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'This is It' lead guitarist Orianthi Panagaris talks Michael Jackson: 'He was wonderful and sweet'


News.com.au

The millions of Michael Jackson fans worldwide know just how special he truly remains to be, even after passing away. They also  know why they appreciate him and his music, and now the lead guitarist from the 'This is It' tour, Orianthi Panagaris, talks about the King of Pop. She says that he was 'wonderul, sweet and a perfectionist,' to work with.

In a new interview with the Sunday Mail, Panagaris discusses what it was like to be bullied, and how that allowed her to get to where she is today.

Orianthi on leaving school and pursuing a career says: "There were people about that weren't so nice to me but I don't hold grudges. That was then and it wasn't a good experience, but I just try to keep moving forward, and try to keep out negativity." She then discusses working with MJ, saying, "He was wonderful, really sweet and a perfectionist. Obviously he was older but he was keeping up with the 20-year-old dancers. He'd been told to rest his voice but he couldn't help it and was singing. He was Michael Jackson. He could do whatever he wanted but he had no ego, he had a presence but he had no front and would joke around and have fun." She also details what it was like when she heard about the tragedy on June 25, when MJ passed away, "I was following MJ news on Twitter while talking to my parents on Skype and saw it coming up that he had been taken to hospital. But when the reports said he'd died I thought they'd gone too far, I didn't believe it. It was a really crazy day. We all went to the Staples Centre (for rehearsals) and everything was being pulled down. We walked in and it was like, this is real. Everyone was crying. (The show) was his vision. The stuff that went into it, the props, the outfits - the show would have been phenomenal."

The show would have indeed been groundbreaking. While many fans are still mourning the loss of Michael Jackson, they are now waiting to watch 'This is It' when it hits theatres on October 28th, and October 27th for advanced screenings.

In case you missed it. We broke the news yesterday of the 43-second snippet of MJ's 'This is It' from Sony Japan. You can listen to it here.

[Source: News.com.au/adelaidenow]


Attention Michael Jackson supporters: There is a wonderful new project in the form of a portrait that millions of fans worldwide can take part in. A Portrait of Michael Jackson created from millions of hand-drawn dots will invite millions of fans worldwide to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in the portrait in their name. A dot is not drawn on the canvas until someone signs up for it; at least one million fans (dots) are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, with room in the portrait for many more millions to participate. The organizers of this tribute have the support of Ken Kragen, who was responsible for "We Are the World," The Robson Family (Joy, Wade and Chantal), and Don Wilson, the creator / director / producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video. Proceeds will be donated to several charities that were dear to Michael, including The Make A Wish Foundation. Every single hand-drawn dot David places on his canvas represents a real person. People have joined David's projects from over 150 countries. Every Michael Jackson fan will be able to get a free hand-drawn dot added to the portrait in their name. Thus far people representing over 100 countries have signed up to take part in this project. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest Michael Jackson fan club in the world, which was supported by Jackson himself.

You can now sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com for your dot. The portrait starts on August 28thA dedicated website will be created so people can sign up for their free dot. People will be able to attach a message to their dot if they choose. Every time someone signs up, a dot will be hand drawn in the work of art in their name. People will be able to go online to see the portrait as it evolves toward completion and read some of the messages.

Please sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com and be a part of this tribute to the King of Pop.

Read the interview with artist David Ilan here. Allan 'Big Al' Scanlan and Brian Friedman remember Michael Jackson, read the interview here.

Follow PopMediaExaminer on Twitter.

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, Pop Media Examiner

Katrina-Kasey Wheeler is a New Hampshire native, living in California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from a private Jesuit University. She is a free lance journalist, model and aspiring actress. She has interviewed numerous recording artists ranging from Andrea Bocelli and...

Comments

  • shout 2 years ago

    "He had presence but not a front". He may have been eccentric and odd but you'd never fail to be awestruck by this man. He is such a rarity and just the thought of how he was so maligned in mainstream venues--and how it is all treated like it was nothing serious really spelled moral disaster.

    "The show was his vision- the show would have been phenomenal" Reading that coming from someone who was there with him preparing for a grand show like this can really paint the travesty and the tragedy of how it all resulted to and why to the life of me the commercial value of his death is taking precedence over what brought about his death (i.e negligence, backtracking as to why he got that doctor anyway, how did his death really happened)is just extremely wrong, seriously.

    And where are the apologies to those he did nothing wrong to but smeared his reputation massively--between his oddities and their inanities, the public benefited more from his eccentricities.

  • simonalyl 2 years ago

    I'm so disappointed: 'This is it" song is not 'new' and was sung before by SAFIRE. The song is called "I never heard", check it on youtube

  • DESIREE 2 years ago

    YOU GOT THAT RIGHT SHOUT!!!! I COULDNT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER!!!! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH MJ 4EVER IN MY HEART!!

  • katy 2 years ago

    hi orianthi i like your sing on michael jackson memorial i am a big fan of you

  • katy 2 years ago

    michael jackson i love you for ever michael

  • katy 2 years ago

    orianthi panagaris you are great on his movie this is it i like that movie

  • oklo ahgu 2 years ago

    yeah yeah simonalyl. But michael jackson wrote this is it

  • Kelly 2 years ago

    Boy it's still hard to believe that MJ is gone, and it's almost been a year! I still don't believe it :( But Orianthi's song God Only Knows touched my heart so much, i knew she was singing it from the bottom of her heart. Her and Michael did an outstanding job in TII

  • Cassius Mozart 1 year ago

    I'm starting a Super Group in Canada called Right Now. We've made 4 OFFICIAL Drum War Challenges to Australian born Orianthi Panagaris's drummer....Mike Baker.

    Right Now Drum War Challenges:
    Ode to Moby Dick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVOUUqicwVE
    Official Drum War Challenge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tWzS5-uRMc
    Another Official Drum War Challenge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuM8r6B1wkc
    THIS ONE IS HILARIOUS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j5kWFsOZ0k

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