'Dream is to create own genre': Meet 10-yo Indian guitar prodigy Maya Neelakanta who impressed judges on 'America's Got Talent'

A 10-year-old guitar prodigy from India is taking the global stage by storm and how! Maya Neelakanta is making waves on the latest episode of "America's Got Talent," capturing the attention of even Anand Mahindra.

In a stunning performance on the latest episode of "America's Got Talent," Maya Neelakantan from India wowed the audience with her incredible guitar skills. 

This young prodigy starting with the Carnatic rāga "Natabhairavi" before transitioning into an electrifying rendition of Papa Roach's "Last Resort," leaving judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel in absolute awe.

Credit: Instagram

Journeying all the way from her small hometown in India, Maya impressed everyone with her confident playing and stage presence, earning a standing ovation from both the judges and the audience. 

Supported by her family backstage, she showcased her extraordinary talent and passion for rock music, quickly earning the title of a rising star.

Maya started playing guitar at age 5 and created a YouTube channel to show her heavy metal skills. She went viral with her cover of Tool’s “7empest,” receiving praise and a guitar from the band's lead guitarist, Adam Jones.

mAYA

Now 10, Maya posted on Instagram, "My journey has just begun. My dream is to create a genre of my own, combining all my interests into something totally unheard of!"

Maya's audition video has gone viral on social media, garnering millions of views and sparking widespread admiration. 

Even Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, took to X to praise the young musician. He tweeted, "Oh My God. Maya Neelakantan is only 10 years old. 10! Yes, Simon, she’s a Rock Goddess. From the land of Goddesses. We have to get her back here to do her stuff at the @mahindrablues!"

Oh My God

Maya Neelakantan is only 10 years old. 10!

Yes, Simon, she’s a Rock Goddess.
From the land of Goddesses.

We have to get her back here to do her stuff at the @mahindrablues !@jaytweetshah @vgjairam pic.twitter.com/sRNHPBondg

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 29, 2024

One commenter on the video wrote, "What control, focus, and sheer understanding of music! This is a prime example of talent nurtured from a tender age and blossoming for the good of the public at large! An artist is a mass spreader of happiness and smiles! God bless her!"

Another viewer added, "Who would have thought Indian women would lead the world stage in playing the guitar... absolutely love Maya's gig at the talent show."

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