16-year-old Thai singer wins $1 million on America's Got Talent

Sixteen-year-old Thai singer Nene Royal has won the latest season of America’s Got Talent. She is the first contestant from Thailand to achieve this honor.

Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, won the $1 million (£755,000) prize after performing “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes in the finals in California, BBC News reported on Thursday.

She outperformed nine other finalists, which included magicians, dog performers, and a robot dance crew.

“I’m very happy and emotional right now,” she said.

Royal first gained attention with her audition performance of “Zombie” by The Cranberries, which got 20 million views. Later, she received a Golden Buzzer after singing “Black Hole Sun” and performed “The Emptiness Machine” with Linkin Park before the finals.

Royal started playing guitar when she was seven years old. She has shared her dream of becoming a touring musician.

She is also known for performing at Naka Weekend Market in Phuket. Her victory was celebrated by fans who had seen her perform there.

“Everyone at Naka Market is so proud to see you shine on one of the biggest stages in the world,” the market posted.

“Your talent, heart, and courage have inspired so many people. This victory is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone truly gives everything to their dream.”

Many Thai viewers could not watch the show live on NBC. Instead, they followed a YouTube livestream. The stream was cut off during the results, leading to relief and excitement when the announcement was made.

“History made!” one Thai user wrote on Facebook.

“Let the world write it down that this Thai kid is incredibly talented,” another comment said.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Royal had “brought honour to Thailand” and “instilled pride in the Thai people” with her win.

The public relations department of the Thai government said, “What makes this win special is that Nene carried her Thai identity with confidence onto one of the world’s biggest stages.”

“She showed that talent, hard work, and determination can come from anywhere, including a young girl from Phuket with a guitar and a big dream.”

Piyarat Na Songkhla, who watched Royal perform at Naka Market, expressed, “She’s so adorable. I feel so elated and happy for her. It’s unbelievable that she has gone this far. So proud of her.”

Kajonkiet International School, where Royal studied, also celebrated her win, saying, “We are so proud of you.”