From Phuket to the World Stage: Nene Royal Makes History with America’s Got Talent Victory

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 24 September 2026 | Entertainment 

Sixteen-year-old Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has won the 21st season of America’s Got Talent, becoming the first Thai contestant to claim the competition’s title.

The performer, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, secured the victory after a series of rock performances that attracted attention from the judges, viewers and audiences in her home country. She also won the show’s advertised US$1 million grand prize.

‘America’s Got Talent’ judge Mel B hits Golden Buzzer for heavy metal rocker Nene Royal – Reality TV World

A historic achievement for Thailand

Nene Royal’s victory was announced on 23 September in the United States, with the result reaching Thailand on 24 September.

Her win places her among the international performers who have used America’s Got Talent to reach a global audience. It also marks the first time a Thai contestant has won the long-running US talent competition.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated the teenager, praising her talent and determination and saying her achievement brought pride to the Thai people.

Photo Gallery รู้จัก “เนเน่ รัตติกานต์” เด็กไทยผู้คว้า 4 ผ่านใน America’s Got Talent จากนักดนตรีเปิดหมวก สู่ “ร็อกสตาร์” บนเวทีระดับโลก

From Phuket performances to international television

Before appearing on American television, Nene developed her musical abilities in Phuket, where she performed publicly, including at the Naka Weekend Market.

Reports say she began learning guitar at around seven years old, largely through online videos. Her performances in Phuket helped her gain experience before she entered the international competition.

An American visitor reportedly helped Nene and her family navigate the audition process, including the application and travel arrangements that eventually took her to the United States.

Her journey has been described as a transition from local performances to a major international stage, rather than an overnight success.

“You are a rock star, young lady”: How a Thai teenager blew away America’s Got Talent audience covering a ’90s rock classic | MusicRadar

Rock performances define her AGT journey

Nene established a clear musical identity throughout the competition by performing well-known rock songs with powerful vocals and electric-guitar playing.

Her key performances included:

Her performance of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun earned a Live Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, sending her directly to the finals. Her initial audition performance of Zombie also gained significant online attention.

VIDEO: Nene Royal la “America’s Got Talent”

A final performance built around rock

For her final competitive appearance, Nene performed The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”, incorporating her guitar skills into the presentation.

The performance came as she competed against other finalists, including magician Geno Ploeger and the South Korean magic group Hundred Fingers.

Nene ultimately won the public vote, while Ploeger finished as runner-up, according to reports on the competition’s results.

‘America’s Got Talent’ judge Mel B hits Golden Buzzer for heavy metal rocker Nene Royal – Reality TV World

Thailand celebrates the victory

The result generated celebrations in Thailand, including at Nene’s school in Phuket.

According to AFP reporting carried by Channel NewsAsia, students and teachers gathered to watch the finale. School principal Gareth Eynon described the reaction as “electric” and praised Nene’s talent and humility.

Her victory has also attracted attention from people who had watched her perform locally before she entered the competition.

The Thai government publicly congratulated her, presenting the achievement as an example of the international opportunities available to young Thai performers.

Phuket rocker Nene wins Golden Buzzer, advances to AGT final

Beyond the competition

Winning America’s Got Talent gives Nene access to a larger international audience, but the next stage of her career will involve decisions about recording, live performances, songwriting and the development of her artistic identity.

Nene has spoken about her ambition to become a rock star. Her performances on the programme have established her as a guitarist and vocalist with a preference for rock music, although her future musical direction will depend on the material and opportunities she chooses after the show.

The prize money is also a significant part of the win, but the longer-term value of the competition may include increased visibility, professional relationships and access to international audiences.

Independent assessment

Nene Royal’s victory is both a television competition result and a notable moment for Thai representation in global entertainment.

Her route to the title combined years of guitar practice, local public performances, recognizable rock songs and a strong response from the America’s Got Talent judges and voting audience.

The win does not by itself establish the direction of her future career, but it gives the teenager a major platform from which to develop her music beyond the competition.

Nene Royal’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Thailand’s presence in international televised talent competitions — and the beginning of a new chapter in her musical career.

Sources and further reading