When 10-year-old Maya Neelakantan stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, no one quite knew what to expect. Dressed in a traditional Indian outfit and holding a sleek electric guitar, she looked calm, sweet — and completely ready to surprise the world.
The moment she began to play, it was clear: this wasn’t just another kid with a talent. Maya was something else entirely.
Her performance started softly, with an Indian-style melody played in the style of the veena, a classical string instrument. Her fingers moved with elegance, evoking the sounds of her culture. But then, with a powerful shift in tempo and energy, she dove into “Last Resort” by Papa Roach — and transformed into a rock powerhouse right before the audience’s eyes.
The crowd erupted. The judges were visibly stunned. All four gave her a standing ovation, and the applause seemed endless. Maya’s talent, confidence, and originality had just taken over one of the world’s biggest stages.
Who Is Maya Neelakantan?
Maya is a self-taught guitarist from Chennai, India, who began playing at the age of six. Her inspiration came from her father, who played guitar as a hobby, and her passion quickly turned into something extraordinary. She’s often seen practicing for hours each day, developing a unique sound that blends traditional Indian music with Western rock and metal.
One of her guitars — a Gibson Les Paul — was gifted to her by one of her musical heroes, Adam Jones from the band Tool. That gift became a symbol of her journey, and she’s made sure to make it count.
In the next round of the competition, Maya made AGT history by becoming the first contestant ever given permission to perform Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” live on the show. Once again, she stunned the audience — this time playing a Gibson Flying V guitar, blending Indian-style riffs with the raw intensity of metal. The result? Another explosive reaction from the judges and a roaring crowd.
What makes Maya’s journey so special isn’t just her raw talent — it’s how fearlessly she combines cultures and genres to create something new. She fuses the soul of Indian classical music with the fire of rock and metal, and the result is truly original. At just 10 years old, she performs with the confidence and control of a seasoned artist.
Her story is inspiring young musicians across the world, proving that age, background, or tradition should never limit creativity. Whether she’s playing for millions on TV or jamming at home, Maya reminds us all that music has no borders — and greatness has no age.
Maya’s performances have gone viral, capturing the hearts of viewers around the world. Rock bands like Papa Roach praised her on social media, and she’s gained a growing fanbase for her fearless artistry and humble personality.
She may be small in stature, but her presence is massive. Maya Neelakantan is not just a child prodigy — she’s a true musician, a boundary-breaker, and a rising star who’s just getting started.
🎥 You can watch the full performance Below