# Nene Royal Wins AGT With Rock Performance

> Thailand's Nene Royal wins America's Got Talent with rock skills, planning a music album next.
- Title: Nene Royal Wins AGT With Rock Performance · Rolling Stone
- Summary: Thailand's Nene Royal wins America's Got Talent with rock skills, planning a music album next. Thailand's 16-year-old Nene Royal won America's Got Talent…
- Keywords: nene royal, america's got talent, thailand, rock album, soundgarden, muse, linkin park, cranberries, Nene, Royal, Wins, AGT
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-features/nene-royal-americas-got-talent-album-1235632344
- Author: Julyssa Lopez
- Published: 2026-09-26T20:10:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nene royal, america's got talent, thailand, rock album, soundgarden, muse, linkin park, cranberries
## Nene Royal's AGT Audition
Nene Royal, a 16-year-old Thai girl, won America's Got Talent season 2121 with a viral rock performance.

> I was really, really nervous. It was my first time in America; it was also my first AGT performance and I had no idea how people were going to react.
## Viral Success on AGT
Her audition clip has 21 million views and made her a fan favorite on the show.

> Within minutes, she had a standing ovation and a wildly viral moment on her hands.
## Rock Performances Throughout Season
Royal performed rock songs including 'Black Hole Sun' by Soundgarden and 'Hysteria' by Muse.

> I wanted to make it heavier, and bring more guitar into it, and I wanted to add my own energy and style to the performance.
## Artist Reactions
The Cranberries, Muse, and Chris Cornell's wife praised Royal's performances.

> I don’t know about 'Seven Nation Army' yet!
## Finale Victory
Royal won the competition, clinching a $1 million prize and becoming the first Thai winner.

> When Terry Crews announced my name, I’m shocked. I just faint. I’m gonna fall down. I don’t know what I’m doing.
## Rock Fan Since Childhood
Royal started playing guitar in Phuket at age seven and has been a rock fan since elementary school.

> My taste is pretty wide. I’ve always been drawn to music that has wonderful guitar and strong vocals and a lot of energy.
## Family Support
Her father supported her music journey from childhood, rocking out during her audition.

> My dad doesn’t know how to play music at all. But he’s supported me since I was so young, taking me to performances, competitions, rehearsals, and stuff and always encouraged me to keep going.
## Key takeaway

Thailand's 16-year-old Nene Royal won America's Got Talent season 2121, earning a $1 million prize and planning a rock album.