‘America’s Got Talent S21’ Winner: Nene Royal, 16-Year-Old Rock Musician, Makes History As First Thai Champion
16-Year-Old Nene Royal Makes History as First Thai Champion, 16-year-old Thai guitarist and singer Nene Royal won 'America’s Got Talent' Season 21 on Wednesday night, becoming the first Thai contestant to claim the title, USD 1 million prize, and a Las Vegas headlining slot.
16-year-old guitarist and singer Nene Royal was crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 21 on Wednesday night, becoming the first Thai contestant in the history of the NBC talent competition to claim the title. The 16-year-old rock sensation secured the majority of the public vote following her grand finale performance of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," edging out magician Geno Ploeger to claim the USD 1 million grand prize and a headlining slot at a Las Vegas live venue. ‘Mind-Blowing’: Allu Arjun Impressed As Indian Dance Group B Unique Crew Sets the Stage on Fire at ‘America’s Got Talent’ S 20 With Pushpa x Doctor Octopus Act – Watch Viral Video.
Nene Royal Wins ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 21
At just 16 years old, Royal’s victory marks a major milestone for the long-running competition show, capping off a breakout season where her rock covers routinely generated viral interest. During Tuesday night's final performance round at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Royal took the stage with her trademark guitar work and high-energy vocals, drawing praise from judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofía Vergara.
Nene Royal Crowned ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 21 Winner!
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Her path to the crown accelerated during the live quarterfinals. Following a rendition of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," judge Mel B hit the Live Golden Buzzer, sending the 16-year-old directly through to the finale. Host Terry Crews announced the final vote tallies during Wednesday's live broadcast.
Who Is Nene Royal?
Born Rattikarn Amloy on March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Thailand, the 16-year-old performer began playing guitar at age seven after teaching herself through online tutorials and learning tracks by ear. Before appearing on international television, she developed her skills as a young street performer in her hometown, including the Naka Weekend Market, performing as the lead guitarist and vocalist for youth rock groups including OZONE.
Her trajectory shifted when her initial America's Got Talent audition a rendition of The Cranberries' "Zombie" garnered four unanimous votes from the judging panel. The audition video quickly accumulated tens of millions of views across digital platforms, bringing widespread national recognition back in Thailand to the 16-year-old artist.
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Following her viral audition, Royal received official support from Thai government officials, including an appreciation certificate from the Phuket provincial governor and recognition from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Comedian Kabir Singh, Semi-Finalist on ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 16, Dies at 39.
As the Season 21 champion, the 16-year-old now prepares for her upcoming headline appearance in Las Vegas while balancing her burgeoning musical career with her high school studies.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 04:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
