Thai Teen Nene Royal Makes History With America’s Got Talent Victory
Phuket-born singer and guitarist Nene Royal, 16, has won America’s Got Talent Season 21, becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition. Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, beat nine other finalists and claimed the US$1 million grand prize.
Nene’s journey from performing at Phuket night markets to winning one of America’s biggest talent competitions gives Thailand a major international entertainment success. Her rise has also drawn attention to Thailand’s growing use of music, entertainment and popular culture to strengthen its global profile and tourism appeal.
Finale Highlight: Nene performed The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” in the final and later shared the stage with Linkin Park during the results show. Her original AGT audition became the season’s most-viewed audition across the show’s official online platforms.
Along with the $1 million prize, Nene is set to headline a show in Las Vegas. Her rapidly growing international profile could also create opportunities in global music, entertainment and Thailand tourism campaigns.
Audition: Breakthrough performance of “Zombie”
Aug 25: Golden Buzzer for “Black Hole Sun”
Sep 22: Performs “Seven Nation Army” in AGT final
Sep 23: Crowned Season 21 champion
Next: Las Vegas headline performance.
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