The contestants on America’s Got Talent just keep getting better and better. During Tuesday’s episode, judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel were completely caught off guard when 10-year-old Maya Neelakantan took the stage and covered Papa Roach’s hit “Last Resort” on her electric guitar.
The young prodigy from India started her act by playing a slower, traditional tune before switching to the energetic heavy metal hit. The audience and judges gave Maya a standing ovation for her unexpected performance.
After receiving applause, Sofia Vergara asked, Are you sure you’re 10 years old?
referencing Maya’s confident stage presence. Howie Mandel followed with the question, Who inspired you?
Maya revealed that she was influenced by Alex Jones from Tool and Gary Holt, the guitarist from Exodus and Slayer. Mandel responded by saying, Well, I think you just picked yourself up a viral moment.
Heidi Klum added, Everyone in this room loved what you just did. You should be very proud of yourself.
Maya Becomes an Instant Rock Goddess
Simon Cowell summed it up perfectly when he said, 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’s compliments continued as he noted, That is the beginning of a career. Make noise among the noise. And you just did that.
An Evening Full of Surprises
This season has been filled with surprises. Earlier in the month, Cowell made history by pressing the highly sought-after Golden Buzzer twice in one episode. The first was for Chicago-based singer Liv Warfield after a lively band performance.
The second Golden Buzzer was for Sky Elements’ impressive drone light show.
Cowell Changes Show Rules
Cowell’s actions puzzled his fellow judges and production staff, prompting questions about show protocol. While discussing logistics later, the rules for season 19 were adjusted to allow each judge two opportunities to press the Golden Buzzer for deserving acts.
Cowell also mentioned his family during an interview, expressing delight at the prospect of his son Eric taking over his empire one day.
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