The America's Got Talent judges are renowned for being difficult to win over. But an 11-year-old guitarist from South Asia recently astounded the judges and audience with her performance of Papa Roach's "Last Resort," a favorite song in heavy metal. Maya Neelakantan was a sight to behold on stage, dressed in a glittering bindi and a traditional South Indian pattu pavada (long skirt and top). Her superb electric guitar technique and endearing grin captured the attention of the audition audience.

Who Is Maya Neelakantan?

Maya Neelakantan began her guitar performance with a soothing Carnatic raga, swiftly transitioning into an impressive heavy metal track. The audience was stunned by her flawless melody and amazed by her extraordinary musical talent. Trained in Indian Classical Carnatic music, Neelakantan also explores rock and thrash metal, as noted on her parents' Instagram. During her America's Got Talent appearance, she mentioned Gary Holt and Adam Jones (TOOL) as her influences. Recently, she met Danny Carey, the drummer from her favorite band TOOL, who was impressed by her skills and gifted her a signed drum head. Sharing her excitement on Instagram, she described Carey as always cheerful and happy.

(Source: Google Images)  

Stunning Support From Across The Globe ~ Her Dedication Speaks Volume of Discipline 

Neelakantan said, "Meeting the TOOL icon, Danny Carey, I was extremely delighted. When I first saw him, I was really nervous, and I still get nervous when I watch this video. I have never met a legend from TOOL before, and he is a really lovely and friendly man." Simon Cowell, the caustic judge of America's Got Talent, was utterly enthralled with Neelakantan's performance. "You know what I love about this audition? It was something you weren't expecting," he remarked. For a ten-year-old, you were very timid! And then you became this rock goddess, whatever that meant." Howie Mandel, a fellow judge, praised Maya's performance and predicted that she would soon become a viral hit. Maya was lauded for her talent by Heidi Klum, who termed her "gutsy, incredible." Sofia Vergara, meanwhile, was astounded by Neelakantan's ability to perform at such a young age. Her performance also astounded Indian business magnate Anand Mahindra. After applauding Maya's performance, he extended an invitation for her to appear at the Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, an annual music gathering that the Mahindra Group hosts and features well-known performers.