
Following viral renditions of The Cranberries and Muse, 16-year-old Thai prodigy Nene Royal reaches AGT’s live quarter-finals. Here is how to vote.
Sixteen-year-old Thai musician Nene Royal has officially advanced to the Live Shows on America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 21, following a series of powerhouse performances that have captivated international audiences and judges alike.
Hailing from Phuket, Thailand, the teenage artist cemented her place in the live quarter-finals after a fiery appearance in the Judges' Callbacks round. Performing a blistering cover of Muse's classic track "Hysteria," Nene mesmerised the auditorium with a complex guitar solo and sharp vocal delivery, leaving the judges' panel—including executive producer Simon Cowell—visibly impressed.
The official AGT Auditions social media channels confirmed her progression with the announcement: "NENE ROYAL is heading to the live shows." The post immediately drew thousands of celebratory comments from both Thai supporters and international viewers.
Nene first caught the global spotlight during her initial audition, where her transformation from a self-effacing teenager into a formidable rock star stunned the judges.
Her rendition of "Zombie" by The Cranberries went viral worldwide, earning praise for a level of musical maturity rarely seen in performers her age.
Major American rock acts and commentators have since shared her clips online, catapulting the young guitarist into one of the most talked-about acts of the current season.
Industry observers have highlighted Nene's natural adaptability on the international stage.
Beyond her technical mastery on the guitar, her fluent English, distinct personality, and poise have allowed her to navigate the cultural transition effortlessly, turning potential initial nervous energy into a compelling stage presence.
The Live Show Quarter-Finals will feature 44 remaining acts divided across four consecutive weeks, with 11 contestants performing each week. The schedule unfolds as follows:
Quarter-Finals (Week 1 & 2): 18–19 August and 25–26 August
Quarter-Finals (Week 3 & 4): 1–2 September and 8–9 September
Semi-Finals: 15–16 September (for acts advancing from the quarter-finals)
Season Finale: 22 September, with the winner crowned on 23 September
The show broadcasts live in the United States on NBC. In Thailand, viewers can watch the broadcast via True X-Zyte (Channel 340).
With the competition now transitioning from the judges' decision to public voting, support from viewers in eligible regions will determine how far Nene advances.
Supporters can cast their votes through two primary digital channels:
Official Website: [NBC.com/AGTVote]
Mobile Application: The America’s Got Talent on NBC app, available on iOS and Android.
Note: All voters are required to register for an NBC Universal Account. Voting is strictly restricted to residents physically located within the United States and Puerto Rico.
Voting windows open immediately when Nene’s live performance airs on NBC and remain open for approximately 12 to 13 hours:
US East Coast (New York): Broadcast begins at 8:00 PM EDT; voting closes the following morning at 7:00 AM EDT.
US West Coast (Los Angeles): Live stream begins at 5:00 PM PDT (tape delayed broadcast at 8:00 PM PDT); voting closes the following morning at 10:00 AM PDT.
Thailand Time (ICT): Broadcast airs at 7:00 AM ICT; voting closes at midnight (12:00 AM ICT).
Supporters eligible to vote are encouraged to set up their NBC Universal accounts prior to the live broadcast on 18 August to ensure their votes are logged successfully.