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Nene Royal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nene Royal
Born
Rattikarn Amloy

(2010-03-14) 14 March 2010 (age 16)
Phuket, Thailand
GenreRock
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active2022–present
Websiteneneroyal.com

Rattikarn Amloy (Thai: รัตติกานต์ อำลอย;[1] RTGS: Rattikan Amloi, born 14 March 2010), known by the stage name Nene Royal (pronounced nay-nay,[2] Thai: เนเน่ รอยัล; pronounced [neː.nêː.rɔː.jân]) or by the nickname Praew (pronounced pray-ow,[3] Thai: แพรว; pronounced [pʰrɛːw]), is a Thai rock musician, singer, and guitarist. She is best known as the winner of season 21 of America's Got Talent in 2026.

Biography

[edit]

Nene was born 14 March 2010[4] in Phuket,[5][6] Thailand, to Narong Amloy and Chuanpit "Mae Oom" Poonkerd.[7][8][9] Known by a nickname Praew,[10] she has a brother 12 years her junior.[9] She began playing guitar at six or seven years old, and according to her bio, is largely self-taught through YouTube videos.[2][10][11][12][13][14] Her parents had hoped that she would take up business as a career,[15] and she wanted to study computing as a co-curricular subject. However, she learned that there was no more accommodation in the computer class, so she enrolled in music instead.[16]

She adopted her stage name, Nene Royal, when she began playing in public at age 12.[2] In 2022, she participated at the Thai talent programme Super 10, performing with Thai rock artist PooH Anchalee.[10] In 2023, she competed in the Overdrive Guitar Contest and won the second prize and was named "Best Musician" and "Best Vocalist". The same year, she received the Trang Music Award.[17] In 2025, she appeared at the King Power Band Competition and given an "Outstanding Player" award.[18][19]

In 2026, she was in Grade 11 at the Kajonkiet International School in Phuket.[20][21] She is a featured artist with Enya Music and is recording for her debut EP.[22] She is in two bands, the OZONE Band and Miniheart, both of which perform at the Naka Weekend night market in Phuket.[10]

In August 2026, Nene was awarded the "Best New International Artiste 2026" at The Phil Lynott Convention held in Dublin, Ireland,[23] one of the only two awards given at the convention, the other being the "Lifetime Achievement Award".[24]

America's Got Talent

[edit]

Audition

[edit]

In 2026, Nene was invited to perform on the America's Got Talent season 21. Among the last contestants to audition for the season, she performed "Zombie" by the Irish rock band The Cranberries.[25] She used an Ibanez Musician Series MC300 1978 model guitar which was given to her in 2024 by Strit Bram, a Danish fan.[20][26] Her performance was aired on 7 July 2026[27] and became the most-viewed of the season auditions posted to social media.

Reactions

[edit]

Nene received four "yeses" from Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B.[2] Vergara called the performance "spectacular". Mel B said: "You're like a match made in heaven. You're brilliant."[25] Mandel said, "You are such a surprise [with your] energy and the rock 'n' roll. You are a rock star, young lady, you really are."[27] The audition went viral on YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok.[22] It had 1.5 million views within 24 hours on YouTube,[10] and 100 million views on other social media by the second day.[28][29] NBC said her performance was the most-viewed video of all the season's auditions.[2]

Thai television and cable network company TrueVisions, which broadcasts America's Got Talent, promoted the show and invited Thai people to support her. TrueVisions chief Ong-Ard Prapakamol said, "When a Thai artist brings her talent, creativity and determination to shine before a global audience, it inspires people across Thailand to send their support beyond borders."[30] On 14 July, she was invited to a Cabinet meeting of the country's prime minister at Government House in Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined her to perform the song "Som San".[31] At the event, tourism and sports minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced that the government will support Nene including financing expenses for AGT performances.[32] The government will also discuss her appointment as an ambassador for tourism promotion.[31] The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced plans to giver her the Inspirational Youth honorary plaque on National Youth Day on September 20.[33]

On 15 July, Phuket governor Chotnarin Kerdsom presented Nene an appreciation certificate in a ceremony at the Phuket Provincial Hall.[34] On 12 August, on the ceremony for National Mother's Day 2026 in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn honoured her with a certificate citing her as an "outstandingly filial child.[9][35]

Judges' Callbacks

[edit]

For the 2026 season, AGT introduced a new round called Judges' Callbacks in which each judge calls an act back for a performance.[36] Nene was called up by Mandel and performed "Hysteria" by the British rock band Muse for Mandel and guest judge Nikki Glaser.[37] The broadcast was scheduled for 11 August 2026,[38] but aired as an "early release" on AGT YouTube channel on 8 August.[39] Her performance was an instant hit again,[40] with over 2.1 million views within 24 hours of release on YouTube.[41] Mandel and Glaser chose her as one of the acts going through to the AGT Live Shows.[37]

