Maya Neelakantan is a young guitarist from Chennai, India, known for her unique blend of Carnatic music and heavy metal. She gained international fame after her viral performance on America’s Got Talent in 2024.
Name: Maya Neelakantan
Born: May 4, 2013
Birthplace: MRC Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Profession: Prodigy Guitarist
Famous For: Auditioning on America’s Got Talent Season 19
Physical Stats
- Height: 5.5 Feet (165 cm)
- Weight: 58 Kg (128 lbs)
- Figure: 32-27-32
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
Biography
Maya Neelakantan is a young guitar prodigy from Chennai, India, known for her unique fusion of Carnatic music and heavy metal. She began playing guitar at the tender age of six, influenced by her father’s love for rock music. Maya’s musical journey expanded when she started learning Carnatic music at nine under the guidance of Prasanna Ramaswamy, a renowned guitarist from Chennai.
Maya rose to fame after her sensational audition on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent in 2024, where she performed an instrumental fusion of a Carnatic intro with “Last Resort” by Papa Roach. Her performance earned her the title of “rock goddess” from Simon Cowell and captivated audiences worldwide.
Family Background
Maya was born to a Tamil father, who runs an IT company, and an Australian mother, Lorina, an entrepreneur. Her parents met in Australia while her father was studying astrophysics. Despite not being a professional musician, her father’s passion for rock music greatly influenced Maya’s early interest in guitar.
Career
Maya’s career began online, where her father uploaded videos of her guitar covers on YouTube. Her cover of Tool’s “7empest” in 2022 caught the attention of Tool’s guitarist, Adam Jones, who later gifted her a customized Gibson Adam Jones Les Paul guitar. Maya’s career took a major leap when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2024, delivering a performance that went viral and garnered praise from celebrities and musicians alike.
Education
Maya completed her elementary education in a traditional school in Chennai. As of 2024, she continues her secondary education through Education World Wide, an international online platform, which allows her to balance her studies with her passion for music.
Influences and Style
Maya’s music is a fusion of Carnatic and heavy metal, a unique blend that reflects her diverse musical influences. Her early exposure to Carnatic music, thanks to her grandmother, combined with her love for heavy metal, shaped her distinctive style. She continues to hone her skills under the mentorship of Prasanna Ramaswamy.
Social Media
- Instagram: Click Here
- Twitter: Click Here
- Youtube: Click Here
Notable Mentions and Supporters
- Adam Jones: Tool’s guitarist, who became one of her early supporters, gifting her a Gibson guitar.
- Gary Holt: Guitarist of Exodus and Slayer, who mentored and supported her during her AGT audition.
Maya continues to inspire young musicians with her dedication and passion, and she remains a rising star in the world of music.
