Nene Royal Wins AGT After Performing With Linkin Park

The Finale Performance and Collaboration

On September 24, 2026, the long-running talent competition America's Got Talent concluded its 21st season with a historic victory for 16-year-old rocker Nene Royal. Before being crowned the champion, the young artist, whose full name is Rattikarn Amloy, joined Linkin Park on stage for a high-energy rendition of the band's hit song, "The Emptiness Machine." The collaboration took place during the show's grand finale in California, where Royal also delivered a solo rendition of "Seven Nation Army" by THE WHITE STRIPES during the finals on Tuesday.

The performance with the legendary rock group was a significant moment for Royal, as she had previously cited the band as one of her dream collaborators. Leading up to the final night, Royal’s social media accounts featured photographs of the singer and her family alongside members of the group. The post reflected her determination throughout the contest, featuring a caption that highlighted her personal philosophy:

"Dreams can come true if our hearts fight."

— Nene Royal

The Road to the $1 Million Prize

Royal’s journey to the $1 million grand prize was marked by a series of powerful rock performances that resonated with both the judges and the audience. She initially caught the public's attention with a cover of THE CRANBERRIES' "Zombie." Her momentum continued through the live quarter-finals, where she performed "Hysteria" by MUSE and "Black Hole Sun" by SOUNDGARDEN. These performances earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, securing her a direct place in the final round of the competition.

In the final stage, Royal faced stiff competition from nine other finalists. The group of competitors included a wide variety of talent, featuring magician acts, canine performers, and a robot dance crew. Despite the diversity of the acts, Royal's rock-focused repertoire and stage presence led to her being named the latest winner of the show. Following the announcement of her victory, an overwhelmed Royal shared her reaction to the win:

"I'm very happy and emotional right now,"

— Nene Royal

Historical Significance and National Recognition

The victory marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as Royal became the first-ever Thai winner in the history of America's Got Talent. Her success drew immediate praise from high-ranking officials in her home country. Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a formal statement congratulating the young singer and thanking her for showcasing Thai talent to a global audience. He noted that her success helped promote a positive image of the country through her music and performance.

"Nene's success is proof that young Thais have the potential to compete with anyone in the world when they are given the opportunity, stay determined and continue to develop their talent,"

— Anutin Charnvirakul

The prime minister's statement emphasized that Royal's achievement serves as an inspiration for other young Thais, proving that they have the potential to compete on a global stage when given the opportunity and maintaining their determination.

Artist Context and Future Aspirations

While her collaboration with Linkin Park served as a highlight of the finale, Royal has previously expressed a desire to work with a specific list of heavy hitters in the music industry. Her dream list of future collaborators includes SYSTEM OF A DOWN, LIMP BIZKIT, and THE WARNING, in addition to her recent stage partners.

The band that joined Royal for the finale is known for its foundations in Nu metal, Rock, and Metal, and has been a staple of the music scene since they were formed in 1996. Their participation in the finale provided a professional backdrop for Royal as she transitioned from a contestant to the season's champion. With her new title and the $1 million prize, the 16-year-old rocker is poised to continue her development as an artist on the international stage.