Thai teen Nene Royal wins 21st season of America’s Got Talent, becomes the first-ever Thai winner and gets $1 million prize money
Rattikarn Amloy, better known as 16-year-old Nene Royal, became the first Thai contestant to win America’s Got Talent during a live results show in California.
She impressed the audience with strong rock vocal abilities and impressive guitar solo performances.
During her run at the talent show, Nene Royal gained fame throughout Thailand through her viral videos of alternative rock songs performances. She performed such well-known rock songs as Zombie by The Cranberries and Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden.
In her last performance at America’s Got Talent, Nene Royal played guitar and sang together with American band Linkin Park. Upon hearing the news that she won, she fell to the ground in joy.
“I’m very happy and you know I’m emotional right now,” said the young musician, who won against the magician.
Nene Royal started learning how to play guitar when she was only seven years old. She taught herself mostly via online video lessons. Later she received a music scholarship to study at Kajonkiet International School Phuket.
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“When I played the first chord, I fell in love, and I thought – I am going to be the girl rock star,” she said in an interview with America’s Got Talent.
While Nene Royal’s last performance aired, her classmates and teachers had organized a watch party in the school. According to the school’s principal Gareth Eynon, the moment she won was “electric”.
“Literally everyone from age two to 18 was there cheering her on,” he said.
“She’s so talented, yet she’s so humble,” Eynon added.
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He noted that Nene does not have to be the center of all attention during the school’s performances and enjoys being equally helpful to other students musicians.
“She’s a truly remarkable role model for the younger children at the school,” he said.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated the talented young musician while attending the UN General Assembly meetings in New York City. In the statement issued by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan, he praised her talent and dedication, which “brought pride to Thai people”.
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“This victory is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone truly gives everything to their dream,” it stated in a social media post.
Nene Royal’s success already brought some interesting opportunities. She is set to perform in Singapore on October 13 as the opening act of Avenged Sevenfold.
According to Gareth Eynon, it is unknown whether or not Nene will continue to go to school, as her opportunities are “boundless”.
But he added: “We are here for her and are here to support her.”
