# Thai teen wins America's Got Talent with rock guitar

> 16-year-old Nene Royal becomes first Thai artist to win AGT, performing with Linkin Park on the finale.
- Title: Thai teen wins America's Got Talent with rock guitar
- Summary: 16-year-old Nene Royal becomes first Thai artist to win AGT, performing with Linkin Park on the finale. Nene Royal's viral rock guitar performances earned…
- Keywords: nene royal, america's got talent, thailand, rock guitar, linkin park, the warning, ibanez musician series, viral performances, agt 2026, Thai, teen, wins
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/nene-royal-crowned-winner-of-americas-got-talent
- Published: 2026-09-24T10:49:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nene royal, america's got talent, thailand, rock guitar, linkin park, the warning, ibanez musician series, viral performances, agt 2026
## Thai guitarist wins America's Got Talent
Nene Royal, 16, became the first artist from Thailand to win America's Got Talent on September 23. The rock and metal guitarist and singer beat out other contestants to claim the title.

> 16-year-old rock and metal guitarist and singer Nene Royal was crowned the winner of America's Got Talent
## Performs with Linkin Park on finale
Royal took the stage with Linkin Park that same night to perform The Emptiness Machine, the lead single from their 2024 album From Zero. She sang the lead verse alongside vocalist Emily Armstrong and guitarist Mike Shinoda.

> Lined up between lead vocalist Emily Armstrong and co-vocalist/guitarist Mike Shinoda, Royal took the lead verse
## Shinoda and Armstrong praise the teen
After the performance, Mike Shinoda called Royal incredible. Emily Armstrong added, Good luck, we're all rooting for you for sure.

> Good luck, we're all rooting for you for sure.
## Surprise performance with The Warning
Royal also joined the sister trio The Warning for a surprise performance of their single Kerosene at AGT rehearsal studios. She shared guitar and vocal duties with band member Dany Villarreal.
## Viral performances won over audiences
Royal became a fan favorite after stunning judges and live audiences with covers of Zombie by the Cranberries, Hysteria by Muse, Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden, and Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes.

> Royal was the fan favorite to win America's Got Talent after stunning live audiences and judges, and going viral
## Plays signature 1978 Ibanez guitar
Royal wielded her trademark 1978 Ibanez Musician Series MC300 electric guitar throughout her performances. The vintage instrument became part of her signature look on the show.

> As usual, the up-and-coming rockstar wielded her trademark 1978 Ibanez Musician Series MC300 electric guitar
## Key takeaway

Nene Royal's viral rock guitar performances earned her the America's Got Talent crown and a duet with Linkin Park on live TV.