Nene Royal (เนเน่ รอยัล)

Thai Rock Prodigy, Virtuosic Guitarist-Vocalist & Emerging Global Performer

Biography & Career Overview

Born Rattikarn Amloy (รัตติกานต์ อำลอย) on March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Thailand, Nene Royal (also known by her nickname Praew) is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter who became an international viral sensation in 2026. Primarily self-taught from the age of seven by studying online guitar videos, she developed an explosive playing style that pairs high-level technical guitar execution with gritty, powerful rock vocals.

After winning top honors at regional competitions—including a runner-up finish and "Best Musician" / "Best Vocalist" awards at Thailand's prestigious Overdrive Guitar Contest, as well as an "Outstanding Player" award at the King Power Band Competition—she gained worldwide recognition in mid-2026 on Season 21 of America's Got Talent. Her electrifying audition performance of The Cranberries' "Zombie" and her callback rendition of Muse's "Hysteria" (where she simultaneously played Chris Wolstenholme's famously complex distorted bass riff on guitar while delivering full lead vocals) amassed hundreds of millions of views across global social media. In August 2026, she received the "Best New International Artiste" award at The Phil Lynott Convention in Dublin, Ireland.

Instrumental Mastery & Performance Style

Simultaneous Polyphonic/Bass Riffing and Lead Vocals: Distinguished by an uncommon ability to execute technically punishing, syncopated guitar and bass riffs—such as the fast continuous sixteenth-note lines of Muse's "Hysteria"—while singing lead vocals with pitch accuracy, dynamic projection, and natural stage control.
Expressive Lead Guitar & Soloing: Combines wide, emotive vocal-like vibrato, aggressive rakes, high-velocity pentatonic and blues runs, and piercing whammy-accentuated bends reminiscent of classic arena rock and modern hard rock heroes.
Signature Instruments & Tone: A featured artist with Enya Music, she frequently performs on a vintage 1978 Ibanez Musician Series MC300 (gifted to her by a Danish fan) as well as modern carbon-fiber and smart guitars, paired with overdriven, punchy rock tube amp rigs.

Band Affiliations & Live Projects

Solo Project (Nene Royal): Her primary international recording and touring persona, blending modern hard rock, alternative pop-rock, and melodic metal arrangements.
OZONE Band: A Phuket-based live band performing rock and pop-rock sets across local music venues and the renowned Naka Weekend Market circuit.
Miniheart: A youth live ensemble in Phuket featuring Nene on lead guitar and shared vocal duties.

Selected Discography & Key Works

Original Recordings

Debut Studio EP (2026): Her forthcoming debut extended play, featuring original self-penned compositions combining modern rock drive, alternative pop sensibilities, and melodic guitar soloing.

Landmark Performances & Live Covers

"Zombie" (The Cranberries Cover) (America's Got Talent, 2026): Her viral breakthrough television audition that accumulated over 100 million cross-platform views within 48 hours, earning a four-judge standing ovation.
"Hysteria" (Muse Cover) (America's Got Talent Judges' Callbacks, 2026): A virtuoso showcase praised by musicians worldwide for translating the iconic bassline onto an overdriven vintage electric guitar while singing lead.

Nene Royal came to America’s Got Talent as a shy 16-year-old guitarist, but the second she started playing, the internet found its new rockstar. Her audition cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries quickly went viral across social media, with viewers obsessed over her huge voice, insane guitar skills, and the way she completely changed once the music started. Watch Nene’s AGT 2026 journey from her breakout audition to her Judges’ Callbacks performance of Muse’s “Hysteria,” and finally her quarterfinal cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” the performance that earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer and sent her straight to the finals. From viral clips online to one of the biggest live moments of the season, Nene Royal proved she is not just a kid with a guitar. She is a full-blown rockstar.

(00:00) Intro
(00:20) Nene Royal - Zombie by The Cranberries - AGT 2026
(06:10) Judges' Callbacks - Hysteria by Muse - AGT 2026 S21
(10:30) Quarterfinals - Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden - AGT 2026
(16:12) Bonus Content!

The QUEEN of AGT 2026! Nene Royal's Journey to the Golden Buzzer