{
  "id": 9481792,
  "title": "‘America’s Got Talent’ Crowns Season 21 Champion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/americas-got-talent-crowns-season-21-champion",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T03:22:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/americas-got-talent-season-21-champion-1236346074/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a thrilling finale, 16-year-old Nene Royal emerged victorious as the champion of America's Got Talent season 21. The Thai singer and guitarist wowed audiences and judges with her electrifying performances throughout the competition. At the live results show on Wednesday night, Royal secured the title and a $1 million grand prize, as well as a headlining slot in a Las Vegas show.\n\nRoyal, who hails from Phuket, Thailand, picked up the guitar at age seven and dreamed of becoming a \"superstar on tour\" since her early years. Her journey on AGT was marked by impressive covers, including The Cranberries' \"Zombie\" and Soundgarden's \"Black Hole Sun,\" which earned her Mel B's Golden Buzzer. In the season 21 finale, Royal delivered a powerful rendition of The White Stripes' \"Seven Nation Army,\" captivating the audience with her unique stage presence and guitar skills.\n\nThe judges, including Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel, were unanimous in their praise for Royal's performance. After the show, each judge expressed their admiration for the young talent. \"I'm glad I pressed my Golden Buzzer,\" Mel B remarked, highlighting Royal's mysterious and mystical stage presence. Sofía Vergara confidently stated that the \"world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now, you are unique.\" Howie Mandel singled out Royal as the \"biggest, most talented, most viral talent to be on that stage\" and urged America to give her the million dollars.\n\nRunner-up magician Geno Ploeger and third-place magician group Hundred Fingers completed the podium. The talented teenager's journey on America's Got Talent has proven that dreams can indeed come true, and her victory has left a lasting impression on both the audience and the judges.",
  "summary": "And the winner is...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}