She’s not even a teenager yet and already Maya Neelakantan has received a standing ovation on America’s Got Talent.
On Tuesday night’s episode of the show, the preteen wowed judges when she performed Papa Roach’s Last Resort – with judge Sofia Vergara declaring it a ‘perfect audition.’
Maya, who is from India and was 10 at the time of her audition, started off strumming along to the iconic song before she unexpectedly began headbanging.
As the song reached its crescendo, the audience erupted in cheers – amazed at her ability.
‘Are you sure you’re 10 years old?’ Sofia asked Maya, after she received a standing ovation from the audience and all four judges.
Maya Neelakantan (pictured) received a standing ovation on America’s Got Talent for her rendition of Papa Roach’s Last Resort
All four judges, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell were all on awe of her skills
‘Your energy, your confidence. A perfect audition. Amazing,’ she praised.
Sofia wasn’t the only judge wowed by young Maya’s talent – with Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell all also in awe of her skills.
‘I think that you are absolutely incredible,’ Heidi gushed.
‘Also that you are that gutsy. Everyone in this room really loved what you just did. You should be very, very proud of yourself.’
Simon, who is notoriously the harshest judge on the singing show, was equally as impressed.
He branded the electric guitar ‘one of the most difficult instruments in the world,’ noting his own teacher ‘gave up’ on him.
The 64-year-old also praised her stage presence after recalling how shy she appeared before the performance started.
‘You know what I love about this audition?’ Simon asked. ‘You just weren’t expecting this. You were so shy and you’re 10! And then you turned into, like, this rock goddess.’
An Australian father-son duo also receiving a yes from all four judges. Pictured is 11-year-old Inkabee and his father Flewnt
Maya and Inkabee both left all four judges speechless – and with a ‘yes’ though to the next round
He predicted Maya had a long musical career ahead of her, adding: ‘That is the beginning of a career, which I always say, “Make noise among the noise.” And you just did that.’
All four judges were quick to give Maya a yes to go through to the next round.
The tween’s rock moment went viral online with users gob smacked over her performance.
‘This was awesome. Nice to see Rock amongst the youngsters,’ a user commented on a video of Maya.
‘SHE’S 10? Wow, that pure gift. BRILLIANT,’ another agreed.
‘That is a special gift she has! Wow!! Super talented,’ said a fan.
Maya hasn’t been the only preteen to leave judges speechless with an Australian father-son duo also receiving a yes from all four judges.
Inkabee, 11, and his father Flewnt performed an original song on the talent show -with Flewnt, whose real name is Josh Eggington, telling the judges the best music he makes is because my son his by his side.
‘Hip hop brought us all the way here,’ the father explained. ‘We do songs together as father and son, and we bond over music.’
The Perth, Western Australia-based father and son also pride themselves on their First Nation heritage as members of the Noongar Wongi tribe.
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