Quarterfinals

[edit]

On August 25, Nene performed "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden in the live quarterfinals competition.[42][43][44] Her attire reflected Thai culture: a sleeveless jacket in Tita style of Phuket's Baba-Peranakan[45] and a silk fabric called Manjakiri brocade or Sompak Pum, worn over trousers.[46]

Reactions

[edit]

Mandel was the first to comment, saying, "I know I'm not supposed to say this. NBC, give her the million right now."[44] Vergara said, "Nene, I think you could really win this competition... You can play that guitar...insanely."[43] Mel B said, "How could I not do this" and gave Nene the Golden Buzzer, sending her directly to the final.[47][48]

Vicky Cornell, widow of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, praised Nene's performance, describing it as an exceptional rendition and an honour to her late husband.[49] On 29 August, Thai rock musician Aed Carabao announced on Facebook that he would give Nene 1 million baht (~$30,000) for her journey on AGT.[50]

Finals

[edit]

Then final round of AGT was held on 22 September 2026. Nene performed a cover of “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes.[51]

On 23 September, the results were announced and Nene was declared the winner and will receive the US$1 million prize money.[52][53]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "คนไทยส่งใจเชียร์ 26 ส.ค. 07.00 น. "เนเน่ รอยัล" ขึ้นเวที Live Show AGT 2026". Thai PBS (in Thai). 25 August 2026. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Logan, Elizabeth (17 July 2026). "16-Year-Old Rock Prodigy Nene Royal Is AGT's Most-Watched Audition of the Season". NBC. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  3. ↑ "4 ปีผ่านไป ร็อกสตาร์ภูเก็ตกลับมาแล้ว! #น้องเนเน่ Nene Royal มาครั้งนี้มันส์กว่าเดิม!! 🤘🏻| SUPER10". 1 August 2026 – via YouTube.
  4. ↑ "Nene Royal | TVmaze". www.tvmaze.com. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  5. ↑ Editorial, Ananas (14 August 2026). "Nene Royal: Age 16 AGT Audition Guitar TikTok Thailand Rock Prodigy". ananasinsider.com. Retrieved 3 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Nene Royal reaffirms Thai roots after Cambodian online claims". The Nation (Thailand). 14 July 2026. Retrieved 3 September 2026.
  7. ↑ "Thai rock prodigy Nene Royal advances to AGT live shows". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  8. ↑ Petpailin, Petch (13 July 2026). "Phuket fans cheer Nene Royal before next America's Got Talent round". Thaiger. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 Chuenniran, Achadthaya (12 August 2026). "Nene Royal credits mother for success after royal honour". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Reporters, Online (9 July 2026). "Phuket's Nene Royal rocks America's Got Talent". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  11. ↑ Mathew, Ilin (25 August 2026). "Who Is Nene Royal? 7 Things to Know About the Thai Teen Taking..." www.ibtimes.sg. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Bio – Nene Royal". Nene Royal – Rock Artist • Guitarist • Songwriter. Retrieved 1 September 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ↑ Davenport, Thomas (9 August 2026). "Teen Thai prodigy Nene Royal goes viral after shocking America's Got Talent judges with an epic Muse cover". The Music Man. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  14. ↑ Borg, Janelle (9 July 2026). ""The energy, the rock 'n' roll... You are a rock star, young lady": This 16-year-old guitarist just stunned America's Got Talent by two-hand tapping over a Cranberries classic". Guitar World. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  15. ↑ Weller, Phil (10 August 2026). "16-year-old guitar prodigy blows America's Got Talent away once again with crushing cover of Muse hit". Guitar World. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  16. ↑ Junaini, Hidzir (26 August 2026). "Thai teen rocker Nene Royal stuns 'America's Got Talent', heads to final with Golden Buzzer". Band Wagon. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "NeneRoyal (Rattikarn Amloy)". NUX Audio. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  18. ↑ Turner, Ryan (12 August 2026). "Nene Royal America's Got Talent bid gets yes from all four judges". Thaiger. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  19. ↑ Siwanartwong, Kaweewat (9 July 2026). "Phuket teen Nene Royal wows America's Got Talent". Time Out Bangkok. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  20. 1 2 Vittrup, Alexander (14 July 2026). "Nene Royal plays Danish guitar on the road to America's Got Talent". Scandasia. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "Phuket Governor honours Nene after PM announces backing". The Phuket News Com. 17 July 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  22. 1 2 "Phuket teen Nene Royal transforms from shy girl to rock star on AGT". The Nation (Thailand). 9 July 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  23. ↑ Thaiger (20 August 2026). "Thailand's young rock artist, Nene Royal, receives Phil Lynott Convention nod". Thaiger. Retrieved 22 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "Nene Royal named Best New International Artiste in Ireland". The Nation (Thailand). 21 August 2026. Retrieved 22 August 2026.
