A 16-year-old Thai rock singer and guitarist has won America’s Got Talent, bringing celebrations to her home country. Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, claimed the $1 million prize after impressing the judges with powerful vocals and energetic guitar performances.
The teenager, from Phuket, has gained major attention on social media in Thailand since joining the competition. She also performed with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in July.
Anutin, currently in New York for UN General Assembly meetings, congratulated Nene, described as the first Thai national to win the show. Deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said her achievement “brought pride to Thai people”.
Nene began learning guitar at seven and largely taught herself through online videos. After receiving a music scholarship at a private international school, she continued developing her talent.
During the final, she performed with Linkin Park. Earlier performances of “Zombie” by The Cranberries and “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden had also gone viral in Thailand.
After her victory was announced in California, Nene fell to the stage floor and said, “I’m very happy and you know I’m emotional right now,”.
Her school and Phuket’s night market celebrated her success, with the school calling her an “extraordinary talent with a bright future ahead”.
