Sixteen-year-old Thai rock singer and guitarist Nene Royal has won Season 21 of America’s Got Talent, securing the title and the $1 million grand prize on September 23, 2026.
Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, made history as the first Thai contestant to win the long-running American reality competition show.
Her journey to the AGT stage began at the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket, where she regularly busked for local shoppers. Her talent caught the attention of an American tourist, Sean, who helped her family navigate the international audition process. Sean assisted with English application forms, submitted performance videos following early rejections, and helped cover travel costs for Royal and her father, Narong Amloy, to attend auditions in Los Angeles.
Royal gained traction during her televised audition with a rock interpretation of “Zombie” by The Cranberries, earning four unanimous “yes” votes from the judges. The performance went on to become the most-viewed audition clip of the season.
During the quarterfinals, her rendition of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” earned a Live Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, advancing her directly to the live finals.
For her final competitive routine, Royal performed “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, incorporating an original electric guitar solo. During the finale results broadcast, she joined Mexican rock band The Warning for a guest duet performance.
Royal won the title following a final public vote, edging out solo magician Geno Ploeger, who finished as runner-up. Magic group Hundred Fingers finished third, followed by visual light act Royal Lasers in fourth, and aerialist Veronika Goroshkova in fifth.