  25. 1 2 Childers, Chad (8 July 2026). "Shy 16-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy Stuns 'America's Got Talent' Audience With Fierce '90s Alt-Rock Cover". Loudwire. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  26. ↑ Møller, Gregers (26 August 2026). "Danish supporter helped Nene Royal on her journey from Phuket to America's Got Talent final". Scandasia. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  27. 1 2 Brandle, Lars (8 July 2026). "Thai Teen Rocks Out With 'Zombie' Cover on 'AGT': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  28. ↑ "Thai rock sensation Nene Royal is back on AGT in new Judges' Callbacks round". world.thaipbs.or.th. 8 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  29. ↑ "Latest View Count of Nene Royal Clip on America's Got Talent Stage Soars Unstoppably!!". en.thairath.co.th. 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  30. ↑ "TrueVisions rallies support for NENE Royal on America's Got Talent". The Nation (Thailand). 6 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  31. 1 2 Muzaffar, Maroosha (22 July 2026). "Thai leader serenades Chinese PM in bizarre example of 'musical diplomacy'". The Independent. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  32. ↑ "Thailand taps Nene Royal for global tourism promotion drive". The Nation (Thailand). 14 July 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  33. ↑ "Thai Government Honors "Nene Royal" After AGT Success". thailand.go.th. 14 July 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  34. ↑ "Phuket Governor honours Nene after PM announces backing". The Phuket News. 17 July 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  35. ↑ "Nene Royal says family is behind her success after royal honour". The Nation (Thailand). 12 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  36. ↑ Cohn, Paulette (4 August 2026). "Simon Cowell Opens Up About Historic 'AGT' Format Shake-Up: 'It Was Better Than I Thought' (Exclusive)". Parade. Archived from the original on 6 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  37. 1 2 Norwin, Alyssa (11 August 2026). "'AGT': Which of Howie & Sofia's Callbacks Made the Live Shows?". TV Insider. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  38. ↑ Ajanapanya, Nongluck (31 July 2026). "Thai Singer Nene Royal Advances to AGT Judges' Callbacks". The Nation (Thailand). Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  39. ↑ "AGT gives Nene Royal's Judges' Callbacks performance early release". The Nation (Thailand). 8 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  40. ↑ Tiengtae, Nannalin (8 August 2026). "Nene Royal's 'Hysteria' tops 1 million views". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  41. ↑ Siwanartwong, Kaweewat (11 August 2026). "Nene Royal crushes a Muse classic on America's Got Talent". Time Out Bangkok. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  42. ↑ Childers, Chad (26 August 2026). "Teen Guitar Phenom Gets 'America's Got Talent' Golden Buzzer for Soundgarden Cover". Loudwire. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  43. 1 2 Brandle, Lars (26 August 2026). "Nene Royal Rocks Into 'AGT' Final With Cover of Soundgarden's 'Black Hole Sun': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  44. 1 2 Borg, Janelle (26 August 2026). "16-year-old guitarist wins over America's Got Talent with Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun: "I think you could really win this competition – you can sing and you can play that guitar, insanely"". Guitar World. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  45. ↑ P, Vajara (26 August 2026). "Behind Nene Royal's AGT Golden Buzzer look: Thai batik meets Phuket Baba heritage". Thaiger. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  46. ↑ "Nene Royal Reveals the Origin of Her Outfit on America's Got Talent Stage, Bringing Thai Culture to Rock the World!". en.thairath.co.th. 27 August 2026. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  47. ↑ "Nene Royal storms into AGT final with Mel B's Golden Buzzer". The Nation (Thailand). 26 August 2026. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  48. ↑ Norwin, Alyssa (25 August 2026). "'AGT' Recap: Who Got Mel B.'s Live Golden Buzzer?". TV Insider. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  49. ↑ Dailey, Hannah (27 August 2026). "Teenager Earns 'AGT' Golden Buzzer & Praise From Chris Cornell's Wife for 'Incredible' Soundgarden Cover". Billboard. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
  50. ↑ "Add Carabao pledges 1m baht for Nene Royal's AGT final". The Nation (Thailand). 29 August 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
  51. ↑ Brandle, Lars (23 September 2026). "Nene Royal Deploys 'Seven Nation Army' on 'AGT' Final: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 24 September 2026.
  52. ↑ Norazhar, Dayang (24 September 2026). "Thai teen Nene Royal wins US$1m on America's Got Talent". The Malaysian Reserve. Retrieved 24 September 2026.
  53. ↑ "Nene Royal wins America's Got Talent 2026, becoming first Thai champion". Thaiger (in Thai). 24 September 2026.
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