{
  "id": 9496020,
  "title": "Nene Royal’s journey from Phuket to AGT champion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/nene-royals-journey-from-phuket-to-agt-champion",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T05:14:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/2026/09/24/nene-royals-journey-from-phuket-to-agt-champion/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Phuket, 24 September 2026 — Nene Royal's musical journey began at a young age when she taught herself to play guitar through YouTube videos. Born on March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Rattikan \"Nene Royal\" Amloy began performing publicly at the age of 12 under the stage name \"Nene Royal.\" Her talent grew, and she caught the attention of the audience and judges alike. In 2022, Nene appeared on the Thai television program Super 10, performing alongside renowned Thai singer Poo Anchalee Jongkadeekij.\n\nThe following year, Nene showcased her skills again, winning the first runner-up position at the Overdrive Guitar Contest. She received special awards in guitar and vocal categories, as well as the Trang Music Award in 2023. In 2025, Nene claimed the Outstanding Player award at the King Power Band Competition, cementing her status in the competitive music scene.\n\nHer journey culminated in the United States, where she participated in auditions for America's Got Talent Season 21 from February to July 2026. Her performance of \"Zombie\" by The Cranberries, featuring powerful vocals and an intense guitar solo, captivated the judges and went viral, garnering over 100 million views on social media platforms within days.\n\nFollowing the auditions, Nene advanced through the Judges' Callbacks and Live Shows, impressing viewers with her rendition of Muse's \"Hysteria\" during the Callbacks. Her standout performance during the live rounds convinced judge Mel B to press the Golden Buzzer, propelling Nene directly to the final round.\n\nOn September 23, 2026, Nene performed The White Stripes' \"Seven Nation Army\" during the season finale, awaiting the results. On September 24, 2026, Nene emerged victorious, becoming the first Thai contestant to win America's Got Talent. The win comes with a reported US$1 million prize, equivalent to approximately 33 million baht. Contestants can choose between two payment options: an annual payment of US$25,000 for 40 years, totaling US$1 million before taxes.",
  "summary": "PHUKET — 24 September 2026, From teaching herself guitar through YouTube videos as a child to becoming the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent, Nene Royal has taken an extraordinary musical journey to the world stage. Born on 14 March 2010 in Phuket, Rattikan “Nene Royal” Amloy began teaching herself to play guitar through […] The post Nene Royal’s journey from Phuket to AGT champion…",
  "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."
}