Nene Royal Unleashes 'Seven Nation Army' on America's Got Talent Final: A Rock Star Is Born

A Grand Final Fit for a Rock Star

Nene Royal has been the breakout rock talent of America's Got Talent season 21, and on Tuesday night (Sept. 22), the 16-year-old Thai singer-guitarist saved her most commanding performance for last. For the grand final, Royal took on The White Stripes' 2003 classic "Seven Nation Army," transforming its iconic riff into a muscular, bludgeoning force while introducing a fresh guitar solo that showcased her growing confidence as a player. Wearing a traditional dress emblazoned with the words "Nene Thailand," she delivered what Billboard described as a performance that brought the audience to its feet as one.

The stakes were high, and Royal met them with the composure of a seasoned headliner. Special guest judge KSI, who admitted he had not seen her before, was among the first to rise. "This is the first time I've even seen or heard you," he remarked. "And I am a fan. That was out of this world. You should be so proud." Mel B, who had earlier pressed her Golden Buzzer for Royal, quipped, "I'm glad I pressed my Golden Buzzer, 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." Sofía Vergara added that the "world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now," while Howie Mandel called her "the biggest, most talented, most viral talent to be on that stage" and urged America to give her the million-dollar prize.

From Phuket to the Global Stage

Royal's journey to the AGT finale is a story of raw talent honed far from the spotlight. Born Rattikarn Amloy in Phuket, Thailand, she began playing guitar at just six or seven years old and is largely self-taught through YouTube videos. She adopted the stage name Nene Royal at age 12 when she started performing publicly, and by 2022 she was competing on the Thai talent program Super 10, where she performed alongside Thai rock artist PooH Anchalee. The following year proved pivotal: she won second prize at the Overdrive Guitar Contest, was named "Best Musician" and "Best Vocalist," and received the Trang Music Award. In 2025, she earned an "Outstanding Player" award at the King Power Band Competition.

Before AGT, Royal was already a fixture in Phuket's local music scene, performing with two bands—OZONE Band and Miniheart—at the Naka Weekend night market. She is also a featured artist with Enya Music and has been recording for her debut EP. Her AGT audition, a cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie" that aired on July 7, became the most-viewed audition of the season, amassing 1.5 million YouTube views within 24 hours and 100 million views across social media by the second day. NBC confirmed it as the season's most-watched audition video.

A Season of Defiant Covers

Throughout the competition, Royal has consistently chosen songs that showcase both her vocal grit and guitar chops. Her quarterfinal performance of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" nearly "blew the roof off," according to Billboard, and earned her the Golden Buzzer from Mel B. That moment not only secured her place in the live shows but also signaled that a rock-oriented contestant could thrive on a show often dominated by pop and novelty acts. Her finale choice of "Seven Nation Army"—a song built on one of the most recognizable bass riffs in modern rock—was a fitting capstone. By reimagining it with a heavier edge and a new solo, Royal demonstrated that she is not just a covers artist but a budding interpreter with her own musical instincts.

What's Next for Nene Royal

Regardless of the results, which will be announced during Wednesday night's two-hour finale (Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC), Royal's future in rock looks exceptionally bright. She has already stated that "my dream has come true" simply by reaching this stage. With a debut EP in the works and a growing international fanbase—her social media following exploded after the audition—she is well-positioned to transition from viral sensation to touring musician. The AGT finale also featured performances by Linkin Park, Josh Groban, Lele Pons, REI AMI, and Steve Aoki, placing Royal in elite company. Win or lose, she has already proven that a 16-year-old from Phuket can hold her own on one of the world's biggest stages, and the rock world should be paying attention.