# 16-year-old guitarist transforms Seven Nation Army into metal masterpiece

> Nene Royal's AGT final performance of the White Stripes classic earns standing ovation and judge praise.
- Title: 16-year-old guitarist transforms Seven Nation Army into metal…
- Summary: Nene Royal's AGT final performance of the White Stripes classic earns standing ovation and judge praise. A 16-year-old Thai guitarist named Nene Royal…
- Keywords: nene royal, america's got talent, white stripes, seven nation army, metal cover, guitarist, agt 2026, thailand, the warning, mel b, ksi, 16-year-old
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/nene-royal-covers-the-white-stripes-on-americas-got-talent
- Published: 2026-09-23T14:10:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nene royal, america's got talent, white stripes, seven nation army, metal cover, guitarist, agt 2026, thailand, the warning, mel b, ksi
## Teen guitarist stuns AGT final
Nene Royal, 16, performed a metal-heavy cover of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army during America's Got Talent's final round on September 22, switching between eerie ballad and two-handed tapping.
## Previous AGT performances impressed judges
Royal previously wowed audiences with covers of Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun, the Cranberries' Zombie, and Muse's Hysteria, establishing herself as a standout talent.
## Thai heritage shines on stage
Royal wore a traditional dress made from Bangkok Ban Krua handwoven silk emblazoned with 'Nene Thailand,' celebrating her cultural identity during the performance.
## Judges unanimously praise performance
Guest judge KSI called it 'out of this world,' Mel B said she'd 'sell Howie Mandel's new house' if Royal doesn't win, and Sofia Vergara noted the 'world is going crazy' over her unique talent.

> The world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now, you are unique.
## The Warning surprises Royal before final
Royal's favorite band, The Warning, surprised her in rehearsal and performed Kerosene together. The band praised her as 'an inspiring artist' and told the world to 'get ready for you.'

> You're such an inspiring artist with so much talent and energy. Keep rocking, Nene!!
## Million-dollar prize within reach
Howie Mandel urged America to 'give her the million,' calling Royal 'the biggest, most talented, most viral talent' on the AGT stage and a serious contender to win the 2026 competition.

> You should win. Give her the million, America.
## Key takeaway

A 16-year-old Thai guitarist named Nene Royal delivered a stunning metal rendition of Seven Nation Army in the America's Got Talent final, impressing all judges and positioning herself as a serious contender for the million-dollar prize.