Cinema VinesA 16‑year‑old rock singer from Phuket, Thailand, has taken home the $1 million prize on the U.S. television talent show "America’s Got Talent," becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition. Nene Royal, whose birth name is Rattikarn Amloy, stunned judges with blistering guitar solos and powerful vocal performances, ultimately defeating a magician to secure the title on Thursday.
Since entering the show, the Phuket teen has become a social media sensation in Thailand. Her rendition of alternative‑rock classics such as The Cranberries’ “Zombie” and Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” went viral, drawing a huge following back home. In her final act, she shared the stage with the American band Linkin Park, delivering a memorable guitar‑driven performance that left audiences and judges alike in awe.
The victory has sparked celebrations across Thailand. The Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, who was in New York for UN General Assembly meetings at the time, sent his congratulations to Nene, praising her talent and dedication as a source of national pride. Deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the win brings honor to Thai people.
Nene, who began playing guitar at the age of seven, expressed her emotions after the announcement. "I’m very happy and you know I’m emotional right now," she said, collapsing to the stage floor in California. She revealed that she learned most of her guitar skills by watching online videos and later received a music scholarship to a private international school on Phuket.
Her school celebrated the achievement with watch parties for students and teachers, posting a congratulatory message on Facebook: "You did it, congratulations, champion. We are so proud of you." The Phuket night market where she honed her craft also hailed her as an inspiration, stating, "This victory is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone truly gives everything to their dream."
