Sixteen-year-old Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has won the 21st season of America’s Got Talent, becoming the first contestant from Thailand to claim the title and taking home the show’s $1 million grand prize.
Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, was crowned winner during the live results show on Wednesday, September 23, after a season-long run that saw her emerge as one of the competition’s most prominent performers.
The teenager from Phuket secured the victory following a final performance of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” which featured her vocals and electric guitar. She eventually beat nine other finalists in the public vote.
Magician Geno Ploeger finished second, while South Korean magic group Hundred Fingers placed third. Other finalists included Royal Lasers and aerialist Veronika Goroshkova.
Royal’s journey on the popular American talent show began with an audition featuring a rock rendition of “Zombie” by The Cranberries. The performance attracted widespread online attention and helped establish her as one of the season’s standout contestants.
She later performed Muse’s “Hysteria” before delivering Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” during the live quarter-finals. That performance earned her a Live Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, sending her directly into the live finals.
Before appearing on the international stage, Royal had been performing at the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket. According to reports, she regularly entertained shoppers there and developed her musical skills largely through online guitar tutorials.
Her performances on America’s Got Talent subsequently attracted millions of online views and turned the teenager into a major talking point in Thailand.
Royal also shared the stage with the American rock band Linkin Park during the finale, performing “The Emptiness Machine” as part of the results-show programme. The collaboration added another major moment to her breakthrough season.
Her victory prompted celebrations in Thailand, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulating the young musician. The prime minister praised her talent and dedication, while her school in Phuket also held a watch party as students and teachers followed the finale.
Her principal, Gareth Eynon, described the atmosphere surrounding her victory as highly emotional and praised Royal’s humility and willingness to encourage other young musicians.
Royal’s success has also attracted attention because of her age and the path she took from performing at a local market in Phuket to winning one of America’s biggest television talent competitions.
After the winner was announced, the teenager collapsed to the stage in an emotional celebration before expressing her happiness at the result.
The $1 million prize marks the latest achievement in what has been a rapid rise for the young musician, whose performances have introduced her rock style to a global television audience.
Her victory also gives Thailand its first America’s Got Talent champion, making Royal’s Season 21 triumph a notable milestone for the country’s music and entertainment scene.
