Nene Royal rocks AGT final with 'Seven Nation Army'

Phuket local and rising global star Nene Royal lit up the stage with a rendition of The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' in the final round of America's Got Talent 2026, as she vied for the competition's coveted title, which was due to be announced on Thursday.

The judging panel for the final comprised Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, Mel B and KSI, who stepped in as a guest judge in place of Simon Cowell, who is still recovering from surgery.

Following the performance, the judges shared their reactions.

British influencer and musician KSI said: "This is the first time I've ever seen and heard you. And I am a fan. You should be so proud, that was insane."

Former Spice Girl Mel B (Melanie Brown) said: "I'm glad that I pressed my Golden Buzzer. Because not only do you have such a mystical, mysterious stage presence, you're from the best place in the world -- Phuket, Thailand. What you're bringing to this competition is so unique. And you're only 16 years old. If you don't win this, I'm going to sell Howie's new house!"

Sofía Vergara said: "The world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now. You're unique. And we can't get enough of you. Good job. Thank you for coming to AGT."

Howie Mandel said: "The biggest, most talented, most viral talent to be on that stage. I was standing with your father. This is unbelievable. You should win. Give her the million, America. Give her the million."

From left: Mandel, Mel B, Vergara and KSI. (Photo: AGT)

Nene Royal said her dream had come true, recalling that she picked up a guitar at a young age and had always wanted to become a rock star. She said she was glad to have reached the AGT final and achieved her aspirations

Although the judges offered their opinions on each performance, the outcome of the round is to be decided by the audience vote.

After all the 10 acts had performed, eligible viewers in the United States were called upon to cast their votes, with the winner due to be announced on the night of Sept 23 US time -- the morning of Sept 24 in Thailand.

After attracting widespread attention with her first performance, 'Zombie', by The Cranberries in the audition round, the Thai teenager, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, delivered an electrifying rendition of Soundgarden’s 'Black Hole Sun', earning an enthusiastic response from the judging panel.

During the Judges’ Callbacks for the NBC talent show, Nene performed Muse’s 'Hysteria', thrilling the audience with a guitar solo featuring percussive techniques and showcasing her strengths as a singer, guitarist and performer.