Sixteen-year-old rocker Nene Royal has made history as the first Thai to win America’s Got Talent, turning a childhood passion for rock music into a $1 million victory on one of the world’s biggest talent stages.
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, won the show’s 21st season after captivating audiences with her powerful heavy metal performances.
In the final in California, she performed Seven Nation Army by American rock duo The White Stripes, overcoming nine other finalists whose acts included magicians, canine performers and a robot dance crew.
Nene had emerged as a fan favourite early in the competition after a viral audition in which she delivered a striking performance of Zombie by The Cranberries. The audition video has attracted about 20 million views.
Before the winner was announced, Nene also took the stage with American rock band Linkin Park, performing The Emptiness Machine, the band’s 2024 hit.
When her name was announced as the winner, the teenager broke down in tears and knelt on the stage, overwhelmed by the historic moment.
“I’m very happy and emotional right now,” Nene said, thanking everyone who supported her.
Her victory triggered celebrations across Thailand, with fans eagerly following the results despite difficulties accessing the live broadcast. Many turned to a YouTube livestream after being unable to watch the programme on NBC, only for the stream to be interrupted during the results announcement.
The uncertainty quickly turned to joy as news of Nene’s victory spread across Thailand.
“History made!” one Thai social media user wrote, while another praised the young performer for showing the world the talent coming from Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Nene, saying she had brought honour to Thailand and instilled pride in the Thai people.
The Thai government’s public relations department said her victory was particularly significant because she carried her Thai identity with confidence onto one of the world’s biggest stages.
Nene started playing the guitar at the age of seven and dreamed of becoming a touring musician. In her hometown of Phuket, she was known for performing at Naka Weekend Market, where she built her confidence as a young musician.
Piyarat Na Songkhla, a 43-year-old tour guide in Phuket who has watched Nene perform since she was young, said he was thrilled by her achievement.
“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 celebrated her victory, describing her success as a reminder of what can happen when someone gives everything to a dream.
Her school, Kajonkiet International School in Phuket, also congratulated her, sharing footage of students and staff watching her final performance and cheering her name.
From performing with a guitar at a weekend market in Phuket to becoming the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent, Nene Royal has turned a childhood dream into a historic international breakthrough.