AGT winner Nene Royal lands US TV interviews and global rock gigs

Thai teenage rock musician Nene Royal is extending her breakthrough on America’s Got Talent into US television appearances and major concert opportunities, days after becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.

Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, 16, won America’s Got Talent Season 21 and the US$1 million grand prize after a run built around her vocals and guitar performances.

She has since been invited to speak about her victory on three US television outlets: 12 News’ Today in AZ, Rockford News First and KCRA 3.

Nene says victory still feels unreal

Speaking live on Today in AZ, Nene said she had barely slept because of the excitement surrounding her victory.

She said she had never expected to win and had entered the competition primarily to pursue her dream of becoming a rock star. Hearing her name announced as the winner left her proud of herself and proud to represent Thailand.

Nene also spoke about returning to Thailand in the coming weeks, saying she expected an even bigger reception at the airport than when she previously returned home after receiving the Golden Buzzer.

Her win capped a season in which she progressed from her audition with The Cranberries’ “Zombie” to a Golden Buzzer-winning rendition of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”, before performing The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” in the final.

From acoustic guitar to rock music

In an interview with KCRA 3, Nene discussed how her interest in rock music began.

She said no one in her family played an instrument, but she started learning acoustic guitar at the age of seven and managed to learn “Zombie” within three days.

At nine, her father began playing 1990s rock music in the car, including songs by Deep Purple, AC/DC and Metallica. Nene said she was drawn to the energy of the music and later asked to learn electric guitar, including the solo from “Hotel California”.

The experience helped set her on a path towards rock music and strengthened her determination to challenge the idea that rock was a male-dominated genre.

Her message was straightforward: women can be rock stars too.

Four lessons for young musicians

During interviews with 12 News and Rockford News First, Nene also shared four pieces of advice for young people hoping to pursue music professionally:

• Find your own style: develop an identity rather than copying someone else.
• Choose an instrument you enjoy: whether guitar, bass, drums or keyboards.
• Practise consistently: begin with easier cover songs before gradually tackling more difficult material.
• Take every opportunity to perform: whether the stage is small or large, performing regularly can build confidence and reduce fear or embarrassment.

Education remains part of long-term plan

Nene’s father said the family plans for her to continue studying in Thailand for another two years to complete upper-secondary education.

After that, the aim is for her to study music at university in the United States as she develops towards a professional international career.

Avenged Sevenfold support slot in Singapore

Her post-AGT schedule is already taking shape.

On October 13, Nene is due to perform as the opening act for US rock and heavy-metal band Avenged Sevenfold at Singapore Indoor Stadium as part of the band’s 2026 Asia tour.

The show represents one of her first major international concert appearances following her AGT victory.

Nene had already shared the AGT finale stage with Linkin Park, performing “The Emptiness Machine” before the competition result was announced.

LOSO stadium appearance follows in November

Nene will then return to Thailand as a special guest at LOSO’s 30th-anniversary concert, “Nan Tao Rai Ko Ro”, at Rajamangala National Stadium on November 21.

The appearance will put the teenage guitarist on stage with one of Thailand’s most established rock acts, after Sek Loso publicly welcomed her participation in the concert.

The two bookings mark a rapid transition for the Phuket teenager from television competition winner to live performer alongside established rock artists, as she begins building the next stage of her career beyond America’s Got Talent.