Sixteen-year-old Thai rocker Nene Royal has made history by winning the 21st season of America’s Got Talent, securing the grand prize after performing a heavy metal rendition of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army during the live finale in California on September 23, 2026.
The victory marks the first time a contestant from Thailand has claimed the title in the long-running talent show’s history. Performing under her birth name Rattikarn Amloy, also known as Rattikan “Praew” Amloy, the young singer and guitarist competed against nine other finalists, including canine acts, magicians, and dance crews, to capture the America’s Got Talent crown and its advertised financial award of $1 million (£755,000).
From Phuket Street Performance to an International Stage
Nene’s path to the championship began years earlier in Phuket, where she started playing guitar at seven years old and developed her skills through years of practice and live performances. Before reaching American television, she honed her craft through live performances at local venues and markets, including the Naka Weekend Market, with the backing of her family.
Her breakthrough on the program arrived during her audition, where her vocal delivery of The Cranberries’ 1994 anti-war anthem Zombie attracted 20 million views online and earned unanimous approval from judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel. Subsequent rounds saw her advance through performances of Muse’s Hysteria during the Judges’ Callbacks.
The Golden Buzzer That Accelerated Her Run
During the Quarterfinals, Nene’s rendition of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” proved to be a decisive turning point. Judge Mel B pressed the Live Golden Buzzer, bypassing the Semi-finals and sending the teenager directly into the Final (Top 10).
As the remaining contestants assembled for the concluding broadcast, Nene secured her spot among the top three alongside South Korean magic duo Hundred Fingers and card magician Geno Ploeger. The outcome was revealed by host Terry Crews throughout the Season 21 finale, which aired live on NBC on Wednesday evening, September 23, coinciding with Thursday morning in Thailand.
Collaborating With Rock Legends During the Finale
Ahead of the results being announced, the finale featured special guest collaborations. Nene took the stage with rock band Linkin Park to perform The Emptiness Machine
, a 2024 rock song and track from the band’s latest album, “From Zero”. The rising vocalist was given a prominent role by Linkin Park, who let her take the lead on the opening verse of the performance. Nene impressed the audience with a confident and powerful delivery that showcased her professional-level stage presence, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd amid loud cheers as the atmosphere resembled a rock concert.
For her final competitive set, Nene decided to choose a rock song she had kept secret until the actual competition day: Seven Nation Army
by The White Stripes. She came out in her signature rock style featuring both singing and guitar-playing solos, closing out a fiery performance that brought all the judges to their feet.
I'm very happy and emotional right now,
she said, thanking everyone for supporting her.
National Celebration and Official Reactions Across Thailand
Back in Thailand, the results show was followed closely by a legion of fans who were unable to watch the live broadcast on the television network NBC. Due to a lack of access to the live NBC telecast, numerous viewers in Thailand relied on a YouTube stream, only to experience panic when the feed was unexpectedly cut while the winners were being announced. Moments later came sighs of relief and exclamations of joy as word got around that Nene had triumphed.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commended her, stating she brought honor and pride to the nation, while government representatives called her an inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big
and highlighted her journey as an inspiration to young dreamers.
