For First Time Metallica Allow Their Song Be Played– To Maya Neelakantan

Photo: Instagram

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – Maya Neelakantan made history on America’s Got Talent with her electrifying cover of Metallica’s Master of Puppets—the first time the iconic band has allowed their music to be featured on the show.

In a pre-performance soundbite, Maya expressed her determination: “I really want to make Metallica proud.” Her performance not only delivered on that promise but also incorporated her classical Indian music influences, with a segment on the electric guitar tuned to mimic the sound of a sitar.

Judge Simon Cowell was quick to praise her, saying, “You’re just one of these people who’s got a God-given talent… this is something you’ve got to do for the rest of your life because you’re so good at this.”

After the performance, Maya thanked Metallica and the family of the late Cliff Burton, the band’s legendary bassist, saying, “Thank you Metallica, and also thank you to the Cliff Burton family for making this possible.”

Earlier this year, after her audition for the show, Maya had the chance to meet Slayer’s Gary Holt and Testament’s Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson, who shared their expertise in metal guitar playing with her.