Nene Royal reaches America’s Got Talent final: The 16-year-old Thai singer from Phuket who makes the grand finale with a Live Golden Buzzer

Thai teenager Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, better known as Nene Royal, has secured a direct place in the final of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after receiving a Live Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B.

The 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket earned the spot during the second live quarter-final after performing her rendition of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun.

Nene’s performance aired in the United States on Tuesday night, corresponding to Wednesday morning, August 26, in Thailand. Mel B praised her vocals, guitar skills, energy, appearance and stage presence before hitting the Live Golden Buzzer.


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The move sent Nene directly to the final, bypassing both the public vote and semi-final stage.

As golden confetti covered the stage, Nene broke down in tears and embraced her father, who has been with her during her journey on the US talent show.

Who is Nene Royal?

Nene Royal is the stage name of Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, a singer, guitarist and aspiring songwriter from Phuket.

She developed much of her musical ability through self-directed practice and by studying music videos online. Before reaching America’s Got Talent, she regularly performed at markets around Phuket, gaining experience playing for passers-by rather than audiences who had specifically come to see her.

That experience helped her build confidence as a live performer and learn how to capture an audience's attention.

Nene had also built a substantial digital following before appearing on AGT, with more than three million followers, according to the information provided. She was selected as a Featured Artist by international musical-instrument company Enya Music.

Her earlier television and competition appearances include Thailand's Super 10. She was the first runner-up in the 14th Overdrive Guitar Contest in 2023 and received an Outstanding Player award at the King Power Band Competition in 2025.

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Nene's AGT journey began with ‘Zombie’

Nene first appeared before the America’s Got Talent judges during the audition round, which was broadcast in July.

She was 15 when the audition was recorded and told the judges that she would turn 16 the next day. The judges and audience subsequently sang Happy Birthday to her.

She then took the stage with her guitar and performed a rock version of The Cranberries' Zombie, combining live guitar with powerful vocals.

The performance earned her four yes votes from Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B, sending her through to the next stage.

The audition subsequently gained traction online, introducing the Phuket performer to audiences beyond Thailand. Her appearances on the show have since accumulated more than 200 million views across AGT's official online platforms, according to recent reports.

‘Hysteria’ takes her into the live shows

Nene returned for the show's Judges' Callbacks round, where she performed Muse's Hysteria.

Once again combining vocals and guitar, she delivered a technically demanding performance and showed greater confidence on stage. The performance earned her a place among the 44 acts selected for the live quarter-finals.

The contestants were split into four groups of 11 for the live shows. Each quarter-final featured a Live Golden Buzzer, which allowed one judge to send an act directly to the final.

The remaining contestants had to depend on votes from eligible viewers in the United States to advance to the semi-finals.

Nene no longer needed to rely on that route after Mel B selected her.

From Phuket busker to AGT finalist

Nene's latest achievement caps a rapid rise from performing at Phuket markets to appearing on one of the world's most-watched talent shows.

Beyond America's Got Talent, she is working on original music and developing her debut EP with professional musicians and producers.

Her progression also highlights the increasingly global route available to young performers, with local live performances and social media providing a platform before international television exposure.

The America's Got Talent final is scheduled for September 22 in the United States, with the winner set to be announced on September 23. In Thailand, the broadcasts will fall on the mornings of September 23 and 24.