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 AGT performances have amassed more than 200 million views.
- Nene's musical journey began in Phuket, where she busked at a night market to fund lessons starting at age seven. She began on a $49 instrument, a significant expense for her family while her father earned just over 10,000 baht per month.
- Her 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 below pre-pandemic levels.
- Music shops and schools are reporting increased interest sparked by Nene's rise, with owner Naris Padungsaeng selling two electric guitars in two weeks. Student Benjapa Kaewpradit, 17, picked up guitar after seeing Nene in social media feeds.
21 Articles
21 Articles
The story of a 16-year-old who performed for years at the Phuket City Market and is now conquering the world proves that talent knows no bounds. Nene Royal once entertained people with her voice and guitar for pennies, but after appearing on America's Got Talent, where she even received a gold button from the famous Mel B, she has a record 200 million views on YouTube.
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…
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