Nene Royal Becomes First Thai Winner of America's Got Talent

Nene Royal, the stage name of 16-year-old Rattikarn Amloy from Phuket, won America's Got Talent Season 21 on 23 September 2026 (US broadcast; announced 24 September, Thailand time), becoming the first Thai contestant to win the show, according to The Nation Thailand and The Thaiger. Host Terry Crews announced the result live on NBC at the Season 21 finale.

Nene reached the finale after receiving the Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B during the quarter-finals for a cover of a Soundgarden track. For the finale itself, she performed alongside rock band Linkin Park, opening their song "The Emptiness Machine" before the band joined her, drawing a standing ovation; The Nation reported Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda called the collaboration "amazing." She was also reported to have performed a cover of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" during the finale broadcast.

The advertised AGT winner's prize is US$1 million, paid as an annuity over 40 years or as a discounted lump-sum cash alternative; Thai media reported the immediate cash payout would be considerably below the headline figure before tax. Other finalists included card magician Geno Ploeger and South Korean magic duo Hundred Fingers.

Nene's win has been widely covered by Thai outlets, including The Nation, Bangkok Post and The Thaiger, as a landmark moment for a Thai performer on a major US television competition.