Guitar Phenom Orianthi Covers Michael Jackson's "Give In To Me"

In this clip guitarist/singer/songwriter Orianthi Panagaris performs a moving acoustic cover of Michael Jackson's hard rock ballad "Give In To Me" before a group of students at the University of Southern California (USC). Her rendition has a quiet power and really does the original  justice. The young guitar slinger was slated to be MJ's lead guitarist for his ill-fated concert series This Is It, which was to be a 50-date residency at London's renowned O2 Arena starting on July 13, 2009.  The Australian-born guitarist also appeared in the documentary film This Is It, which chronicles the rehearsals and preparations for the upcoming concerts at O2 Arena.

Orianthi is an amazingly talented guitarist and also a pretty solid singer/songwriter. At only 27, she has already made quite a name for herself in the music industry. MJ was not the only music legend with whom she has shared the stage. She has jammed with prominent musicians such as Carlos Santana, Prince, Steve Vai and ZZ Top, and in February 2009, she played before millions of viewers as the lead guitarist for American Idol winner Carrie Underwood's band during a performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.

Orianthi has released three albums and an EP so far. She scored a hit with the pop-rock song "According To You," a track from her second album Believe (2009). The song went to #8 on the Australian Singles Chart, # 3 on Japan Hot 100, #22 on Canada Hot 100 and #17 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100. In August of last year, Orianthi joined legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper's band as as his new lead guitarist.

"Give In To Me" is a track from Michael Jackson's Dangerous album (1991). It was co-written by MJ and record producer/songwriter/musician Bill Bottrell. The track features a blazing guitar solo by ex-Guns N' Roses member Slash, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the other original members of GNR. Although the track wasn't released as a single in the U.S., it charted quite well in other parts of the world, making the top 5 in several countries.

At the beginning of this clip, Orianthi shares a cool little anecdote about when she auditioned for MJ's band at Neverland Ranch.