16-Year-Old Nene Royal Conquers America's Got Talent

Nene Royal, a 16-year-old aspiring rock star from Phuket, Thailand, has officially been named the winner of America's Got Talent 2026. Her victory was announced live on Wednesday night, marking a significant milestone in her nearly decade-long musical journey.

Royal's performances, including powerful covers of 'Zombie' by The Cranberries and 'Seven Nation Army' by The White Stripes, garnered widespread acclaim and millions of views online. Her audition video alone achieved over 1.5 million views within a day, showcasing her burgeoning global popularity.

Beyond her AGT triumph, Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, has been recognized by the Thai government. She has been appointed as a tourism ambassador to promote the country internationally, with the government covering all her expenses related to the talent show.

Her passion for music began at age seven when she started teaching herself guitar using online resources. Before her AGT appearance, she was a familiar face busking in Phuket, performing rock and metal covers. Today, she boasts a social media following exceeding 3 million.

In a remarkable moment during the finals, Nene Royal even shared the stage with the iconic rock band Linkin Park, performing their song 'The Emptiness Machine.' This collaboration underscored her rapid rise from local busker to international rock sensation.