Meet 10-year-old Indian guitarist Maya Neelakantan who shines on America's Got Talent; Anand Mahindra calls her 'Rock Goddess'
Maya Neelakantan from Chennai has captured the hearts of people worldwide after her spectacular audition on 'America's Got Talent,' goes viral for her unique blend of rock classics infused with Indian influences.
She stunned the audience with her rendition of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort,” skillfully weaving Carnatic elements into the rock anthem. Clad in traditional attire—a Ghagra skirt and a dazzling bindi—she stood out among her fellow rock musicians during the audition.
All four judges—Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel—were thoroughly impressed, giving Maya a standing ovation after her 100-second performance. Simon Cowell, known for his candid remarks, described Maya's transformation from a shy 10-year-old to a «rock goddess» on stage, reminiscing about his own guitar-learning journey.
Howie Mandel predicted Maya's audition would become a viral sensation, while Heidi Klum praised her as «gutsy and incredible.» The clip of Maya's electrifying performance quickly went viral on social media.
Who is Maya Neelakantan?
Maya Neelakantan is no stranger to musical acclaim. With a YouTube channel managed by her parents, she has garnered attention for her covers of rock and metal songs by artists like Tool, Metallica, and Slayer. Her rendition of Tool's «7empest» even earned praise from Adam Jones, Tool’s guitarist.
In a notable moment, Maya received a special gift from Gary Holt, another renowned guitarist, during a visit to his residence. Overjoyed, Maya shared the experience on her social
