Nene Royal: Global Stardom Won’t Change Me, Says AGT Winner at Bangkok Homecoming

 

The 16-year-old America's Got Talent champion on her whirlwind rise, her proud family and what comes next after a hero's welcome in Bangkok.

 

Nene Royal has insisted that global stardom has not changed her, telling reporters on Sunday that she remains "a 16-year-old girl who plays guitar" as Thailand welcomed its newest international champion home with a triumphant victory parade through the capital.

 

The teenage singer-guitarist, born Rattikarn Amloy, spoke to the media following an exuberant procession through central Bangkok on Sunday 4 October.

 

Hundreds of well-wishers lined the main thoroughfares waving banners and chanting her name before the celebrations moved indoors to a packed Paragon Hall at Siam Paragon for the official homecoming event, "Welcome NENE ROYAL: Win The World for Thailand."

 

Having recently become the first person from Thailand to win America's Got Talent (Season 21), Nene appeared remarkably humble, good-humoured, and grateful throughout her first major press interaction back home.

 

 

 

"Life Has Changed, But I Haven't"

Asked how her world had shifted since lifting the trophy and the $1 million prize in the United States, Nene recalled the moment she realised the true scale of her new international fame.

 

"Normally, I expected my friends to text me like, 'Oh my god, you're famous now!' and I was like, 'Me? Like in America?'" she said, laughing. "They said, 'No, all around the world, because every platform has your face!' So life has changed, but I haven't changed. I'm still Nene, and I'm still a 16-year-old girl who plays guitar, you know?"

 

 

 

It was a disarmingly modest answer from a performer who first picked up the instrument at the age of seven.

 

Her journey on the show began with a viral audition of The Cranberries' "Zombie", earning four yeses from the panel and prompting judge Howie Mandel to describe her as one of the most talented acts to grace the stage.

 

After receiving a Golden Buzzer from Mel B during the live rounds, she ultimately stormed to victory in the final.

 

 

A Nation's "Daughter" and an Emotional Family

Nene was equally candid about the affectionate title bestowed on her by the Thai public: Look Sao Saeng Chat (Daughter of the Nation).

 

 

"It feels grand and deeply touching," she said in Thai. "To be called the Daughter of the Nation by people who supported me... I still say to myself, 'I haven't reached the peak yet.' It's incredible to see how far this journey has taken us."

 

Throughout her AGT journey, Nene has rarely been seen without her family, and Sunday's celebrations were no exception.

 

Her father, Narong Amloy—who accompanied her to the US for the live shows—was moved to tears by the massive turnout in Bangkok.

 

"I'm so happy. I never imagined we would be standing here today surrounded by so many people," Narong said.

 

The family's sacrifices to support her music career have been widely reported in Thai media. In August, Nene was awarded the 2026 Filial Piety Award for students by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. On Sunday, as thousands cheered her name, those years of dedication culminated in a national celebration.

 

 

 

Future Plans and Giving Back

With the competition behind her, attention has turned to her next chapter. Nene revealed that she will consult closely with America's Got Talent management regarding upcoming global commitments before finalising her schedule.

 

She also confirmed that fans can look forward to new original music in the near future.

 

Despite the red-carpet glamour of the homecoming event, the mood shifted to one of social responsibility during the official ceremony.

 

Demonstrating her compassion, Nene used the spotlight to address the severe flooding currently affecting parts of Thailand. The event doubled as a charity initiative, with attendees donating funds directly to the Thai Red Cross Society for ongoing disaster relief.

 

Closing her interview with advice for aspiring young artists, the 16-year-old encouraged the next generation to stay authentic: "To anyone who wants to make their dreams come true, just keep going and don't give up," she urged. "If you want to be a musician like me, practise a lot and create your own unique style. Don't just copy someone else. Keep pushing forward!"