Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, is a Thai singer, guitarist and aspiring songwriter from Phuket who rose to international prominence after winning Season 21 of America’s Got Talent in September 2026. At 16, she became the first Thai contestant to win the competition and received the show’s $1 million grand prize. Her performances of rock songs by artists including The Cranberries, Muse, Soundgarden and The White Stripes made her one of the season’s most recognizable performers.
Nene Royal Early Life
Nene Royal was born Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy on March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Thailand. She grew up on the island and developed a strong interest in music while she was still a child. Her path into guitar was somewhat unexpected: according to an interview with the South China Morning Post, she had wanted to join her school’s computer science club when she was seven, but the club was already full. She instead joined the music club, where a teacher handed her a guitar.
That first experience with the guitar quickly became a passion. Nene has said that she learned largely by herself, using YouTube videos, studying musicians she admired and practicing for long periods. Her official biography describes her as largely self-taught and says that she learned primarily by ear through online videos. Her father, Narong Amloy, also played an important role in encouraging her musical development and supporting her performances.
Before international fame, Nene gained valuable experience performing for people in her hometown. She regularly busked at local markets in Phuket, including the Naka Weekend Market, where she performed rock and metal covers and learned how to connect with audiences. She later competed in Thai music programmes and competitions, including Super 10, the Overdrive Guitar Contest and the King Power Band Competition. In 2023, she finished as first runner-up in the 14th Overdrive Guitar Contest, while in 2025 she received an Outstanding Player award at the King Power Band Competition.
Nene Royal Education
Nene Royal is still a secondary-school student, and education remains an important part of her life despite her rapid rise in the music industry. Public biographies identify Kajonkiet International School in Phuket as her school, although detailed information about her academic record and specific subjects has not been widely reported by major news outlets.
Much of Nene’s musical education has taken place outside the traditional classroom. She taught herself guitar through online videos, observation, listening and repeated practice. Rather than following a conventional professional music-school route, she developed her skills through personal experimentation and years of live performance.
Following her America’s Got Talent victory, Nene has said that she wants to continue her education. In an interview with AFP on September 30, 2026, she explained that her plans include writing her own songs, going on tour and returning to school. Her comments show that she intends to balance her developing international music career with her education.
Nene Royal Career
Nene Royal’s career began locally in Phuket, where she performed rock and metal covers at markets and other small venues. Her performances gradually attracted attention, and she became involved in Thai television and music competitions. She also developed a following online and was selected as a Featured Artist by musical-instrument company Enya Music.
Her major international breakthrough came in 2026 when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent Season 21. During her audition, she performed her own rock interpretation of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” earning four yes votes from the judges. Her audition subsequently became one of the most-viewed performances of the season.
Nene continued with performances of songs associated with Muse and Soundgarden. Her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” during the live quarterfinals earned her a Live Golden Buzzer from Mel B, sending her directly to the finale. In the final competitive round, she performed The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” with an original electric-guitar solo.
On September 23, 2026, Nene was announced as the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 21. Her victory earned her $1 million and a headlining Las Vegas show, while also making her the first Thai contestant to win the long-running American talent competition. During the finale, she performed “The Emptiness Machine” with Linkin Park, adding another major international moment to her rapidly developing career.
Following her victory, Nene has said she wants to write original music and tour internationally. She has also been announced as an opening act for Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore, giving her an opportunity to perform for an established international rock audience soon after her AGT success.
Nene Royal Personal Life and Family
Nene Royal’s family has been an important part of her musical journey. Her father is Narong Amloy, who has supported her career from her early performances in Phuket through her international breakthrough. He accompanied her during her America’s Got Talent journey, and Nene became emotional while embracing him after receiving Mel B’s Golden Buzzer.
Her mother is Chuanpit “Mae Oom” Poonkerd, and reports identify Nene as having a younger brother. Her family has remained closely connected to her development as a musician, with her parents supporting her performances and ambitions from an early age. Public reports have also highlighted the importance Nene places on her parents and family support.
Nene is unmarried and, as of October 2026, there is no reliable public information identifying a fiancé or husband. Because she is only 16, much of her private life remains outside the public spotlight. Her current focus is primarily on education, music, songwriting, touring and building on the international exposure she gained through America’s Got Talent.
