lot like Santana, which is another way of say she rocks