PASADENA, USA – Sixteen-year-old guitarist and singer Nene Royal has won America’s Got Talent Season 21, taking the show’s US$1 million grand prize in a victory that has carried her from Phuket’s street performances to an international television stage.
Host Terry Crews announced the result during the live finale at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, on September 23, corresponding to the morning of September 24 in Thailand. Nene received the most viewer votes, finishing ahead of runner-up magician Geno Ploeger. Magic group Hundred Fingers placed third.
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, first caught the judges’ attention with her powerful rendition of The Cranberries’ Zombie. She went on to perform Muse’s Hysteria and Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun, earning a Golden Buzzer from Mel B that sent her through to the final. For her last competitive performance, she took on The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army, combining her vocals with the guitar playing that had become her signature throughout the competition.
Before AGT, Nene had built an audience performing rock music in Phuket. Her win makes her the first Thai act to take the America’s Got Talent title.
As gold confetti fell at the finale, the young musician thanked those who had supported her. “I’m very happy and emotional right now,” she told Crews. “I just want to say thank you, and I love you guys for supporting me!”
Nene describes herself as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. According to her official website, she is now preparing a debut EP of original music. After winning over viewers with rock classics, the next stage of her career will give audiences the chance to hear songs of her own.
