“America’s Got Talent” might’ve just discovered the next “rock goddess” in the making — and she was only 10 years old at the time of her audition.
On the June 25 episode of the NBC competition series, Maya Neelakantan — who traveled all the way from India for her audition — walked onto the stage with her guitar and began casually strumming the opening chords of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort.”
As she played, she coyly smiled at the crowd and judges, who waited to see what she did next.
She started headbanging before fully showing off her impressive skills on the guitar. She nailed the rock band’s beloved hit as the judges stared in awe.
Backstage, Neelakantan’s family stood beside host Terry Crews and cheered her on.
The crowd erupted into a roaring applause as she completed the difficult rock solo. All four judges — Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel — also stood up and clapped for Neelakantan.
“Maya, are you sure you’re 10 years old?” Vergara asked.
The preteen sweetly replied, “I think so!”
Vergara complimented Neelakantan’s energy and confidence on the stage. She labeled it a “perfect audition.”
Mandel asked Neelakantan to share some of her inspirations. The rising star said some of her favorite guitarists that she watches on YouTube are Adam Jones from Tool and Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer.
“I think that you are absolutely incredible,” Klum praised. “Also that you are that gutsy. Everyone in this room really loved what you just did. You should be very, very proud of yourself.”
When it was time for the show’s toughest critic, Cowell, to weigh in, he recalled trying to learn how to play guitar at around 10 years old.
He noted that it is “one of the most difficult instruments in the world” and that his teacher “gave up” on him.
The music exec said he loved that Neelakantan’s audition was unexpected and that she transformed onstage.
“You were so shy and you’re 10! And then you turned into, like, this rock goddess,” he said.
Cowell predicted Neelakantan has a long career in music ahead of her.
All four judges gave Neelakantan a quick “yes,” meaning she gets to move on to the next round.
Fans in the comments further complimented the music prodigy.
“Wow a ten year old Instrumentalist. She is a rockstar already. She looks like a Indian Goddess, Brave and Beautiful,” one said.
Another wrote, “I have seen some of the greatest rock guitarists live over the 50 years. You young lady will one day be among them! Rock on!!! The hall of fame awaits.”
A third said, “10 years old and her personality is WOW! Genius! Genius! Genius!”
Even Papa Roach chimed in on the show’s Instagram post celebrating Neelakantan’s audition, writing, “Let’s gooo!!🤘🪳 absolutely killed it Maya!”
Neelakantan, who has a YouTube page that indicates she’s now actually 11 years old, also reacted to her overwhelming support.
“Wow!! What an honor for this early release and also what an honor that I got to play for the first time on stage and it’s on America’s Got Talent!” she cheered in the comments.
She added, “Thank you for creating an unforgettable memory for me!!” with a smiley face, heart and “rock on” emoji.