Nene Royal is heading straight to the America’s Got Talent final.
The 16-year-old guitarist and singer from Phuket, Thailand earned the Live Show Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B after performing Soundgarden’s 'Black Hole Sun', securing her place in the competition’s Grand Final without having to go through the public vote.
The moment marked the latest milestone in Nene’s rapid rise from performing at local markets in Phuket to one of the biggest talent-show stages in the world.
During the live show, Nene showcased both her vocals and electric guitar skills in her rendition of 'Black Hole Sun'. Following the performance, Mel B praised her voice, guitar playing, style, energy, and stage presence before hitting the Golden Buzzer.
Fellow judge Howie Mandel was equally impressed, telling the 16-year-old that she deserved the competition’s million-dollar prize.
Nene, whose real name is reported as Rattikarn Amloy, began playing guitar at seven after a twist of fate led her to her school’s music club when the computer science club she initially wanted to join was full.
View this post on Instagram
“The only place left was in the music club, and the teacher handed me a guitar,” she previously told South China Morning Post. “The moment I started playing, something clicked.”
The self-taught musician went on to learn through YouTube videos and hours of daily practice before honing her performance skills at Phuket’s local markets and later taking part in Thai talent competitions and local bands.
Her America’s Got Talent journey began with a rendition of The Cranberries’ 'Zombie', which earned four yes votes from judges Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Simon Cowell. The performance has since amassed more than 15 million views on YouTube.
She later returned during the Judges’ Callbacks with Muse’s 'Hysteria', combining vocals with an intricate guitar performance to earn a spot among the 44 acts selected for the live shows.
Support for the young rocker has grown rapidly back home in Thailand, with fans rallying behind her online and CP Group even taking out advertising space in New York’s Times Square to encourage viewers to vote for her.
Ahead of the live rounds, Nene reflected on what her journey could mean to other aspiring young musicians in Thailand.
“I hope my journey can show other young people in Thailand that it’s OK to dream big, even if you’re starting small,” she said.
“Seeing so much support from people in Thailand has made the experience even more special. I feel very proud to represent Thailand, but I also feel a responsibility to give everything I have when I step onto that stage.”
The America’s Got Talent Grand Final on 23 September will now see Nene take another shot at turning that dream into an even bigger reality.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
3