When 10-year-old guitar prodigy Bay Melnick Virgolino stepped onto the Americaâs Got Talent 2025 stage, no one expected the storm of sound that followed. But from the first power chord of âBorn to Be Wildâ by Steppenwolf, it was clear the audience was in for something legendary.
⥠A Rockstar in the Making
With his small frame dwarfed by a full-sized electric guitar, Bay looked every bit the underdog. But the moment he struck that opening riff, jaws dropped. His performance wasnât just technically flawless â it rocked. Every bend, slide, and solo was delivered with precision and swagger, channeling the raw energy of classic 1960s rock.
The judges could barely contain their excitement. Simon Cowell reportedly mouthed âWowâ midway through the solo, while Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum exchanged stunned looks as the crowd rose to their feet. By the end of the song, the entire theater was on its feet, cheering.
đś âBorn to Be Wildâ Reborn
Choosing âBorn to Be Wildâ was a bold move. The 1968 anthem by Steppenwolf is known for its gritty tone and rebellious energy â qualities not often associated with a 10-year-old. But Bay brought new life to it, blending youthful enthusiasm with veteran-level control.
His tone was crisp, his timing impeccable, and his showmanship unshakable. Whether hammering out solos or flashing a confident smile at the camera, Bay proved that rock and roll spirit transcends generations.
đ A Viral Sensation
Within hours of airing, Bayâs performance clip exploded online. Fans flooded social media with praise, calling him âthe next Eddie Van Halenâ and âproof that rock is alive and well.â His AGT video quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, while hashtags like #BayMelnickVirgolino and #AGT2025 began trending across platforms.
Even seasoned musicians chimed in, with guitar enthusiasts praising his âperfect phrasingâ and âunbelievable tone for his age.â
đ The Future of Rock
As the competition continues, Bay Melnick Virgolino has already become one of the standout acts of the season. Whether he takes home the AGT trophy or not, one thing is certain: this kid has already earned his place in rock history.
If âBorn to Be Wildâ was his way of introducing himself to the world, itâs safe to say â Bay was born to play.
Watch the performance:
