America’s Got Talent Crowns Season 21 Winner
Simon Cowell Addresses AGT Finale Absence as Winner Is Revealed
There’s a new rockstar headed for the limelight.
During the finale of America’s Got Talent on Sept. 23, it was singer and guitarist Nene Royal whose heavy metal style ultimately won over the hearts of the judges and America to be crowned the season 21 winner.
During the finals, Royal secured her spot in the finale with an epic rendition of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” the performance earning a golden buzzer from the judges.
The 16-year-old followed up the rocking moment with a celebratory performance of Linkin Park’s “The Emptiness Machine” alongside the band itself during finale night.
And when it came down to the final two performers, Royal ultimately beat out magician Geno Ploeger to earn the no. 1 spot this season.
Royal—who is from Phuket, Thailand, making her the first Thai winner of the US series—told the audience after being crowned, “I'm very happy and emotional right now.”
In fact, winning the series was almost more than she could have imagined.
"My dream was I just want to be on AGT,” she told USA Today after the finale. ‘If I didn't get through, I'm very happy because my dream was I just want to perform one time on AGT.”
Instead, she rocked her way to the top of the series, fulfilling a lifelong vision.
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"My dream was that I really, really want to become a rockstar,” she said, “and go on some tours around the world.”
Now that dream is a reality—and her fellow Thai citizens hope she makes her way home to celebrate her win.
“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, per the BBC. “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."
Meanwhile, runner-up Ploeger—who charmed audiences with his magical acts—doesn’t feel like he lost at all.
"I think a lot of people might look at it that way, but I'm so fortunate to be here at the finals," he told USA Today. "Regardless of what had happened, I felt like I'd already won."
For more on what goes on behind the scenes at America's Got Talent, read on.
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Do America's Got Talent Contestants Audition for the First Time in Front of the Judges?
No. In fact, contestants have a long road before they audition in front of the judges, who include Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell for season 21.
"We have open call auditions virtually to reach as many people as possible," Theresa Graham, NBCUniversal's director of unscripted formats, told NBC Insider in 2022. "Anybody can sign up and have an audition with our casting team and producers. If they think that somebody is worth considering, they put them through to our executive producers. After they say yes, then the act will go to audition in front of the judges. We all see everything play out from there."
Hopefuls can try out through either an in-person or virtual open call or through a video audition.
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How Long Do Contestants Have to Audition for America's Got Talent?
Set your timers! Because according to the audition guidelines, individuals will have up to 90 seconds to show off their skills during virtual open calls. However, the regulations note "producers reserve the right to modify audition times."
Similarly, the guidelines note that those who send through a video audition should keep their clip to under two minutes.
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Is There Anything America's Got Talent Contestants Can't Bring to the Open Call Auditions?
Yes, quite a few items, actually.
While many acts incorporate open flames, for instance, the rules state that "fire and special rigging are not allowed at open call auditions." Similarly, competitors will need to fill out an Animal Information Form and bring the animal's vaccination record if their act incorporates an animal. Other prohibited items, per the rules, include “coolers (unless for medical reasons), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, mace/pepper spray, illicit drugs, alcohol, [or] props requiring fire or pyrotechnics.”
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Does America's Got Talent Cover Contestants' Expenses to Audition in Front of the Judges?
Once contestants make it through the initial rounds, they must try out in front of the judges. However, they don't have to worry about paying the full bill to get there.
According to America's Got Talent's audition guidelines, contestants will be provided with airfare if they have to travel far for the judges audition round, or they'll be given a bus ticket, train ticket or gas reimbursement for driving if they live fairly close to the audition site. They are also provided with hotel accommodations as well as a daily allowance for food or other expenses.
NBCUniversal
Do America's Got Talent Contestants Get Their Hair and Makeup Done?
According to America's Got Talent audition guidelines, the show does not provide hair and makeup support for contestants during the judges audition round; however, competitors are expected to come "camera ready." Although, the series does provide these services for contestants for future rounds.
In fact, AGT's makeup artist Tonia Green noted on Instagram the hair and makeup team worked with "hundreds of contestants" during season 19.
Trae Patton/NBC
Do America's Got Talent Contestants Rehearse Their Acts Before the Show?
Yes. Contestants have the opportunity to run through their acts during the rehearsals. However, this isn't the only part of the show they go over.
"I don't know if you guys know this, but all the contestants have to do a results rehearsal," Sofie Dossi, who competed on three seasons of America's Got Talent, shared in a 2024 YouTube video. "It's so everyone knows where to go if you're booted off or if you make it through and for the staff to figure out lighting and camera angles."
Trae Patton/NBC
Do the Winners of America's Got Talent Get Their Money Right Away?
The grand prize for winning America's Got Talent is $1 million. But does the champion get the full amount right away?
"The prize, which totals $1,000,000 is payable in a financial annuity over forty years," a statement at the end of the show's credits read, "or the contestants may choose to receive the present value of such annuity."
If you take $1,000,000 and you divide it by 40, that comes out to $25,000 per year before taxes for those who choose to receive the payment over time.
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