Thai Teen Rock Star Nene Wins America's Got Talent 2026

Thai rock prodigy Nene Royal, a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, has won America's Got Talent Season 21 (AGT 2026), claiming a $1 million prize and the right to perform in Las Vegas. Wearing traditional red Thai silk from Bangkok's Ban Khrua community, she performed The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" at the finals in Pasadena, California on September 23 Thai time, competing against nine other finalists.

After her performance, host Terry asked if she felt her childhood dream of becoming a rock star was coming true. Nene replied emotionally that she had picked up a guitar at age 7 and always dreamed of being a rock star, and that winning AGT felt like her childhood dream materializing.

Before the results were announced, Nene performed Linkin Park's 2024 hit "The Emptiness Machine" alongside the legendary rock band, impressing both the audience and the band members with her talent. Upon learning of her victory, she collapsed on stage in tears of joy, joined by her family: father Nrong Amloy, mother Om Chuan Pissuk Pul Kaert, and four-year-old brother Kan.

Nene's competition journey began with an audition performance of The Cranberries' "Zombie," followed by Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," which earned her the Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B and automatic passage to the finals. Her Phuket International School opened its grounds for students and staff to watch and cheer her on during the final, erupting in applause when she was crowned champion. School director Nattanee Lichit Watthana noted that Nene's success inspires many Thai youth and demonstrates that dedication to one's passion leads to achievement on the world stage.