Indian Talent Dazzle the World on America's Got Talent

In recent episodes of the popular show "America's Got Talent," young Indian talents have been making waves, capturing the hearts of audiences and judges alike with their extraordinary performances. Among the standout acts is 10-year-old Maya Neelakantan, whose fusion of rock and Indian classical music has left an indelible mark on the global stage.

Maya Neelakantan: The Rock Goddess

Maya Neelakantan, a 10-year-old girl of Indian origin, has been hailed as a 'Rock Goddess' following her sensational performance on "America's Got Talent." Her rendition of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort” infused with Carnatic elements was nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for her metal renditions on Instagram, Neelakantan’s performance not only enthralled the audience but also showcased her unique blend of musical genres.

Hailing from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Neelakantan distinguished herself from other rock musicians by donning a traditional Ghagra and a dazzling bindi during her AGT audition. “The fusion of Indian classical music with rock and metal is exciting and hasn’t been explored much,” she shared. “These genres are so underrated together! I want to create my own music, which is more like the AGT performance.”

Adding to the excitement of her AGT journey, Neelakantan had the opportunity to meet Danny Carey from the band TOOL. “I was so happy that I got to meet the legend himself, Danny Carey from TOOL! I was so nervous meeting him and I am still nervous even now when I watch this video. This is the first legend from TOOL that I have met and he is so kind and such a nice person,” she said.

Neelakantan's 100-second performance received a standing ovation from all four judges. Sofia Vergara, pleasantly surprised, asked, "Maya, are you sure you're 10 years old?" to which Neelakantan responded with a sly smile, "I think so." Simon Cowell, known for his critical eye, was particularly impressed. “You know what I love about this audition, you just weren't expecting this. You were so shy, and you're 10! And then you turned into, like, this rock goddess,” Cowell remarked, sharing his own challenging experience with learning the guitar. 

Following her performance, Maya Neelakantan became a viral sensation, with the video of her performance spreading rapidly across social media platforms. Simon Cowell’s declaration of her as a “rock goddess” resonated with many, solidifying her status as a rising star. Renowned industrialist Anand Mahindra praised her, calling her a ‘Rock Goddess from the land of Goddesses’ and expressed his desire to see her perform at the Mahindra Blues festival in Mumbai.

Maya’s musical journey began at a very young age. “I’ve wanted to play the guitar since I was five years old but actually started playing when I was six,” she recalled. With her father as her initial teacher, Maya learned through YouTube videos and guitar tabs. Her first public performance was at an ashram with about 50 people, a significant contrast to the AGT stage with its thousands of spectators.

In 2022, Maya's cover of Tool’s 16-minute epic "7empest" caught the attention of Adam Jones, Tool’s guitarist, who sent her his signature Gibson guitar. This recognition was a milestone in her young career, encouraging her to continue creating unique musical mashups.

Pranysqa Mishra: Another Rising Star

Following in Maya’s footsteps, nine-year-old Pranysqa Mishra, another Indian-origin talent, has also captivated the AGT audience. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Mishra delivered a stunning rendition of Tina Turner’s "River Deep Mountain High," earning the Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. 

Pranysqa began her singing journey at the tender age of two, guided initially by her mother and later self-taught through YouTube. Her early public performances included local community events, paving the way for her spectacular AGT debut.

 The Indian diaspora worldwide has been proud and impressed by the performance of Indian talent on the world stage at AGT. Notable Indian entrepreneur Anand Mahindra, later celebrated the performance of Pranysga on X (twitter) platform.

What on earth is going on??  

For the second time, within the past two weeks, a young—VERY young—woman of Indian origin has rocked the stage at @AGT with raw talent that is simply astonishing.   

With skills acquired in indigenous American genres of music. Rock & Gospel.   

Pranysqa… pic.twitter.com/2plEj8EXVs

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 8, 2024

The success of Maya Neelakantan and Pranysqa Mishra on "America's Got Talent" highlights the rich pool of talent emerging from the Indian diaspora. Their remarkable performances have not only brought them international acclaim but also serve as an inspiration for young artists worldwide. As these young stars continue to shine, the world eagerly anticipates their future contributions to the music industry.