Chris Cornell’s widow praises Nene Royal’s AGT cover
Nene Royal reaches the AGT final with a Golden Buzzer, but the September 22 showdown will be decided entirely by viewers’ votes
Vicky Cornell, widow of the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, has praised Nene Royal’s performance of Black Hole Sun on America’s Got Talent after the 16-year-old Thai singer and guitarist secured a place in the final.
Nene performed the Soundgarden song during the live quarter-finals of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
The Phuket teenager combined powerful vocals with an energetic guitar solo, prompting judge Mel B to press the Live Show Golden Buzzer and send her directly into the final.
Her performance also renewed attention around Black Hole Sun and Chris Cornell’s work.
Golden Buzzer provides direct route to final
This season’s quarter-finals feature 44 acts divided across four weeks, with 11 contestants performing each week.
One judge receives the right to use the Live Show Golden Buzzer during each weekly round. The selected contestant advances immediately to the final without waiting for the audience vote.
The remaining contestants must rely on votes from viewers in the United States. The three acts receiving the most votes each week advance to the semi-finals.
Nene’s Golden Buzzer therefore allows her to bypass the semi-finals, scheduled for September 15–16, and gives her additional time to prepare for the final.
No advantage in final voting
The Golden Buzzer guarantees Nene a place in the final but does not provide additional points, votes or any other competitive advantage once the final begins.
All finalists will compete under the same conditions on September 22, with the winner scheduled to be announced on September 23, according to US local time.
The result will be determined entirely by votes from viewers in the United States through NBC.com, the NBC application and TikTok.
The winner will receive a US$1 million prize, equivalent to approximately THB35 million.
Phuket prepares to welcome Nene home
Nene is scheduled to arrive at Phuket International Airport at 8.45pm on August 28 through the international passenger terminal, where supporters are expected to welcome her home.
The self-taught musician previously performed on the streets of Phuket and has developed into one of the season’s closely watched young rock performers.
Her progress on America’s Got Talent has attracted growing attention to her singing, guitar playing and stage presence as she prepares for the final round.
