Sixteen-year-old Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has won the 21st season of America’s Got Talent, becoming the first Thai contestant to claim the title and the show’s $1 million grand prize.
Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, is from Phuket, Thailand. She was announced as the winner following a public vote during the finale on September 23, 2026, in the United States.
For her final performance, the teenager delivered a rock rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, combining her vocals with electric guitar. She had earlier impressed viewers with performances of “Zombie” by The Cranberries, “Hysteria” by Muse and “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden.
Her performance of “Black Hole Sun” during the live quarterfinals earned her a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, sending her directly to the final.
Royal began playing guitar at the age of seven and performed at the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket before gaining international recognition through the competition.
Her victory has sparked celebrations in Thailand, with her schoolmates, teachers and government officials congratulating her on becoming the first Thai winner of the long-running American talent show.
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