Nene Royal

Nene Royal
Born
Rattikarn Amloy

(2010-03-14) 14 March 2010
Phuket, Thailand
GenresRock
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Websiteneneroyal.com

Rattikarn Amloy (Thai: รัตติกานต์ อำลอย;[1] RTGS: Rattikan Amloi, born 14 March 2010), known by the stage name Nene Royal (pronounced nay-nay[2] Thai: เนเน่ รอยัล; pronounced [neː.nêː.rɔː.jân]) or by the nickname Praew (pronounced pray-ow[3] Thai: แพรว; pronounced [pʰrɛːw]), is a rock musician, singer, and guitarist from Phuket, Thailand. She came into international limelight following her audition in the America's Got Talent season 21 that became viral across various social media.

Nene's performance, her rendition of "Zombie" by The Cranberries, was the most-viewed video among all the season auditions. In the Judges' Callbacks round, she performed "Hysteria" by Muse before Howie Mandel and the guest judge Nikki Glaser. Her performance was a hit again, with 2 million views within 24 hours of release on YouTube. In the quarterfinals, her performance of "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden earned her the Golden Buzzer from Mel B.

Biography

Nene was born 14 March 2010[4] in Phuket to Narong Amloy and Chuanpit "Mae Oom" Poonkerd.[5][6][7] Known by a nickname Praew,[8] she has a four-year-old brother.[7] She said that she started playing guitar at seven years of age.[2] According to other sources, she self-taught guitar at age six.[8][9][10] Her parents had hoped that she would take up business as a career,[11] and she wanted to study computer as a co-curricular subject. However, she learned that there was no more accommodation in the computer class that she enrolled in music.[12] She learned playing guitar from watching Youtube.[13]

Nene started making public performances at the age of 12 and adopted a stage name Nene Royal.[2] In 2022, she participated at the Thai talent programme Super 10, performing with Thai rock artist PooH Anchalee.[8] In 2023, she competed in the Overdrive Guitar Contest and won the second prize and was named "Best Musician" and "Best Vocalist". The same year, she received the Trang Music Award.[14] In 2025, she appeared at the King Power Band Competition and given an "Outstanding Player" award.[15][16]

As of 2026, she is studying grade 11 at the Kajonkiet International School in Phuket.[17][18] She is a featured artist with Enya Music and is making recordings for her debut EP.[19] She is in two bands, the OZONE Band and Miniheart, both of which perform at the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket.[8]

In August 2026, Nene was awarded the "Best New International Artiste 2026" at The Phil Lynott Convention held in Dublin, Ireland,[20] one of the only two awards given at the convention, the other being the "Lifetime Achievement Award".[21]

America's Got Talent

Audition

Nene was among the last contestants to perform on the America's Got Talent season 21 in July 2026. She performed her rendition of "Zombie" by the Irish rock band The Cranberries.[22] She used Ibanez Musician Series MC300 1978 model guitar which was gifted to her in 2024 by a Danish fan, Strit Bram.[17][23] Her performance was aired on 7 July 2026.[24]

Reactions

Nene received four "yeses" from Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B.[2] Vergara commented the performance as "spectacular", while Mel B remarked: "You're like a match made in heaven. You're brilliant."[22] Mandel was the most generous in the comment saying, "You are such a surprise [with your] energy and the rock 'n' roll. You are a rock star, young lady, you really are."[24] The audition became viral across various social media such as YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok.[25] It had 1.5 million views within 24 hours on YouTube,[8] and 100 million views on different social media by the second day.[26][27] NBC, producer of the talent show, announced her performance as the most-viewed video among all the season auditions.[28]

Following Nene's popularity from the audition, Thai television and cable network company TrueVisions announced that from the next round onwards it will broadcast all the AGT shows for Thai people to give support to her. Ong-Ard Prapakamol, head of the company commented: "When a Thai artist brings her talent, creativity and determination to shine before a global audience, it inspires people across Thailand to send their support beyond borders."[29] On 14 July, she was invited at the Cabinet meeting of Thailand government at the Prime Minister's official workhouse, Government House in Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined her for performing the song "Som San".[30] At the event, tourism and sports minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced that the government will support Nene including financing expenses for AGT performances.[31] The government will also discuss on her appointment as an ambassador for tourism promotion.[30] The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security also announced that its plan to honour her with the Inspirational Youth honorary plaque on National Youth Day on September 20.[32]

