Sixteen-year-old Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal has won the 21st season of America’s Got Talent, becoming the first Thai contestant to claim the title in the history of the NBC talent competition.
Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, was announced as the winner during the Season 21 finale on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after viewers voted for their preferred finalists. She secured the $1 million grand prize, with magician Geno Ploeger finishing as runner-up.
The teenager from Phuket built a strong following during the competition through a series of rock performances. She first attracted widespread attention with her audition performance of “Zombie” by The Cranberries, which earned four “yes” votes from the judges.
She later performed Muse’s “Hysteria” during the Judges’ Callbacks before returning for the live quarterfinals with Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.” Her quarterfinal performance earned a Live Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, sending her directly through to the live finals.
For her final competitive performance, Royal performed The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” incorporating an electric guitar solo. Her run culminated in the public vote that gave her the Season 21 title.
Royal’s journey to America’s Got Talent began in Phuket, where she had performed for local audiences before entering the international competition. She started learning guitar at the age of seven and developed a musical identity centred on rock and guitar performances. Thailand’s government said her victory marked a historic achievement for the country.
The Season 21 finale also featured Royal performing with Linkin Park. NBC reported that the young musician joined the band for a performance of “The Emptiness Machine” during the finale.
Royal’s victory has attracted widespread attention in Thailand, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul among those congratulating the teenager. Her win has also been highlighted by Thai government officials as the country’s first America’s Got Talent championship.
The victory gives Royal the show’s $1 million advertised prize and a new international platform as she begins her career following the competition. NBC reported that she plans to use the prize toward touring, making new music and potentially acquiring another guitar.