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'I want to be a rock star': America's Got Talent winner Nene Royal joins KCRA 3
She won the 21st season after a final performance of “Seven Nation Army,” and the prize includes $1 million, NBC said.
- On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 16-year-old guitarist Nene Royal from Phuket became the first Thai winner of America's Got Talent, claiming the $1 million grand prize for the show's 21st season.
- Before her victory, Royal performed "The Emptiness Machine" with Linkin Park during the results show, and she showcased rock credentials on Tuesday with "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes.
- Starting at age seven on a budget guitar, Royal performed for donations at a Phuket night market to afford lessons while her father earned just over 10,000 baht monthly.
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Royal, stating "Nene's success is proof that young Thais have the potential to compete with anyone in the world." Corporate supporters featured her on Times Square's giant screen.
- Tourism officials are exploring ways to feature Royal in campaigns promoting the "Amazing Thailand" brand, while the teenager expressed aspirations to release her own original music following the competition.
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21 Articles
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)AGT guest judge praises 16-year-old Nene Royal’s ‘insane’ performance
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 38%
C 50%
12%
Factuality
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