From Phuket markets to the AGT final: Meet Nene Royal

Thai teenage singer and guitarist Nene Royal has advanced directly to the final of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after judge Mel B awarded her the Live Golden Buzzer during the programme’s second live quarter-final.

The 16-year-old from Phuket performed her own version of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun during the live broadcast on Tuesday night in the United States, corresponding to Wednesday morning (August 26) in Thailand. Mel B praised Nene’s voice, guitar playing, overall image, energy and stage presence before pressing the buzzer, sending her straight to the final without requiring a public vote or a place in the semi-finals.

Overcome with emotion as golden confetti fell across the stage, Nene burst into tears and embraced her father, who has accompanied her throughout her journey on the US talent competition.

Who is Nene Royal?

Nene Royal’s real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy. She is a young singer, guitarist and aspiring songwriter from Phuket who developed her skills largely through self-directed practice and online music videos.

Before appearing on one of television’s biggest talent stages, she gained extensive live-performance experience by busking at local markets in Phuket, where she learnt to attract and hold the attention of audiences who had not necessarily arrived to watch her perform.

Her online following had already grown to more than three million before her AGT breakthrough. She was also selected as a Featured Artist by international musical-instrument brand Enya Music.

Nene previously appeared on the Thai television programme Super 10. She finished as first runner-up in the 14th Overdrive Guitar Contest in 2023 and received an Outstanding Player award at the King Power Band Competition in 2025.

Four yeses for her ‘Zombie’ audition

Nene introduced herself to the AGT judges as a performer from Phuket during her audition, which was broadcast in July. She was 15 when the segment was recorded and told the judges that she would turn 16 the following day, prompting the panel and studio audience to sing Happy Birthday to her.

She then performed a rock-driven version of The Cranberries’ Zombie, combining powerful vocals with live guitar work. The performance brought the audience to its feet and earned yes votes from all four judges: Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B.

The audition became a viral success and helped introduce Nene to a global audience. Her AGT appearances have since generated more than 200 million views across the programme’s official online platforms, according to recent reporting.

‘Hysteria’ secures place in live shows

Nene returned during the newly introduced Judges’ Callbacks round with Muse’s Hysteria, again performing as both singer and guitarist.

Her interpretation featured technically demanding guitar work and a more confident stage performance, securing her a place among the 44 acts chosen for the live quarter-finals.

The live contestants were divided into four groups of 11. During each quarter-final, one judge could use a Live Golden Buzzer to send an act directly to the final, while the remaining performers had to rely on votes from eligible viewers in the United States to reach the semi-finals.

Nene’s performance of Black Hole Sun made that public-vote route unnecessary. Mel B’s decision placed her directly in the season’s final, marking the biggest achievement of her AGT journey so far.

From local stages to an international career

Away from the competition, Nene is developing original music and working with professional musicians and producers on her debut EP.

Her rise from Phuket’s market stages to the AGT final has become a source of national pride and an example of how a young Thai performer can use local experience, digital platforms and international competition to build a global audience.

The final performances are scheduled for September 22 in the United States, followed by the announcement of the winner on September 23, corresponding to the mornings of September 23 and 24 in Thailand.