Nene Royal (Rattikarn Amloy / เนเน่ รอยัล)
Thai Rock Sensation, Virtuoso Guitarist & Historic America's Got Talent Season 21 Champion
Biography & Overview
Born March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Thailand, Nene Royal (real name Rattikarn "Praew" Amloy / รัตติกาล อ่ำลอย) is an electric guitarist, singer, and songwriter who became a global rock breakout in 2026. Initially honing her chops as a self-taught player via YouTube before busking across the streets and beaches of Phuket, she developed an explosive musical presence that stood in stark contrast to her quiet, polite offstage demeanor.
Nene captured global attention on Season 21 of America's Got Talent in 2026, becoming the first Thai national to win the $1 million grand prize. Her viral audition—a fiery vocal and lead-guitar rendition of The Cranberries' "Zombie" performed on a vintage 1978 Ibanez Musician MC300—surpassed 100 million views within days. Throughout the competition, she delivered dynamic covers of rock landmarks including Muse's "Hysteria" (Judas/Callbacks), Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" (earning Mel B's Golden Buzzer), and The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" in the finals.
Musical Instrumentation & Performance Style
- Dynamic Lead Shred & Melodic Guitar Phrasing
- Combines heavy alternate picking, expressive pentatonic runs, and emotive bends with vintage-voiced sustain, transitioning seamlessly from ambient clean introspection to searing high-gain rock solos.
- Simultaneous Power Vocals & Guitar Counterpoint
- Possesses an authoritative vocal belt and raspy rock delivery, executing intricate rhythmic guitar fills and riffs simultaneously with demanding vocal lines.
- Alternative, Grunge & Metal Vocabularies
- Heavily influenced by 1990s grunge, alternative rock, and modern metal, covering demanding arrangements from Avenged Sevenfold and Muse to Soundgarden and Audioslave.
- Gear & Instruments
- Known for her vintage 1978 Ibanez Musician Series MC300 electric guitar (gifted by a Danish supporter during her busking days) alongside official partnerships as a featured artist with Enya Music (utilizing carbon fiber and smart guitar platforms).
America's Got Talent (Season 21, 2026) Landmark Performances
- Auditions: "Zombie" (The Cranberries) [00:20]
- Her viral breakout performance earning four standing ovations and unanimous praise from Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B.
- Judges' Callbacks: "Hysteria" (Muse) [06:10]
- A high-octane showcase tackling the iconic fuzz-bass-driven rock track with driving rhythm work and soaring vocal delivery.
- Quarterfinals: "Black Hole Sun" (Soundgarden) [10:30]
- A grunge-infused arrangement that earned Mel B's Golden Buzzer, sending her straight into the season finale.
- Grand Finale: "Seven Nation Army" (The White Stripes)
- A dynamic interpretation beginning with a haunting vocal opening before erupting into blistering lead guitar work, crowning her the champion of Season 21.
Releases & Upcoming Projects
- Debut Studio EP (In Production, 2026)
- Her debut collection of original material, blending modern hard rock, alternative pop sensibilities, and guitar-driven arrangements following her AGT victory.
- Live Performance Repertoire
- Signature arrangements of rock and metal anthems, including "Zombie," "Black Hole Sun," "Hysteria," and covers of Avenged Sevenfold cuts ("A Little Piece of Heaven," "Nightmare").
The QUEEN of AGT 2026! Nene Royal's Journey to the Golden Buzzer