Nene Royal, a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, has become the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent, taking home the show’s $1m prize.
The teenage singer and guitarist, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, was crowned the winner of the US talent competition’s 21st season on Wednesday night. She beat nine other finalists to claim the prize, with magician Geno Ploeger finishing second and South Korean magic duo Hundred Fingers coming third.
The teenager had already established herself as one of the season’s most talked-about contestants before the final. Her first appearance on the show featured a guitar-heavy rendition of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, performed when she was 15.
Her audition quickly spread online, with the clip racking up more than 20 million views on YouTube and her appearances later seeing over 200 million views across America’s Got Talent’s official online platforms.
After her audition, Royal returned for the Judges’ Callbacks with Muse’s “Hysteria”, where she showcased the guitar technique that would become a defining feature of her performances.
Royal’s next major step came in the live quarter-finals, where she performed Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”. Her performance earned a standing ovation and prompted judge Mel B to use the show’s Live Golden Buzzer, sending Royal straight through to the final.
“Your vocals are on point. Your guitar is on point. Your look, your energy, your vibe, how could I not do this?” Mel B told her before pressing the buzzer.
For her final competitive performance, Royal reworked The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” beginning with a stripped-back rendition before turning the familiar riff into a heavier guitar-led arrangement and adding a solo, then pulling it back for a quieter finish.
Guest judge KSI, who was filling in for Simon Cowell while he is taking time off following a back surgery last month, told Royal: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen and heard you. And I am a fan. That was out of this world. You should be so proud. That was insane.”
มันจะมีศิลปินโนเนมสักกี่คน ที่ยังไม่ดัง ยังไม่ได้มีอัลบั้ม ยังไม่ได้มีชื่อเสียง แต่ครั้งหนึ่งในชีวิต จะได้ขึ้นโชว์ร่วมกับวงร็อคระดับโลก เนเน่เป็นหนึ่งในล้าน 😭👏🔥 #NeneRoyal pic.twitter.com/yl6TGyzYgc
— Kat` ปุก้า •• ⭐🍂 l 🖤🥕 (@katchayapim) September 24, 2026
The following night, she returned to the stage with Linkin Park, taking the opening verse of “The Emptiness Machine” before Emily Armstrong joined her and the pair sang together.
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda praised Royal after the performance, calling her “incredible”, while Armstrong wished her luck and said they were “all rooting for you, for sure”.
Royal’s journey began in her hometown Phuket, where she started playing guitar when she was seven, according to The Nation. She was later known for performing at Naka Weekend Market, a popular night market in the city, where she would play for visitors and passers-by.
“I was so young when I touched the guitar,” she said previously on America’s Got Talent on her dreams. “I was thinking, in my mind, I was like ‘I really want to become a rock star.’ My dream comes true.”
Thailand’s prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated the teenager, saying she had “brought honour to Thailand” and “instilled pride in the Thai people” with her win.
Congratulations to Nene Royal, known as Rattikarn Amloy, the 16-year-old Thai singer & guitarist from Phuket, on winning Season 21 of America’s Got Talent! She makes history as the first Thai contestant to win the competition, bringing pride & joy to Thailand on the global stage. pic.twitter.com/6biF87Pe96
— PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) September 24, 2026
The Thai government’s public relations department also praised Royal, saying: “What makes this win special is that Nene carried her Thai identity with confidence onto one of the world’s biggest stages. She showed that talent, hard work, and determination can come from anywhere, including a young girl from Phuket with a guitar and a big dream.”
Back in Phuket, the celebrations were more personal. At Kajonkiet International School, where Royal is a student, staff and classmates gathered to watch her final performance, screaming and chanting her name as she took the stage.
“She’s so talented, yet she's so humble. She's a truly remarkable role model for the younger children at the school,” school principal Gareth Eynon told AFP.
The Naka Weekend Market, where Royal cut her teeth as a performer, had its own reason to celebrate. The market’s Facebook account hailed her return to the international spotlight, writing: “Everyone at Naka Market is so proud to see you shine on one of the biggest stages in the world.”
“Your talent, heart, and courage have inspired so many people,” it added. “This victory is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone truly gives everything to their dream.”
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