BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the government have congratulated 16-year-old Thai musician Nene Royal on winning America’s Got Talent Season 21. The Phuket native became the first Thai contestant to win the competition after receiving the most votes from the American public in the final.
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, began playing guitar at age 7 and developed her musical skills through performances in Phuket. Her audition rendition of “Zombie” by The Cranberries earned approval from all four judges, while her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” during the live quarterfinals received Mel B’s Golden Buzzer, sending her directly to the finals.
Nene competed against nine other contestants and acts in the final at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California, performing “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. Her victory, announced on September 23, earned her the 1 million dollar grand prize and prompted celebrations across Thailand as her performances gained widespread attention online.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said Nene’s success is an example of the potential of Thai youth on the international stage, affirming that the government will continue to support opportunities for young people to develop their talents and gain more recognition. (NNT)
