Dreams really can become reality. Nene Royal experienced exactly that on Wednesday (Sept. 23), when the young talent was crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent.
The 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Thailand captivated audiences and the AGT judges throughout the show’s 21st season.
When the competition reached its decisive moment, the teenage performer won over viewers across the country. Royal secured America’s vote and the championship title during the two-hour results episode that aired Wednesday night (Sept. 23) on NBC.
Royal’s victory comes with more than the distinction of being the season’s champion. She receives the $1 million grand prize along with a headlining opportunity at a live show in Las Vegas.
The live results broadcast also featured special guests and performers Josh Groban, Lele Pons, REI AMI, Steve Aoki and Linkin Park. After America’s Vote was announced, Linkin Park joined Royal onstage for a performance of “The Emptiness Machine.”
Originally from Phuket, Thailand, Royal began playing guitar when she was seven and said during the AGT audition stage that she had always dreamed of becoming a “superstar on tour.” She immediately made an impression by delivering a powerful reworked version of The Cranberries’ mid-‘90s protest song “Zombie.”
After reaching the quarterfinals, Royal demonstrated that her audition success was not a one-time achievement. Her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” made a major impact and earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer, sending the young performer directly into the finals.
For her season 21 finale performance, Nene put her own spin on the White Stripes’ classic 2000s hit “Seven Nation Army.” She transformed Jack White’s famous guitar riff into a heavier arrangement and added a new guitar solo. Royal performed while wearing a traditional dress featuring the words “Nene Thailand.”
“Well, I’m glad I pressed my Golden Buzzer,” Mel B remarked after the amps were turned off. “Because not only do you have such mysterious, mystical stage presence, you’re from the best place in the world, Phuket, Thailand…and what you’re bringing to this competition is so unique and you’re only 16 years old. If you don’t win this, I am going to sell Howie’s new house.”
Sofía Vergara expressed her confidence in Royal, saying the “world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now, you are unique.”
Howie Mandel delivered the final judges’ comments. He described Nene as “the biggest, most talented, most viral talent to be on that stage…you should win. Give her the million, America.”
Mandel’s prediction ultimately matched the result. Royal delivered a performance that secured the championship, while magician Geno Ploeger finished in second place and magician group Hundred Fingers took third.