On 15 July, Phuket governor Chotnarin Kerdsom presented Nene an appreciation certificate in a ceremony held at the Phuket Provincial Hall.[33] On 12 August, on the ceremony for National Mother's Day 2026 in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn honoured her with a certificate citing her as an "outstandingly filial child.[7][34]

Judges' Callbacks

For the 2026 season, AGT introduced a new round called Judges' Callbacks by which each judge can call any act that did not directly qualify for the next round to make another performance, instead of the group selection by all the judges as before, so that each judge will decide their choice of act for the next round.[35] Nene was called up by Mandel and performed "Hysteria" by the British rock band Muse in front of Mandel and the guest judge Nikki Glaser.[36] The broadcast was scheduled for 11 August 2026,[37] but aired as an "early release" on AGT YouTube channel on 8 August.[38] Her performance was an instant hit again,[39] with over 2.1 million views within 24 hours of release on YouTube.[40] Mandel and Glaser chose her as one of the acts going through to the AGT Live Shows.[36]

Quarterfinals

On August 25, Nene performed "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden in the live quarterfinals competition.[41] Using the same Ibanez guitar as in the previous performances,[42][43] she was dressed in a combination of attire reflecting Thai culture – a sleeveless jacket in Tita style of Phuket's Baba-Peranakan[44] and a silk fabric called Manjakiri brocade or Sompak Pum worn over her pants.[45]

Reactions

Mandel was the first to comment, saying, "I know I'm not supposed to say this. NBC, give her the million right now."[43] Vergara remarked: "Nene I think you could really win this competition... you can play that guitar... insanely."[42] After ending her comment with "How could I not do this," Mel B gave her the Golden Buzzer.[46] She will go directly to the final.[47]

