Phuket Guitarist Nene Royal Wins America's Got Talent
Phuket-born guitarist Nene Royal, 16, became the first Thai contestant to win America's Got Talent Season 21 on September 24, claiming a US$1 million prize after her viral rendition of "Zombie" garnered over 100 million social media views.
Phuket — Rattikan "Nene Royal" Amloy, born March 14, 2010, in Phuket, taught herself guitar through YouTube videos starting at age 6 or 7. She began performing publicly at 12 under the stage name Nene Royal, and has since accumulated numerous awards including first runner-up at the 2023 Overdrive Guitar Contest, Best Musician and Best Vocalist honors, the Trang Music Award, and the Outstanding Player award at the 2025 King Power Band Competition. She also performed alongside legendary Thai musician Poo Anchalee Jongkadeekij on the television program Super 10 in 2022.
Between February and July 2026, Nene auditioned for America's Got Talent Season 21. Her July performance of "Zombie" by The Cranberries went viral, reportedly surpassing 100 million views on social media within days. She continued through Judges' Callbacks performing Muse's "Hysteria" and earned a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B during the live rounds, securing her place in the final.
On September 23, 2026, Nene performed The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" in the Season 21 final. She was crowned the winner on September 24, 2026, becoming the first Thai contestant to win America's Got Talent. The victory includes a US$1 million prize, equivalent to approximately 33 million baht. Winners can choose between annual payments of US$25,000 per year for 40 years, or a lump-sum payment of approximately US$300,000–430,000 (9.9–14.2 million baht), both before applicable taxes.
