From Phuket to the world stage — 16-year-old Nene Royal becomes the first Thai contestant to win America’s Got Talent
MAGZ20 | Entertainment • Global News
Thailand has a new global star. Nene Royal, the 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, has officially been crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 21, taking home the US$1 million grand prize after America’s public vote.
Born Rattikarn Amloy, Nene made history as the first Thai contestant to win America’s Got Talent, marking a major milestone for Thai talent on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages.
Her AGT journey began with an explosive performance of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” where her powerful vocals and electric-guitar skills immediately captured the judges’ attention. She later performed Muse’s “Hysteria” before earning a Golden Buzzer from Mel B for her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” sending her directly toward the final stages of the competition.
For the AGT final, Nene delivered another rock-driven performance with “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, before ultimately being announced as the Season 21 champion ahead of runner-up magician Geno Ploeger.
The finale also created an unforgettable moment for the young Thai rocker when she performed “The Emptiness Machine” alongside Linkin Park, receiving a huge response from the audience.
When her victory was announced and gold confetti filled the stage, an emotional Nene thanked everyone who had supported her throughout her journey.
Her victory is bigger than a competition title. It puts a young artist from Phuket on an international platform and gives another powerful example of how Thai talent can compete, perform and succeed on the global stage.
From Thailand to America — and now potentially to stages around the world — Nene Royal’s story may only be getting started.
Congratulations, Nene Royal. Thailand is proud. 🇹🇭🎸🏆
MAGZ20
Entertainment | Exclusive | Global Culture
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“FROM PHUKET TO THE WORLD: NENE ROYAL WINS AGT 2026 🇹🇭🏆”
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🇹🇭 THAILAND MAKES HISTORY! 🏆🎸
16-year-old Nene Royal from Phuket has officially won America’s Got Talent 2026, becoming the first Thai contestant to take the AGT crown. From performing Zombie to receiving the Golden Buzzer and sharing the stage with Linkin Park, Nene has taken Thai talent to the global stage. 🌎🔥
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🇹🇭 NENE ROYAL MAKES HISTORY! Thai Teen Rocker Wins America’s Got Talent 2026
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