Kukiland/Los Angeles: The world is watching a new rockstar rise from the shores of Thailand. Rattikan “Praew” Amloy, better known by her stage name Nene Royal, a 16-year-old heavy metal guitarist, singer and songwriter from Phuket, has become the breakout sensation of America’s Got Talent Season 21, booking her place in the grand finale after a series of jaw-dropping performances that have stunned judges and audiences alike.
Nene, who fronts the young rock band Ozone, is now preparing for the biggest night of her young career. According to a report in Bangkok Post, she will depart Phuket on Tuesday for Los Angeles with her family and all members of her band to cheer her in the finals. The two-part America’s Got Talent Season 21 Finale is scheduled for September 22 and 23 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California, where the winner will be decided entirely by public viewer voting.
“I am 100% ready,” she told fans at her pre-departure concert in Phuket on Saturday night. “I have been working hard every day from 5pm to 9.30pm towards my ultimate goal, to be a world-class artist with a chance for world tours.” Her bandmates echoed her confidence, telling local media they believe Nene will emerge as the winner of the America’s Got Talent finale.
Her journey to the finale has been nothing short of cinematic. Nene first auditioned in July 2026 with a powerful, gritty rendition of The Cranberries’ classic hit “Zombie.” Clad in her signature rock attire with her electric guitar, the teenager unleashed soaring vocals and shredding guitar solos that belied her age, earning a standing ovation from all four judges. The performance went viral on America’s Got Talent’s official YouTube, crossing 15 million views within days.
But it was her quarterfinal performance that changed everything. In late August, Nene took on Soundgarden’s legendary grunge anthem “Black Hole Sun.” Her haunting vocal control combined with technical guitar mastery left judge Simon Cowell speechless and judge Melanie Brown, known as Mel B, so moved that she slammed the coveted Golden Buzzer, sending Nene straight through to the finale. The Golden Buzzer moment has since become one of the most replayed clips of Season 21.
Watch Viral Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DGZEVaXdg/
Born and raised in Phuket, Nene’s story is rooted in humble beginnings. Daughter of a local musician, she picked up her first guitar at age 8 and began writing her own riffs by age 10. While most teenagers were glued to pop music, Nene was obsessed with Metallica, Soundgarden, and Lzzy Hale. She formed Ozone at age 13 with school friends, playing at local Phuket bars, beach festivals, and school events. Her mother has said she would practice for 4 hours daily after school, balancing her studies and her dream of becoming a world-class artist.
Her songwriting is also gaining attention. While America’s Got Talent has showcased her as a cover artist, Nene is an original songwriter. Her independent singles “Phuket Hurricane” and “Broken Strings” released on Spotify in early 2026 have already garnered a cult following in Thailand’s underground rock scene. She writes about teenage angst, island life, and female empowerment, themes that resonate strongly with Gen Z audiences.
Currently, Nene is positioned as one of the Top 5 frontrunners for the America’s Got Talent crown. America’s Got Talent analysts and US entertainment portals have placed her in the top 3 based on YouTube views, TikTok trends, and Google search spikes. Her “Black Hole Sun” performance is currently the most-viewed performance of Season 21 on Instagram Reels, with over 25 million views, surpassing many adult contestants.
What makes her stand out is her rare double-threat talent. In an era of playback singers, Nene sings while executing complex lead guitar solos live, without backing tracks. Judges have praised her as a “complete rock package” – a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and performer. Howie Mandel called her “the future of rock,” while Heidi Klum said she brings “old-school rock soul in a new generation body.”
Ahead of the finale, Nene is keeping her final song a secret, teasing fans on her Facebook page on Sunday: “Can you guess what song Nene Royal will perform in the America’s Got Talent FINAL? If you guess the correct song, you’ll have a chance to win a special prize!” Fans are speculating she might perform an original song or a tribute to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” or Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life.”
Her message to global fans is simple and heartfelt: “I will do my best in the finale. What I ask from you is please vote for me. The champion depends on the voting results. Cheer me and vote for me too,” she said at her Phuket concert.
If she wins, Nene Royal will be the youngest rock artist and the first Thai act to ever win America’s Got Talent, taking home the $1 million prize and a headline show in Las Vegas. More importantly, she would become a symbol of hope for young Asian girls in rock music, a genre long dominated by men. For now, all eyes are on Pasadena on September 22-23, as this 16-year-old guitarist from Phuket prepares to shred her way into history.
