Teen rocker Nene Royal becomes first Thai to win America's Got Talent
Her heavy metal performance trumped nine other finalists, including magicians and even a robot crew.
Teen rocker Nene Royal becomes first Thai to win America's Got Talent
Nene stood out as an early crowd favourite in the contest
Nene Royal, a 16-year-old rocker, has been named the newest champion of America's Got Talent, becoming the first Thai person ever to win the long-running talent competition.
In Tuesday’s finale in California, Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, sang Seven Nation Army by the American rock duo The White Stripes.
Her heavy metal acts outperformed nine other finalists, among them a magician, canine performers and even a robot dance troupe.
In Thailand, many are celebrating her victory, with some saying they were proud she had reached "one of the biggest stages in the world". The hai government has described her as an "inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big".
Nene became an obvious fan favourite early on after a viral clip from her audition, where she powerfully sang Zombie by The Cranberries to a stunned panel of judges. The video has now drawn 20 million views.
On Wednesday night, before the results were revealed, Nene appeared on stage with Linkin Park to perform The Emptiness Machine, a 2024 rock song by the American band.
Later that night, she cried as she knelt on the floor after being announced as the winner of the show's 21st season, which includes a $1m (£755,000) prize.
"I'm very happy and emotional right now," she said, thanking everyone for supporting her.
The results programme was also closely watched by her many fans in Thailand, who could not view the live broadcast on NBC.
Many in Thailand had to turn to a YouTube livestream instead, and were left distressed when it was suddenly cut off in the middle of the results announcements.
But moments later came relief and cheers, as news spread that Nene had claimed her historic win.
"History made!" one Thai social media user wrote on Facebook.
"Let the world write it down that this Thai kid is incredibly talented," wrote another.
Nene Royal, 16, went viral for her heavy metal performances
"What makes this win special is that Nene carried her Thai identity with confidence onto one of the world's biggest stages," the Thai government's public relations department said in a statement on Thursday.
"She showed that talent, hard work, and determination can come from anywhere, including a young girl from Phuket with a guitar and a big dream."
According to Nene, she began playing guitar at age seven and dreamed of becoming a touring musician.
In her hometown of Phuket, a tourist destination known for its beaches and seaside resorts, Nene was known for busking at Naka Weekend Market.
Piyarat Na Songkhla, 43, a tour guide in Phuket, told the BBC that he has watched Nene Royal perform since she was young.
"She's so adorable," he says. "I feel so elated and happy for her. It's unbelievable that she has gone this far. So proud of her."
The Facebook account of Naka Weekend Market posted a tribute to Nene after her win.
"Everyone at Naka Market is so proud to see you shine on one of the biggest stages in the world," its post reads.
"Your talent, heart, and courage have inspired so many people, and this victory is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone truly gives everything to their dream."
Kajonkiet International School in Phuket, where Nene studies, also congratulated her on the victory.
"We are so proud of you," reads a Facebook post from the school, which shared a video of students and staff gathering to watch Nene's final performance, screaming and chanting her name.