Sixteen-year-old Thai rocker Nene Royal has gone from performing at a Phuket night market to winning one of America’s biggest television talent shows. Her victory has sparked celebrations across Thailand and praise from her school principal.
According to AFP, Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, won America’s Got Talent on Thursday and took home the $1 million prize. She impressed judges and viewers with blistering guitar solos and powerful rock vocals.
The Phuket teenager became a national figure in Thailand during her run on the show. She had also performed alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in July and later shared the stage with Linkin Park.
As Nene’s final performance aired, her schoolmates and teachers gathered at Kajonkiet International School Phuket for a watch party.
The moment she was crowned champion was “electric”, school principal Gareth Eynon told AFP. Nene became the first Thai national to win the hit US talent show.
“Literally everyone from age two to 18 was there cheering her on,” Eynon said.
“She’s so talented, yet she’s so humble,” he added.
Eynon said Nene never needed to be the centre of attention during school performances. She was equally happy to help and encourage less experienced student musicians.
“She’s a truly remarkable role model for the younger children at the school,” he said.
Nene, who began playing guitar at seven, collapsed on the stage in California when the victory was announced.
“I’m very happy and you know I’m emotional right now,” she said after beating a magician to claim the title.
For her final performance, Nene sang and played guitar alongside Linkin Park.
Her earlier performances of alternative rock classics such as The Cranberries’ Zombie and Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun had also gone viral in Thailand.
Prime Minister Anutin, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly meetings, congratulated Nene. He praised her talent and dedication, which, according to deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan, had “brought pride to Thai people”.
Nene said she largely taught herself guitar by watching online videos. She later received a music scholarship to attend her private international school.
“When I played the first chord, I fell in love and I thought — I am going to be the girl rock star,” she said in an interview with America’s Got Talent.
The Phuket night market where Nene began performing also celebrated her achievement, calling the victory an inspiration.
“This victory is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone truly gives everything to their dream,” it said in a social media post.
Eynon said he did not know when, or whether, Nene would return to school. Her opportunities were now “boundless”, he said.
But the school principal made one thing clear: “We are here for her and are here to support her.”
