Thai teen wins $1 million on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Thai teenage guitar sensation Nene Royal on Wednesday won the US$1 million top prize on America’s Got Talent, capping a viral run that made the 16-year-old a national celebrity and drew support from across her home country.

Rattikarn Amloy, better known by her stage name Nene Royal, was crowned the winner during the live results show, beating nine other finalists after emerging as the clear favorite before the finale. During Tuesday’s final, she sang and played guitar on a rendition of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.

“You should win. Give her the million, America,” judge Howie Mandel said after the performance.

Thai musician Rattikarn “Nene Royal” Amloy, second right, attends an aevent next to Tha Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, right, at the Government House in Bangkok on July 14.

Photo: AFP

Fellow judge Melanie Brown praised Nene’s “mysterious, mystical stage presence” before adding: “You’re from the best place in the world, Phuket, Thailand. I love to go there.”

Her victory caps a rapid rise that began with a swaggering rendition of The Cranberries’ Zombie, in which she sang and tore through the song on guitar. The audition amassed more than 200 million views across the show’s official online platforms, more than any other act this season.

Nene’s run sparked an outpouring of support in Thailand, where her international profile drew backing from some of the country’s most powerful business and political figures.

Among her most prominent corporate supporters was billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont, patriarch of one of Asia’s wealthiest families. His Charoen Pokphand Foods rented space on a giant screen in New York’s Times Square to feature Nene alongside messages of support from Thai fans ahead of the live rounds.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also threw his support behind Nene, directing tourism officials to explore ways to promote the teenage guitarist. He also hosted her at the Government House, where she played guitar while he sang a Thai rock song.

Officials have discussed featuring her in campaigns promoting the country’s “Amazing Thailand” tourism brand.

Anutin, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly, congratulated Nene and thanked her for showcasing Thai talent to a global audience and helping promote a positive image of the country through music and performance.

“Nene’s success is proof that young Thais have the potential to compete with anyone in the world when they are given the opportunity, stay determined and continue to develop their talent,” he said in a statement.

The US$1 million prize marks a remarkable ascent from the Phuket night market where Nene once played for donations. She started playing at seven on a 1,600 baht (US$47.89) guitar, a considerable expense for her family at a time when her father earned just more than 10,000 baht a month. To help pay for lessons, he encouraged her to perform at the market.

After her performance in Tuesday’s final, Nene reflected on how far she had come.

“I was so young when I touched the guitar,” she said. “I was thinking, in my mind, I was like: ‘I really want to become a rock star.’ My dream comes true.”