She made history that made all Thais proud when Nene Royal or Praew Rattikan Amlai, the 16-year-old rock star from Phuket, won the “America’s Got Talent” competition on NBC in the United States. Thairath Entertainment takes you through the profile of Nene, the talented young woman adored by Thais and the world alike.
Nene Royal or Praew Rattikan Amlai, was born on 14 March 2010. She is the daughter of Narong Amlai and Chuanphit Phoolkerd and has a 4-year-old younger brother. Currently, she is 16 years old and studying in Grade 11 at Kajonkiet International School.
Her musical path began around age 6 or 7. Initially, Nene planned to study computer science but woke up late, and computer and other course quotas were full except for Western music, which was acoustic guitar. So, she ended up studying music, sparking her love for singing and playing instruments from then on.
With a passion for music and singing, her parents fully supported her. Her father encouraged her to perform street music at markets, where she sang and played with the bands Ozone and Mini Heart, both performing at the tailgate market in downtown Phuket.
In 2022, Nene joined “Super Ten,” a talent contest for kids, performing “Back in Black” to showcase her singing and guitar skills. She also had the opportunity to play guitar on the song “The Only One” alongside Pu Anchalee Jongkodekit.
In 2023, Nene competed in the Overdrive Guitar Contest, winning second runner-up as well as special awards for Outstanding Musician and Outstanding Singer. That same year, she also received awards at the Trang Music Awards. In 2025, she took part in King Power’s The Power Band contest, earning the Outstanding Musician award.
Nene caused a global sensation online after appearing on “America’s Got Talent” season 21 on NBC in the U.S. on 7 July 2026 GMT+7, choosing to perform “Zombie” by The Cranberries for the competition.
Her fame surged again when she advanced to the Judges’ Callbacks on 11 August 2026 GMT+7, performing “Hysteria” by Muse in front of judge Howie Mandel and guest judge Nikki Glaser, moving on to the next round.
On 25 August 2026 GMT+7, Nene reached the semifinals, performing “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden. She received the Golden Buzzer from Mel B, former Spice Girls member and judge, granting her automatic entry into the finals.
Also in August 2026 GMT+7, Nene won Best New Artist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Phil Lynott Convention held in Dublin, Ireland.
On the evening of 22 September 2026 GMT+7, Nene performed in the finals of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC, choosing “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes for her act.
Then on the night of 23 September 2026 GMT+7, Nene performed alongside the world-famous American rock band Linkin Park, singing “The Emptiness Machine.” Following this, she was announced as the champion, becoming the first Thai to win this competition.
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