Sixteen-year-old Thai rock musician Nene Royal has emerged winner of the latest season of America’s Got Talent, becoming the first contestant from Thailand to claim the reality talent show’s top prize.
Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, secured the $1m grand prize after delivering a performance of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” during the grand finale in California.
Her victory came after she edged out nine other finalists, whose acts included magicians, canine performers and a robot dance crew.
Speaking after the announcement, an emotional Royal expressed her excitement over the achievement.
“I’m very happy and emotional right now,” she said.
The teenager had captured international attention earlier in the competition with her audition performance of “Zombie”, originally recorded by Irish rock band The Cranberries.
The audition has since amassed about 20 million views, helping to establish Royal as one of the standout performers of the season.
Her run on the show continued to gain momentum after she received a Golden Buzzer for her performance of “Black Hole Sun”. She later shared the stage with rock band Linkin Park, performing “The Emptiness Machine” before advancing to the final.
Royal’s musical journey began at the age of seven when she started playing the guitar.
The young musician has previously spoken about her ambition to pursue music professionally and eventually become a touring musician.
Away from the competition stage, Royal is also known for performing at Naka Weekend Market in Phuket, where she built a local following through her live performances.
Her historic victory was met with celebrations among people who had watched her perform at the market.
“Everyone at Naka Market is so proud to see you shine on one of the biggest stages in the world,” the market said in a congratulatory message.
The market added that Royal’s achievement demonstrated what could be accomplished through talent, determination and commitment to one’s dreams.
The victory also sparked celebrations among Thai viewers, many of whom followed the competition through a YouTube livestream after being unable to watch the programme live on NBC.
The livestream was reportedly interrupted during the results announcement, leaving viewers waiting before the eventual confirmation of Royal’s victory triggered an outpouring of excitement online.
“History made!” one Thai social media user wrote on Facebook, while another described Royal as an exceptionally talented Thai youngster.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, also congratulated the teenager, saying her achievement had brought honour to the country and generated pride among Thai people.
The Thai government’s public relations department similarly celebrated the historic win, highlighting Royal’s decision to carry her Thai identity onto an international stage.
It said the victory demonstrated that talent, hard work and determination could emerge from anywhere, including a young musician from Phuket pursuing her dream with a guitar.
People who had followed Royal’s career before America’s Got Talent also joined the celebrations.
Piyarat Na Songkhla, who had watched the teenager perform at Naka Market, described himself as elated by her success and expressed pride at seeing how far she had progressed.
Royal’s former school, Kajonkiet International School, also congratulated the teenager, saying it was proud of her achievement.
Her victory marks a significant milestone in her young career, taking the Phuket-based guitarist from local performances to an international television audience and making her the first Thai contestant to win America’s Got Talent.
