In the annals of rock history, few songs have left as indelible a mark as Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.
” Famously resurrected in pop culture during Season 4 of Stranger Things, where Eddie Munson’s epic performance was dubbed “the most metal scene of all time,”
the track now finds a new, even younger torchbearer. Enter Maya Neelakantan, the 11-year-old guitar prodigy who stormed the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent 2024 with her electrifying rendition of the iconic song.
Maya’s performance, which has since gone viral, was more than just a nod to metal’s storied past; it was a full-blown homage, delivered with the kind of technical precision and raw emotion that belies her age.
Armed with a Gibson Flying V metallic silver guitar, Maya not only channeled the spirit of Metallica but also made the song her own, captivating the audience and judges alike.
Her journey on AGT has been nothing short of remarkable. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, it was clear that Maya was destined for greatness.
Her cover of “Master of Puppets” was so impressive that even Metallica took notice, sharing her performance on their official Facebook page. This nod from the heavy metal legends themselves was the ultimate validation for Maya, who has long idolized the band. In a heartfelt message on YouTube, she expressed her gratitude:
“Thank you so much! It was such an honor that Metallica trusted me that I’ll make them proud, and I was able to play this iconic Metallica song for the first time ever on AGT! Metallica was the reason I started playing guitar at six years old, and now it feels like a full circle that I got to play Metallica for my 2nd ever biggest stage performance.“
Although Maya’s journey on America’s Got Talent ended in the quarterfinals, her performance left a lasting impact.
She garnered a wave of new fans, including renowned musicians like Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer, who personally attended her audition to support the young guitarist. Despite not advancing to the semifinals, her time on AGT has significantly boosted her profile, solidifying her as a rising star in the world of rock music.
Born on May 4, 2013, in Chennai, India, Maya Neelakantan’s story is just beginning. With her incredible talent and passion for music, there’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the years to come. As she continues to hone her craft, the world eagerly awaits what this young virtuoso will do next. One thing is certain: Maya Neelakantan is a name you’ll want to remember.
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