'America's Got Talent' Crowns Season 21 Winner
The 16-year-old rocker won the $1 million prize after viral rock performances and a finale duet with Linkin Park, NBC said.
- On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 16-year-old Thai guitarist Nene Royal was crowned the Season 21 winner of America's Got Talent, securing the $1 million grand prize after emerging as the clear fan favourite.
- Royal's rapid ascent began with a viral rock rendition of The Cranberries' 1994 song 'Zombie,' which amassed more than 200 million views across official platforms and earned her a Golden Buzzer.
- During the two-night finale, Royal performed The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' and joined Linkin Park for 'The Emptiness Machine,' ultimately defeating runner-up magician Geno Ploeger for the title.
- Her victory sparked widespread celebration across Thailand, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul praising her as an 'inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big,' marking the first Thai national to win the U.S. competition.
- Royal aims to release original music and will headline as the opening act for American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold during their Asia tour, beginning in Singapore on October 13, 2026.
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‘America’s Got Talent’ champ Nene Royal practiced what she’d do if she won — then she fell down
The 16-year-old rocker was named the winner of season 21 during Wednesday’s live finale.‘America’s Got Talent’ winner Nene RoyalCredit: Trae Patton/NBCKey PointsAmerica’s Got Talent named Nene Royal the winner of season 21 on Wednesday’s live episode.Rocker Nene Royal, a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, Thailand, won the most votes.The teen already has big plans for her post-AGT career.America’s Got Talent rocker Nene Royal had cons…
Thai teen wins $1 million on ‘America’s Got Talent’
Thai teenage guitar sensation Nene Royal on Wednesday won the US$1 million top prize on America’s Got Talent, capping a viral run that made the 16-year-old a national celebrity and drew support from across her home country.Rattikarn Amloy, better known by her stage name Nene Royal, was crowned the w
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