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Bloomberg reported that Nene Royal outperformed nine other finalists to take the title during the live results broadcast. The teenager had impressed with a guitar-driven cover of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army in the performance show the night prior. Judges responded with strong endorsements including immediate calls to award her the top prize.
As the first Thai winner, Teen rocker Nene Royal becomes first Thai to win America’s Got Talent marking a milestone for the country. According to the Bangkok Post, the 16-year-old whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy began busking at Phuket’s Naka Weekend Market with local bands before gaining international notice. She is self-taught on guitar after starting at age seven through YouTube videos even though her parents had hoped for a business career path for her.
A Nation Thailand review detailed how Nene’s initial audition performing the Cranberries’ Zombie drew all yes votes from the judges and quickly surpassed 20 million views on social media. She earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer in the quarterfinals for her interpretation of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun which advanced her straight to the final. Her callback round featured a version of Muse’s Hysteria that also generated millions of online plays within a day of release.
Bangkok Post coverage noted that Nene’s mother Chuanpit Poonkerd has served as a key source of emotional support throughout the process. “I dreamed that she would one day become a superstar,” the mother told Thairath TV. “I want to tell my daughter that I am so proud of her.” Her father Narong Amloy a 57-year-old stone carver introduced her to music early and assisted with rehearsal setups at their home.
Sofía Vergara and other judges highlighted Nene’s distinctive stage presence during the competition. Howie Mandel stated “You should win. Give her the million, America” following one of her performances. Mel B who had pressed the Golden Buzzer praised her “mysterious, mystical stage presence” and added that she was “from the best place in the world, Phuket, Thailand. I love to go there.”
The Thaiger reported that an American fan named Sean helped Nene’s family prepare the initial AGT application after discovering her performing at a Phuket market. He assisted with collecting clips completing English forms and following up with producers after early submissions received no reply. The victory includes a $1 million prize which can be received as annual payments of $25,000 for 40 years before taxes according to Khaosod English.
