Thai teen rocker Nene Royal wins US$1m ‘America’s Got Talent’ prize after Linkin Park duet, earning praise from PM Anutin (VIDEO)

BANGKOK, September 24 — A 16-year-old Thai rock singer and guitarist, Nene Royal, has claimed victory on the US$1 million prize of America’s Got Talent, eliciting widespread jubilation back home. The young artist, whose birth name is Rattikarn Amloy, impressed the judges with his electrifying guitar solos and rocking vocal performances.

Hailing from the island of Phuket, Nene has become a social media sensation in Thailand after participating in the talent show. In July, she was invited to perform alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin, currently in New York for the UN General Assembly meetings, conveyed his congratulations to Nene, marking her as the first Thai national to secure the top spot in the hit TV show.

He lauded her incredible talent and unwavering commitment, stating that her achievement has brought immense pride to the Thai people, according to deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaeng. Overwhelmed with joy, Nene fainted on stage upon hearing her victory, announced in California. The teenager, who began playing guitar at the tender age of seven, expressed her happiness, acknowledging the emotional impact of the moment.

In her final performance, she captivated the audience by playing guitar and singing alongside the US band Linkin Park. Videos of her previous renditions of alternative rock classics, such as Zombie by The Cranberries and Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden, had gone viral in Thailand.