Chennai’s 11-Year-Old Maya Neelakantan Rocks ‘America’s Got Talent’

Photo: Agtauditions

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – In a stunning performance that has taken the internet by storm, 11-year-old Maya Neelakantan from Chennai, rocked the stage on the latest episode of “America’s Got Talent.” Maya, a young guitar virtuoso, left judges and viewers alike awestruck with her rendition of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort.”

Traveling from Chennai for her audition, Maya Neelakantan showcased not only her exceptional musical talent but also her passion for rock music. Dressed in a traditional Indian pavadai and sporting a shining bindi on her forehead, Maya’s appearance was a striking contrast to the rock music sounds she produced.

From the moment she began strumming her guitar, Maya commanded the stage with confidence beyond her years. Her flawless execution and undeniable stage presence earned her a standing ovation from judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel.

Simon Cowell, renowned for his candid critiques, was particularly impressed by Maya’s unexpected transformation from a shy young girl to what he described as a “rock goddess.” “You know what I love about this audition? We just weren’t expecting this,” Cowell remarked, clearly moved by Maya’s performance.

She has told the media that her self-taught musical journey began at the age of 5 when she first picked up a guitar, and by the age of 7, she had already launched her own YouTube channel, showcasing her burgeoning talent to the world. Among those who noticed: Adam Jones from Tool, who gifted her the guitar she used on stage and Gary Holt of Exodus who sat in the audience to cheer her on.