Los Angeles, CA – July 2, 2024: In a display of talent and cultural fusion, 11-year-old Maya Neelakantan from Chennai, India, took the stage at America’s Got Talent (AGT) and left both the Audience and Judges spellbound. She was wearing a stunning red-orange ombre Banarasi lehenga and complimented it with a long bindi on her forehead.
Maya delivered a captivating performance that blended the traditional sounds of Carnatic Music with the raw energy of Heavy Metal.
Maya’s audition featured an electrifying performance of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort.” Her performance began with a soulful, slow note that gradually transitioned into a high-octane, metallic number, showcasing her exceptional Guitar skills and unique musical style. The judges—Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel, were visibly awestruck.
“You know what I love about this audition, you just weren’t expecting this. You were so shy, and you’re 10! And then you turned into, like, this rock goddess,” Simon Cowell remarked, encapsulating the surprise and admiration felt by everyone present. Howie Mandel predicted, “I think you just picked yourself up a viral moment,” a forecast that quickly proved accurate as Maya’s audition video began trending online.
Within hours of her performance, Maya’s audition video went viral, sparking conversations across social media platforms. Fans and music enthusiasts from around the world praised her for the innovative fusion of Carnatic Music and Heavy Metal—a combination rarely seen on such a prominent stage. Her ability to effortlessly merge these two distinct genres not only highlighted her technical skill but also her deep understanding and respect for both musical traditions.
Maya Neelakantan hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and has been a dedicated student of music from a very young age. Under the tutelage of renowned Guitarist R. Prasanna, who specializes in playing Carnatic music on the guitar, Maya has honed her skills and developed a unique style that blends Indian classical music with Western rock and metal influences.
In 2020, Maya stunned Tool’s guitarist Adam Jones with her rendition of “7empest,” earning widespread acclaim. Her talents caught the attention of Gary Holt of Slayer/Exodus, who invited her to his residence in March and presented her with his signature guitar. These accolades and experiences have contributed to her growing reputation as a young musical prodigy.
Prasanna, Maya’s mentor, took to social media to express his pride and admiration for his students. He detailed the intricacies of her AGT performance, explained how she incorporated an authentic Carnatic Natabhairavi Raga intro, and infused Carnatic gamakas into her metal, rock, and blues phrases.
“When I started playing Carnatic music on the guitar years ago, I could have never imagined Carnatic guitar playing would be on display on a World stage like America’s Got Talent!” Prasanna wrote. “To see a 10-year-old girl play guitar like that is so inspiring for me and I am sure for everyone! This is a great talent and a beautiful warm personality blessed with divine grace! I may be her Guitar teacher but I am her biggest fan! MAYA rules!”
Maya’s extraordinary talent has not gone unnoticed in the broader Music Industry. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group and a known talent scout on social media, shared Maya’s AGT video on his X account. He lauded her as a “Rock Goddess” and expressed a desire to see her perform at the Mahindra Blues Festival, further amplifying her growing popularity and recognition.
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As the buzz around her AGT performance continues to grow, Maya Neelakantan is composed for a promising future in the music world. Her ability to transcend cultural and musical boundaries with her unique fusion style sets her apart as a truly innovative artist. Fans and followers eagerly await her next performance, anticipating more groundbreaking music from this young virtuoso.
Maya Neelakantan’s performance on America’s Got Talent was more than just an audition; Her version of “Last Resort,” infused with the soulful elements of Carnatic music, captivated a global audience and earned her a well-deserved standing ovation from the judges. As Maya’s journey continues, she stands as an inspiration to young musicians everywhere, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in the world of music.