References

  1. ↑ "คนไทยส่งใจเชียร์ 26 ส.ค. 07.00 น. "เนเน่ รอยัล" ขึ้นเวที Live Show AGT 2026". Thai PBS (in Thai). 25 August 2026. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Logan, Elizabeth (2026-07-17). "16-Year-Old Rock Prodigy Nene Royal Is AGT's Most-Watched Audition of the Season". NBC. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znWEIZfa2q8&start=187
  4. ↑ "Nene Royal | TVmaze". www.tvmaze.com. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
  5. ↑ "Thai rock prodigy Nene Royal advances to AGT live shows". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  6. ↑ Petpailin, Petch (2026-07-13). "Phuket fans cheer Nene Royal before next America's Got Talent round". Thaiger. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  7. 1 2 3 Chuenniran, Achadthaya (2026-08-12). "Nene Royal credits mother for success after royal honour". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Reporters, Online (2026-07-09). "Phuket's Nene Royal rocks America's Got Talent". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  9. ↑ Davenport, Thomas (2026-08-09). "Teen Thai prodigy Nene Royal goes viral after shocking America's Got Talent judges with an epic Muse cover". The Music Man. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  10. ↑ Borg, Janelle (2026-07-09). ""The energy, the rock 'n' roll... You are a rock star, young lady": This 16-year-old guitarist just stunned America's Got Talent by two-hand tapping over a Cranberries classic". Guitar World. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  11. ↑ Weller, Phil (2026-08-10). "16-year-old guitar prodigy blows America's Got Talent away once again with crushing cover of Muse hit". Guitar World. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  12. ↑ Junaini, Hidzir (2026-08-26). "Thai teen rocker Nene Royal stuns 'America's Got Talent', heads to final with Golden Buzzer". Band Wagon. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  13. ↑ Mathew, Ilin (2026-08-25). "Who Is Nene Royal? 7 Things to Know About the Thai Teen Taking..." www.ibtimes.sg. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  14. ↑ "NeneRoyal (Rattikarn Amloy)". NUX Audio. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  15. ↑ Turner, Ryan (2026-08-12). "Nene Royal America's Got Talent bid gets yes from all four judges". Thaiger. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  16. ↑ Siwanartwong, Kaweewat (2026-07-09). "Phuket teen Nene Royal wows America's Got Talent". Time Out Bangkok. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  17. 1 2 Vittrup, Alexander (2026-07-14). "Nene Royal plays Danish guitar on the road to America's Got Talent". Scandasia. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  18. ↑ "Phuket Governor honours Nene after PM announces backing". The Phuket News Com. 2026-07-17. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  19. ↑ "Phuket teen Nene Royal transforms from shy girl to rock star on AGT". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-07-09. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  20. ↑ Thaiger (2026-08-20). "Thailand's young rock artist, Nene Royal, receives Phil Lynott Convention nod". Thaiger. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
  21. ↑ "Nene Royal named Best New International Artiste in Ireland". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-08-21. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
  22. 1 2 Childers, Chad (2026-07-08). "Shy 16-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy Stuns 'America's Got Talent' Audience With Fierce '90s Alt-Rock Cover". Loudwire. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  23. ↑ Møller, Gregers (2026-08-26). "Danish supporter helped Nene Royal on her journey from Phuket to America's Got Talent final". Scandasia. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  24. 1 2 Brandle, Lars (2026-07-08). "Thai Teen Rocks Out With 'Zombie' Cover on 'AGT': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  25. ↑ "Phuket teen Nene Royal transforms from shy girl to rock star on AGT". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-07-09. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  26. ↑ "Thai rock sensation Nene Royal is back on AGT in new Judges' Callbacks round". world.thaipbs.or.th. 2026-08-08. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  27. ↑ "Latest View Count of Nene Royal Clip on America's Got Talent Stage Soars Unstoppably!!". en.thairath.co.th. 2026-07-13. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  28. ↑ Logan, Elizabeth (2026-07-17). "16-Year-Old Rock Prodigy Nene Royal Is AGT's Most-Watched Audition of the Season". NBC. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  29. ↑ "TrueVisions rallies support for NENE Royal on America's Got Talent". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-08-06. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  30. 1 2 Muzaffar, Maroosha (2026-07-22). "Thai leader serenades Chinese PM in bizarre example of 'musical diplomacy'". The Independent. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  31. ↑ "Thailand taps Nene Royal for global tourism promotion drive". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-07-14. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  32. ↑ "Thai Government Honors "Nene Royal" After AGT Success". thailand.go.th. 2026-07-14. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  33. ↑ "Phuket Governor honours Nene after PM announces backing". The Phuket News. 2026-07-17. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  34. ↑ "Nene Royal says family is behind her success after royal honour". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-08-12. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  35. ↑ Cohn, Paulette (2026-08-04). "Simon Cowell Opens Up About Historic 'AGT' Format Shake-Up: 'It Was Better Than I Thought' (Exclusive)". Parade. Archived from the original on 2026-08-06. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  36. 1 2 Norwin, Alyssa (2026-08-11). "'AGT': Which of Howie & Sofia's Callbacks Made the Live Shows?". TV Insider. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  37. ↑ Ajanapanya, Nongluck (2026-07-31). "Thai Singer Nene Royal Advances to AGT Judges' Callbacks". The Nation (Thailand). Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  38. ↑ "AGT gives Nene Royal's Judges' Callbacks performance early release". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-08-08. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  39. ↑ Tiengtae, Nannalin (2026-08-08). "Nene Royal's 'Hysteria' tops 1 million views". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  40. ↑ Siwanartwong, Kaweewat (2026-08-11). "Nene Royal crushes a Muse classic on America's Got Talent". Time Out Bangkok. Retrieved 2026-08-13.
  41. ↑ Childers, Chad (2026-08-26). "Teen Guitar Phenom Gets 'America's Got Talent' Golden Buzzer for Soundgarden Cover". Loudwire. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  42. 1 2 Brandle, Lars (2026-08-26). "Nene Royal Rocks Into 'AGT' Final With Cover of Soundgarden's 'Black Hole Sun': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  43. 1 2 Borg, Janelle (2026-08-26). "16-year-old guitarist wins over America's Got Talent with Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun: "I think you could really win this competition – you can sing and you can play that guitar, insanely"". Guitar World. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  44. ↑ P, Vajara (2026-08-26). "Behind Nene Royal's AGT Golden Buzzer look: Thai batik meets Phuket Baba heritage". Thaiger. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  45. ↑ "Nene Royal Reveals the Origin of Her Outfit on America's Got Talent Stage, Bringing Thai Culture to Rock the World!". en.thairath.co.th. 2026-08-27. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  46. ↑ "Nene Royal storms into AGT final with Mel B's Golden Buzzer". The Nation (Thailand). 2026-08-26. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
  47. ↑ Norwin, Alyssa (2026-08-25). "'AGT' Recap: Who Got Mel B.'s Live Golden Buzzer?". TV Insider. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
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