In a very short time, 24-yeard old Australian-born guitarist Orianthi Panagaris— commonly known as simply, Orianthi—has made quite an impact in the music world. She was already one of the fastest rising guitar talents by the time Michael Jackson “discovered” her. He listened to her just one time before hiring her to be the lead guitarist for his ill-fated This Is It tour. “Actually, I was sent a message on my MySpace page to come and learn some songs, including “Beat It,” which I didn’t think was real [laughs],” she told us. “However, when I went and auditioned Michael came in and sat on a couch right in front of me, and I don’t think I have ever been so nervous in my life. I played the solo for “Beat It,” and he was so excited that he personally offered me the position that night. It was a dream come true to work with him.” Unfortunately, the tour would never come to fruition, although much of the world was left to wonder the identity of the guitarist that Jackson egged on in those few short minutes of video clips from the tour rehearsals that surfaced shortly after the singer’s untimely death. Now, it seems, people are learning that her name is Orianthi. Listening to her confirms that she has definite plans to stick around for a while.

Michael Jackson isn’t the only music titan she’s impressed. Orianthi also caught the eye—and ear—of her biggest inspiration, Carlos Santana. “He’s the reason I picked up the electric guitar,” Orianthi said. “When I was 11, I went to see him play in Los Angeles, and after the show I looked at my dad and said, ‘Daddy, I don’t want to play classical guitar anymore, I want to play electric guitar like Carlos.’” Orianthi not only switched instruments, she eventually went on to meet her source of inspiration, and even had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with him at the age of 18.

Along with Santana and Jackson, Orianthi has also shared the stage with Prince, Carrie Underwood and Steve Vai, among others. “I opened up for Steve Vai when I was 16,” she said. “It was just me with no band, only a backing tape and an audience filled with people with their arms folded. It was a tough room [laughs], and I was really nervous, but it went great. And Steve has been really great to me ever since. He actually plays on my newest album, Believe.” Recording her new album was a big step, and took over two years to finish. She chose to work with super producer Howard Bensen, and got a plethora of great musicians to participate. “The album has a real ’80s-meets-now feel to it,” she said. “I really wanted to make a super commercial record with guitar solos on every track. The goal was to incorporate all of my influences of rock, country, jazz, and blues to give it its own unique feel.”

Orianthi’s current guitar of choice is one she had custom-made for the Jackson tour: a PRS Custom 24 with a Blue Mateo finish. She had the guitar completely—and elegantly—covered with real Swarovski Crystals. The result is a stunning instrument, matched only by the spectacular player who pilots it. But she doesn’t need a fancy guitar to get noticed; Orianthi’s playing speaks for itself, and the rest of the world is finally starting to take notice. To put it simply, this girl rocks! —Elliott Politte

Guitars: PRS Custom 24 covered with Swarovski Crystals; other PRS Custom 24; a PRS Custom 22
Amps: ENGL Steve Morse Signature head
Cabs: ENGL cabinets
Effects: Morley Bad Horsie II Wah, Boss Digital Delay, Boss Reverb
Strings: Dean Markley Blue Steel (.009–.042)