Nene Royal Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Nene Royal is 16 years old as of October 2026 and was born on March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Thailand. Her real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, and she is Thai by nationality. She is known publicly for her youthful appearance, long dark hair, energetic stage presence and rock-inspired performance style. Her exact height has not been reliably confirmed by a primary or major news source, although some biography websites publish an approximate figure; therefore, a specific height should be treated cautiously. Her religion has also not been reliably documented in authoritative sources, so no particular religious affiliation should be assigned without a direct statement from Nene or her representatives.
Nene Royal Social Media Presence
Nene Royal has built a significant online audience through her guitar performances, music videos and America’s Got Talent appearances. Her Instagram handle is @neneroyalmusic, where she uses social media to share aspects of her music career and connect with fans. Public listings also associate the same name with her TikTok presence.
Her online popularity was already substantial before her AGT victory. The Nation reported in August 2026 that she had more than three million followers across social platforms before the competition’s final stages. Her television performances subsequently introduced her music to a much larger international audience.
Conclusion
Nene Royal’s biography is the story of a young Phuket musician who transformed an unexpected introduction to guitar into an international career. From teaching herself guitar and performing at local markets to winning America’s Got Talent Season 21 at just 16, she has quickly become an internationally recognized Thai rock performer. With her $1 million AGT prize, plans to return to school, ambitions to write original music and upcoming international performances, Nene Royal is entering a new stage of her career while continuing to develop as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nene Royal?
Nene Royal is a Thai singer, guitarist and aspiring songwriter from Phuket. Her real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, and she became internationally known after winning America’s Got Talent Season 21 in 2026.
How old is Nene Royal?
Nene Royal is 16 years old as of October 2026. She was born on March 14, 2010, in Phuket, Thailand.
What is Nene Royal’s real name?
Nene Royal’s real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy. She performs professionally under the stage name Nene Royal.
Where is Nene Royal from?
Nene Royal is from Phuket, Thailand. She began her musical journey by performing at local markets in Phuket before appearing on the international stage.
Did Nene Royal win America’s Got Talent?
Yes. Nene Royal won Season 21 of America’s Got Talent in September 2026, becoming the first Thai contestant to win the competition.
How much money did Nene Royal win on America’s Got Talent?
Nene Royal won the $1 million grand prize after being crowned the Season 21 winner of America’s Got Talent.
Who are Nene Royal’s parents?
Nene Royal’s father is Narong Amloy, while her mother is Chuanpit “Mae Oom” Poonkerd. She also has a younger brother.
What does Nene Royal do?
Nene Royal is a singer, guitarist and aspiring songwriter. She is particularly known for performing rock and metal music and for her electric-guitar skills.
What school does Nene Royal attend?
Public biography sources identify Nene Royal as a student at Kajonkiet International School in Phuket. She has also said that she plans to return to school while developing her music career.
What is Nene Royal’s Instagram handle?
Nene Royal’s Instagram handle is @neneroyalmusic.
What is Nene Royal’s religion?
Nene Royal’s religion has not been reliably confirmed by authoritative public sources. It is therefore not appropriate to assign a specific religious affiliation to her without a direct statement from her.
How tall is Nene Royal?
Nene Royal’s official height has not been reliably confirmed. Some online biography websites provide approximate measurements, but those figures have not been independently verified by authoritative sources.
Is Nene Royal married?
No reliable public source indicates that Nene Royal is married. She is 16 years old and is currently focused on education and developing her music career.
Does Nene Royal have a boyfriend or fiancé?
There is no reliable public information confirming a boyfriend or fiancé for Nene Royal. Her private romantic life has largely remained outside the public spotlight.
What songs did Nene Royal perform on America’s Got Talent?
Among the songs Nene performed during her America’s Got Talent journey were “Zombie” by The Cranberries, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. She also performed with Linkin Park during the finale.
What is Nene Royal’s net worth?
Nene Royal’s exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed. The clearest documented financial award from her 2026 breakthrough is the $1 million America’s Got Talent prize. Her future income may also come from music releases, performances, touring and commercial opportunities.
What are Nene Royal’s plans after America’s Got Talent?
Nene Royal has said she wants to write original songs, tour and return to school. She is also preparing for international performances, including an announced appearance supporting Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore.