Music
10-year-old seems shy but then turns into a ‘rock goddess’ before everyone’s eyes
Her performance is racking up millions of views for good reason.
Jake Manning
07.09.24

At just ten years old, Maya Neelakantan has taken the music world by storm with her electrifying performance of “Last Resort” by Papa Roach.

Stepping onto the AGT stage with a confidence that belied her age, Maya captivated the audience and judges alike with her impressive guitar skills.

This moment was more than just a performance – it was a statement of her burgeoning talent and love for rock music.

From her choice of song to her powerful delivery, Maya demonstrated an extraordinary connection to the music that left everyone in awe.

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Papa Roach, the band behind “Last Resort,” has been a significant influence in the rock and nu-metal scenes since their formation in the early 1990s.

Known for their intense, emotionally charged music, they quickly rose to fame with their debut album “Infest,” which featured “Last Resort.”

This song, with its raw lyrics and gripping melody, became an anthem for many and solidified Papa Roach’s place in rock history.

It’s no wonder Maya chose this song to showcase her skills, as it resonates deeply with its powerful message and energetic riffs.

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YouTube

Howie Mandel was visibly moved by Maya’s performance.

He praised her energy and confidence, noting that her audition was perfect.

Mandel highlighted her inspirations, such as Adam Jones from Tool and Gary Holt from Exodus, as being evident in her playing style.

He commended Maya for channeling the intensity and skill of these legendary guitarists, bringing a unique and youthful twist to her performance that made it unforgettable.

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Heidi Klum was equally impressed, describing Maya as incredible and gutsy.

She noted the audience’s admiration and encouraged Maya to be proud of her accomplishments.

Klum emphasized that it’s not often someone so young can command the stage with such presence and skill.

Her words reflected the collective sentiment in the room, as everyone watched in amazement at the young guitarist’s prowess.

Maya’s performance was not just a display of technical skill but also a showcase of her passion and dedication to music.

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YouTube

Simon Cowell, known for his often critical and blunt feedback, had nothing but praise for Maya.

He shared his own experience with learning the guitar, explaining how challenging it can be.

Cowell was clearly impressed by Maya’s unexpected and powerful performance, describing her as a “rock goddess.”

His words carried significant weight, as he acknowledged the rarity of seeing such talent in someone so young.

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YouTube

The judges’ unanimous support for Maya’s performance was evident in their votes.

Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel all expressed strong support for her, each focusing on different aspects of her talent.

Their positive feedback and votes were a clear indication of the impact Maya had made during her audition.

This moment marked the beginning of what could be a promising journey in the music industry for the young guitarist.

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YouTube

Maya’s performance quickly gained traction online, amassing over 2.6 million views in just days.

The video of her audition went viral, capturing the attention of rock enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Comments and shares flooded in, with many expressing admiration for her talent and predicting a bright future for her.

The rapid spread of the video showcased the widespread appeal of her performance and the powerful connection she made with viewers around the world.

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YouTube

A viewer said:

“She came. She played. She conquered. Absolutely brilliant. I loved everything about her!

This quote encapsulated the essence of Maya’s performance and the profound effect it had on those who watched it.

Her ability to inspire and captivate an audience at such a young age shows her natural talent and hard work.

The overwhelming positive response from viewers is a clear indicator of the lasting impression she has made.

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YouTube

Maya Neelakantan’s journey is just beginning, but her performance of “Last Resort” on America’s Got Talent has already set a high bar.

With the support of the judges and the admiration of millions, she stands poised to become a significant figure in the world of rock music.

Watch her bring down the house in the video below!

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