Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
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 its US$1 million grand prize.
Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, was announced as the winner during the live results show on Wednesday, September 23, after a season that saw her emerge from auditions in Phuket to the final stage of one of the United States’ biggest televised talent competitions.
Her victory has prompted celebrations in Thailand and drawn attention to the young musician’s rapid rise on the international entertainment scene.
Nene Royal Makes Thai History
Royal’s victory marks the first time a contestant from Thailand has won America’s Got Talent.
Thailand’s government information service confirmed the achievement, describing the 16-year-old from Phuket as the first Thai winner of the competition. The US$1 million prize is worth approximately 32.7 million Thai baht based on the government’s reported conversion.
The win also represents a significant international breakthrough for Royal, who built her reputation around rock music, singing and electric guitar performances.
She had already attracted attention in Thailand before reaching the final, including through performances that demonstrated her ability to combine guitar playing with powerful vocals.
From “Zombie” to the AGT Final
Royal began her America’s Got Talent journey with a performance of The Cranberries’ “Zombie” during the auditions.
The performance introduced her to the American audience as a young guitarist and vocalist with a strong rock-oriented style.
The official America’s Got Talent channel described the audition as a performance that stunned the judges and highlighted Royal’s combination of guitar playing and vocals.
She subsequently performed Muse’s “Hysteria” during the Judges’ Callbacks before reaching the live shows.
One of the decisive moments in her competition came during the quarterfinals, when she performed Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.
Judge Mel B responded by pressing the Golden Buzzer, sending Royal directly through to the finale.
The Thai government’s public relations department had previously highlighted the Golden Buzzer as the moment that secured Royal’s place in the final.
A Rock-Focused Run Through the Competition
Royal’s performances throughout the season were built around established rock songs, allowing her to distinguish herself in a competition featuring singers, dancers, magicians, animal acts and other performers.
For her final performance, she performed The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”, continuing the rock-focused approach that had defined her journey.
She was subsequently announced as the winner following the public vote.
According to TheWrap, the Season 21 finale featured 10 finalists competing for the $1 million prize, with Royal ultimately taking the title.
Linkin Park Performance Adds to Finale
Royal’s victory came during a finale that also featured performances involving major international music acts.
She performed alongside Linkin Park during the results show, singing “The Emptiness Machine”, a track from the band’s 2024 album From Zero.
The performance gave the young Thai musician an opportunity to share the stage with an internationally established rock band shortly before her victory was announced.
Guitar World reported that Royal performed the opening verse before Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong took over, with guitarist and vocalist Mike Shinoda also performing.
The appearance further connected Royal’s AGT breakthrough with the international rock scene that has influenced her musical identity.
Support From Thailand
Royal’s success has attracted significant attention in Thailand, where government officials and members of the public followed her progress throughout the competition.
Before the finale, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Royal after she received the Golden Buzzer and advanced directly to the final.
The Thai government said at the time that Royal’s performance had brought attention to Thailand and her home province of Phuket on an international stage.
Following her victory, the celebrations intensified as news of her historic win spread across the country.
Channel NewsAsia reported that Prime Minister Anutin again congratulated Royal after her victory, saying she had brought pride to Thai people.
A Breakthrough for a Young Thai Musician
Royal’s victory is significant beyond the $1 million prize because of the international platform provided by America’s Got Talent.
The programme attracts a large television and online audience and has historically provided successful contestants with opportunities to reach audiences outside their home countries.
For Royal, the exposure comes at the beginning of her professional career.
Her success also places a young Thai musician in an increasingly international entertainment environment, where artists can build audiences across borders through television, streaming platforms and social media.
Her story is particularly notable because she entered the competition at just 16 and competed against performers with different forms of entertainment experience.
What Happens After the Victory
Royal now leaves America’s Got Talent as the Season 21 champion with the $1 million grand prize and international recognition from the competition.
The immediate competition is over, but the victory could provide opportunities for further performances, recording projects and international appearances.
Those future developments, however, will depend on confirmed announcements from Royal, her representatives and relevant organisers.
For now, her achievement is firmly established: Nene Royal has become the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent and one of the youngest musicians to take the competition’s top prize.
Her journey from Phuket to an international television stage has also given Thailand a new connection to one of America’s most prominent talent competitions.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
Channel NewsAsia
Thailand Government Public Relations Department
Thailand.go.th
TheWrap
Guitar World
America’s Got Talent
