Thai teenage rock star Nene Royal has won America’s Got Talent Season 21 and the $1 million grand prize.
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, was crowned winner during the live finale on Wednesday, September 23, after beating nine other finalists.
The 16 year old from Phuket Island became the first Thai contestant to win the popular US talent show, wowing judges and viewers with her powerful vocals and blistering guitar solos.
In her final performance, she delivered a stunning rendition of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes and also performed on stage with American rock band Linkin Park.
When host Terry Crews announced her as the winner ahead of magician Geno Ploeger, Nene fell to the floor in tears as gold confetti rained on the stage.
“I am very happy and you know I am emotional right now,” she said.
Nene first gained attention at her audition where she performed Zombie by The Cranberries. The performance went viral with over 165 million views on TikTok, making her an early favourite. She also earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer during the quarter finals.
She says she started playing guitar at age seven, learning mostly from watching videos online before getting a music scholarship to Kajonkiet International School in Phuket.
The victory sparked celebrations in Thailand. Her school held watch parties and wrote on Facebook, “You did it, congratulations, champion. We are so proud of you.”
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly and had performed with Nene in July, also sent his congratulations, saying her talent and dedication brought pride to Thai people.
Nene will next open for American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore on October 13.
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