Thai teenager Nene Royal wins 'America's Got Talent', sparking celebrations back home

Sixteen-year-old Thai prodigy Nene Royal emerged victorious on America's Got Talent Season 21, securing a staggering US$1 million prize. Born as Rattikarn Amloy, the Phuket native made history by becoming the inaugural Thai contestant to clinch the prestigious competition. Over the course of a grueling two-hour finale, Nene mesmerized judges and audiences alike, fulfilling the early prediction of judge Howie Mandel.

The grand finale featured nine contestants, with Nene besting the competition to claim the top spot, while magician Geno Ploeger secured the runner-up position. Magic group Hundred Fingers took third place, while Royal Lasers and Veronika Goroshkova rounded out the top five. Other finalists eliminated earlier included Lai Noelle, Olivia Befus, the Acro Canine Crew, Unitree, and Come Here.

In a surprising twist, Mandel pledged to sponsor and produce Hundred Fingers' upcoming Las Vegas show. Despite not making it to the top two, Hundred Fingers secured a significant opportunity. The regular judging panel consisted of Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara, with KSI, the YouTuber and boxer, stepping in as a guest judge to replace Simon Cowell, who is currently recuperating from spinal surgery.