Phuket: Sixteen-year-old rocker Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, has made history by becoming the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent.
The young singer and guitarist captured the Season 21 title after a standout finale performance of “Seven Nation Army,” originally recorded by American rock duo The White Stripes.
Her victory came against nine other finalists representing a wide variety of acts, including magic, canine performances and robotics. Along with the championship, Nene takes home the show’s $1 million prize.
Nene Royal Wins America’s Got Talent Season 21
Nene’s victory was announced during the Season 21 results show in California, bringing an emotional conclusion to her run on the NBC talent competition.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleAfter hearing her name announced as the winner, the teenager broke down in tears and knelt on the stage.
“I’m very happy and emotional right now,” Nene said while thanking everyone who had supported her throughout the competition.
Her victory represents a major milestone for Thailand, with fans and officials celebrating her achievement as the country’s first America’s Got Talent champion.
Nene Royal Performs With Linkin Park
Before the winner was announced, Nene received another major moment on the AGT stage when she performed alongside Linkin Park.
The teenager joined the band for “The Emptiness Machine,” Linkin Park’s 2024 song, during the star-studded finale.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleThe collaboration gave Nene the opportunity to perform with one of the world’s best-known rock bands just hours before learning that she had won the competition.
Her Viral America’s Got Talent Audition
Nene became a fan favorite early in the competition following her audition.
She performed a rock version of “Zombie” by The Cranberries, delivering a performance that surprised the judging panel and quickly spread online.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleA video of the audition accumulated around 20 million views, helping introduce the young Thai musician to a global audience.
Her heavy-rock style remained a defining feature of her performances throughout the season and ultimately helped carry her to the championship.
Who Is Nene Royal?
Nene Royal is a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, Thailand.
She has said that she began playing guitar at the age of seven and dreamed of eventually becoming a touring musician.
Before appearing on America’s Got Talent, she was already performing publicly in her hometown. She was known to play music at Naka Weekend Market, a popular local destination in Phuket.
Her journey from performing locally to competing on an internationally recognized television stage has become a source of celebration in her hometown.
Phuket Celebrates Nene Royal’s Historic Win
Nene’s victory prompted an enthusiastic response in Thailand, particularly in Phuket.
Fans followed the America’s Got Talent finale despite difficulties accessing the live broadcast. With NBC’s television broadcast unavailable to many viewers in Thailand, some fans watched through a YouTube livestream.
The livestream was reportedly interrupted while the results were being announced, briefly leaving viewers uncertain about the outcome. Relief and celebrations followed once news spread that Nene had won.
One social media post described the result simply as “History made!”
Another Thai social media user wrote that the country should celebrate the achievement of “this Thai kid” and her talent.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Congratulates Nene
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also congratulated Nene following her victory.
In a statement, he said that her achievement had “brought honour to Thailand” and “instilled pride in the Thai people.”
Thailand’s government public relations department similarly highlighted the significance of Nene carrying her Thai identity onto an international stage.
The department described her as an example of how talent, hard work and determination can emerge from anywhere, including a young musician from Phuket with a guitar and a dream.
Nene’s Phuket Community Celebrates Her Success
People who knew Nene before her America’s Got Talent appearance also celebrated her success.
Piyarat Na Songkhla, a Phuket tour guide, told the BBC that he had watched Nene perform since she was young.
“She’s so adorable,” he said. “I feel so elated and happy for her. It’s unbelievable that she has gone this far. So proud of her.”
Naka Weekend Market also shared a tribute celebrating the young musician’s achievement.
“Everyone at Naka Market is so proud to see you shine on one of the biggest stages in the world,” the market’s Facebook post said.
The tribute added that Nene’s talent, courage and dedication had inspired people and demonstrated what can happen when someone commits herself fully to a dream.
Nene’s School Celebrates Her America’s Got Talent Win
Kajonkiet International School in Phuket, where Nene studies, also celebrated her victory.
The school shared a congratulatory message alongside footage showing students and staff gathering to watch her final performance. The crowd could be seen cheering and chanting Nene’s name.
The celebration reflected the connection between the teenager’s international success and the Phuket community where her musical journey began.
A Historic Moment for Thai Music
Nene Royal’s America’s Got Talent victory marks a significant moment in her young career.
From playing guitar from the age of seven and performing at a local Phuket market to sharing the stage with Linkin Park and winning a $1 million prize on American television, her journey has unfolded on an international scale.
At just 16, Nene now leaves Season 21 as the first Thai winner in the history of America’s Got Talent.
