Nene Royal Wins the Golden Buzzer on AGT 2026
Mel B sent the 16-year-old Thai guitarist straight to the final after her live show performance drew more than 200 million views.
- Rattikarn Amloy, a 16-year-old guitarist from Phuket, Thailand, performing under the stage name Nene Royal, has become an international sensation. Her performances on AGT have amassed more than 200 million views, propelling her to global fame.
- Nene's musical journey began years ago in Phuket, where she busked at a night market to fund lessons. She started playing at seven on a $49 instrument, a significant expense for her family while her father earned just over 10,000 baht per month.
- Viral success has generated massive support, with her official Facebook page growing to more than 3.1 million followers. Charoen Pokphand Foods Pcl rented a Times Square screen, while Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri encouraged her to 'show the world what you can do'.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hosted Nene at Government House and instructed tourism officials to explore featuring her in 'Amazing Thailand' campaigns. The effort aims to boost visitor numbers, which remain around 3 per cent below last year's levels.
- Music shops and schools are reporting increased interest, with owner Naris Padungsaeng selling two electric guitars in two weeks. Inspired by Nene's success, 17-year-old student Benjapa Kaewpradit picked up the instrument after seeing her on social media.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Who Is Nene Royal? AGT Teen's Incredible Rise From a $49 Guitar to 200 Million Views
A 16-year-old guitarist who began playing on a $49 (around £36) instrument and performing for donations at a Phuket night market has become Thailand's latest international sensation. Nene Royal has attracted more than 200 million views through her America's Got Talent appearances, catching the attention of the country's government, businesses and aspiring young musicians. Who Is Nene Royal? Meet the 16-Year-Old AGT Guitarist Nene Royal is the st…
Cheering fans erupted as Thais flocked to congratulate "Nene" on winning the Golden Buzzer and advancing to the America's Got Talent finals.
On August 26, reporters stated that several international media outlets had simultaneously reported on the success of Nene Royal, a 16-year-old Thai singer and guitarist.
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