Eleven-year-old Maya Neelakantan has made history on “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) with her cover of Metallica’s iconic track “Master of Puppets.” This marks a significant moment as it is the first time Metallica’s music has been performed on the show with the band’s permission.
Neelakantan’s rendition of the thrash metal classic wowed both the audience and judges during the quarter-finals. Her performance seamlessly combined her Indian classical music background with Metallica’s powerful riffs, creating a unique and memorable show.
Before her performance, Maya expressed her excitement and the importance of the moment. “I’m the first act Metallica has ever given permission to play on AGT. I really want to make Metallica proud,” she said. She certainly lived up to her promise, delivering a performance that highlighted her remarkable talent and creativity.
Maya modified her electric guitar to mimic the sound of a sitar, adding a distinctive cultural element to the metal anthem. This innovative approach made her performance both powerful and original, bridging two vastly different musical worlds.
The judges were thoroughly impressed. Simon Cowell, known for his often blunt feedback, was particularly appreciative. “You’re just one of these people who’s got a god-given talent… this is something you’ve got to do for the rest of your life because you’re so good at this,” Cowell stated.
He also recognized the rarity of Maya’s opportunity, adding, “I gotta say a big, big thank you to Metallica for giving you that song. That doesn’t happen very often.”
Maya’s gratitude was evident as she reflected on her performance. “It was just amazing. I’m so happy I had the honor of playing ‘Master of Puppets’ by Metallica for the first time on AGT. So thank you Metallica and thank you to the Cliff Burton family for making this possible,” she said, acknowledging both the band and the late bassist Cliff Burton’s family for their role in her historic performance.
Maya’s journey to AGT has been marked by dedication and a passion for music. Earlier this year, she auditioned for the show, impressing the judges and securing a place in the competition. Since then, she has refined her craft with the help of legendary musicians, including Gary Holt of Slayer and Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson of Testament. Their guidance has clearly contributed to her growth as an artist, allowing her to offer a fresh perspective in her performances.
Maya’s AGT appearance coincides with a resurgence of interest in Metallica’s music, especially among younger audiences. Last year, the band’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, discussed the renewed popularity of their music, partly due to its feature in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. The show’s use of “Master of Puppets” in a dramatic scene introduced the song to a new generation of fans.
Ulrich noted the impact of the show, stating, “We see a lot of 13 to 14-year-olds coming for the first time. There’s always been a coming-of-age element to our shows, and just look at the Stranger Things phenomenon of last summer. That came out of nowhere and all of a sudden introduced Metallica to a whole other set of younger people.”
Neelakantan’s AGT performance highlights the enduring appeal of Metallica’s music and the power of artistic innovation. By fusing her classical Indian music background with the intensity of thrash metal, Maya has not only celebrated Metallica’s legacy but also made a significant mark in the music world. Her historic performance sets a new standard on AGT and paves the way for greater cultural fusion in mainstream media.
