Maya Neelakantan, a guitar prodigy from India, wowed the judges and the viewers on America’s Obtained Expertise on Tuesday evening’s audition episode (June twenty fifth), performing a blistering model of Papa Roach’s “Final Resort.”
Upon taking the stage, the judges had been shocked to be taught that Maya was solely 10 years previous on the time of the taping (she has since turned 11), as she confirmed nice maturity whereas describing her musical background.
Maintaining issues metallic, she used a signature mannequin Adam Jones Gibson Les Paul guitar gifted to her by the Device guitarist in 2022. Her efficiency began with a number of seconds of her taking part in conventional Indian music earlier than she kicked in to “Final Resort,” because the judges and crowd appeared on and cheered in amazement at her astonishing abilities.
When Maya completed, she acquired a standing ovation from all 4 judges and the viewers, with Sofía Vergara instantly asking, “Maya, are you positive you’re 10 years previous?,” to which Maya smiled and responded, “I feel so!”
When requested by Howie Mandel about her inspirations, Maya answered, “One is Adam Jones from Device. Additionally, Gary Holt, who’s the guitarist of Exodus and Slayer.”
The judges went on to heap extra reward on her efficiency, with all 4 them enthusiastically voting “sure” for Maya to advance to the following spherical.
Weeks in the past on Instagram, Maya had posted about assembly Holt in the course of the time she was in Los Angeles auditioning for AGT, writing, “I had the very best weekend right here in Los Angeles. For the primary time I obtained to satisfy Mr Gary Holt and his spouse Mrs Lisa Holt. They got here all the best way from Sacramento simply to observe me play on America’s Obtained Expertise.”
Heavy Consequence has reported on Maya prior to now, together with the aforementioned present she acquired from Jones, and a subsequent 22-song Device medley she performed with that exact same guitar (accessible right here).
See Maya Neelakantan carry out Papa Roach’s “Final Resort” on guitar on America’s Obtained Expertise within the video under, adopted by her Instagram put up detailing her expertise assembly Gary Holt.