From Phuket Night Markets to a Golden Buzzer Moment
Nene Royal, real name Rattikarn "Praew" Amloy, advanced directly to the America's Got Talent Season 21 final after judge Mel B awarded her the Live Golden Buzzer during the show's second live quarter-final, following her rendition of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun." Mel B praised her voice, guitar work, stage presence and energy before sending her straight through without a public vote.
The 16-year-old from Phuket broke down in tears as gold confetti fell, embracing her father, who has travelled with her throughout the competition. Before landing a spot on one of American television's biggest talent stages, Nene built her performing chops the hard way: busking at markets around Phuket, where she learned to win over crowds who had not come specifically to see her play.
A Homegrown Talent With a Growing Trophy Case
Nene is largely self-taught on guitar and previously appeared on the Thai television programme Super 10. She placed first runner-up at the 14th Overdrive Guitar Contest in 2023 and won an Outstanding Player award at the King Power Band Competition in 2025, credentials that trace her rise long before her AGT audition made her a household name.
Her AGT journey began in July with a viral audition cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie" that earned unanimous yes votes from judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B, followed by a Judges' Callbacks rendition of Muse's "Hysteria" that secured her place among the 44 acts in the live quarter-finals. Her online following has passed three million, she has been named a Featured Artist by guitar brand Enya Music, and she is now working on a debut EP ahead of the AGT final on September 22-23.
