In a world where most children are still discovering their hobbies, Maya Neelakantan, born on 4 May 2013 in Chennai, India, has already carved her name into the global music stage. At just 11 years old, she has become a shining symbol of talent, discipline, and fearless creativity. Known for her groundbreaking ability to blend the spirituality of Carnatic music with the raw power of heavy metal, Maya is not just a child guitarist — she is a phenomenon.
Maya Neelakantan: A Musical Childhood Born from Family Inspiration
Maya grew up in MRC Nagar, Chennai, in a home where music was more than just background noise. Her father, though an IT entrepreneur, had a passion for heavy metal riffs from legends like Metallica and Slayer. Her mother, Lorina, an Australian entrepreneur, encouraged Maya’s curiosity and creativity. From her grandmother, she inherited the spiritual richness of Carnatic music, which later became the soul of her fusion style.
It was at age six, under her father’s guidance, that Maya picked up her first guitar. Her very first song? Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” What began as simple practice sessions soon evolved into extraordinary displays of skill that stunned not only her family but also global audiences.
From YouTube Covers to Rock Recognition
In 2022, Maya’s father launched a YouTube channel to showcase her talent. One particular video — her cover of “7empest” by the Grammy-winning band Tool — went viral, catching the eye of Tool’s guitarist Adam Jones. Amazed by her mastery, Jones not only praised her publicly but also became her first Instagram follower. He went further by gifting her a customized Gibson Adam Jones Les Paul Standard — a once-in-a-lifetime recognition for any guitarist, let alone a 9-year-old from Chennai.
This was just the beginning. As Maya’s videos spread, the music community embraced her as a rising star. Gibson enrolled her in their prestigious Generation Group mentorship program, placing her alongside some of the brightest young musicians in the world.
Maya Neelakantan: America’s Got Talent – A Viral Sensation
Maya Neelakantan’s big leap into mainstream fame came in 2024 when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent Season 19 in Los Angeles. Dressed proudly in a traditional lehenga-style sari, complete with jewelry and a bindi, she fused a Carnatic intro in raga Natabhairavi with Papa Roach’s metal anthem “Last Resort.”
The performance was nothing short of electrifying. The audience erupted, the judges were speechless, and Simon Cowell crowned her “a rock goddess.” Sofia Vergara called it “the perfect audition,” while Howie Mandel predicted her performance would go viral — which it did, spreading across global media platforms within hours.
Support poured in from all directions. Papa Roach themselves praised her online, Gibson celebrated her success, and Indian business leader Anand Mahindra hailed her as a “Rock Goddess from the land of Goddesses.” Soon after, she was invited to perform at the prestigious Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai.
Quarterfinals and Beyond
At the quarterfinals of AGT, Maya performed Metallica’s legendary “Master of Puppets,” using a newly gifted Gibson Flying V metallic silver guitar. The performance carried both technical brilliance and passionate energy. While she did not progress to the semifinals, she had already achieved what few could dream of — inspiring millions across continents and showing the world that talent knows no age.
Mentorship and Support from Rock Icons
Maya’s journey has been supported by some of the biggest names in the industry. Adam Jones of Tool became not just a mentor but a true supporter of her artistry. Gary Holt of Slayer and Exodus, another legend, personally guided her during her AGT audition and even gifted her his signature ESP guitar. These gestures from rock icons highlight the respect Maya commands in the global music community.
The Fusion of Carnatic and Metal – Her Unique Identity
What sets Maya Neelakantan apart is not just her technical skill, but her musical philosophy. For her, Carnatic music is a divine, spiritual experience, while thrash metal is raw energy that pumps adrenaline. By merging these two seemingly different worlds, Maya has created a genre that resonates with both the soul and the spirit.
As she herself once explained:
“When I listen to thrash metal, I feel pumped and energetic. Carnatic music, on the other hand, gives me a spiritual and divine feeling. So I wanted to merge them both. Music takes you on a journey.”
This unique vision makes her not only a performer but a pioneer redefining global music.
Education and Balance
Even while rising in the world of music, Maya continues her schooling through Education World Wide, an international online learning platform. Homeschooling provides her the flexibility to pursue her art while keeping her academic growth intact. Her parents’ support has ensured that her journey remains balanced, focused, and full of opportunities.
Also Read : FICA Tax for Indian Students in the USA: Possible Reforms