Phuket's Nene Royal Wows AGT with Zombie Cover

Rattikan "Nong Praew" Amloy, performing under the stage name Nene Royal, delivered a standout audition on America's Got Talent Season 21 in 2026. The 16-year-old singer-guitarist from Phuket, Thailand, performed a rock rendition of "Zombie" by The Cranberries and earned a standing ovation along with unanimous approval from the judges. Her appearance has drawn immediate attention across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.

Phuket Teen Nene Royal Earns Standing Ovation on America's Got Talent with Cranberries Rock Rendition

Bangkok, Thailand – July 10, 2026 — Rattikan "Nong Praew" Amloy, known professionally as Nene Royal, has emerged as a rising talent after her performance on America's Got Talent Season 21. The 16-year-old from Phuket delivered a guitar-driven version of "Zombie" by The Cranberries that secured four yes votes from Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. The Bangkok Post posted the audition video on its YouTube channel on July 9, 2026, under video ID gQCpeNf2czg, where it quickly accumulated thousands of views and began trending on the channel.

The Audition: How Nene Royal Stunned AGT Judges

Nene Royal took the stage with her guitar and performed "Zombie" in a rock arrangement that highlighted both her vocal control and instrumental skill. The live audience responded with a standing ovation as soon as the final notes faded. All four judges voted yes without hesitation. Mel B specifically praised the performance, describing Nene Royal as "a match made in heaven" for the way her voice and guitar work complemented each other. Offstage, Nene Royal remains notably shy, yet she transforms into a confident performer the moment she begins playing.

Phuket's Music Scene: The Community That Shaped Her

Phuket maintains a vibrant live music scene rooted in its coastal resorts and local venues that regularly feature Thai and international acts. Nene Royal grew up immersed in this environment, where young musicians often start by joining informal jam sessions and pub performances. The island's arts culture encourages guitar-based rock and pop, giving teenagers like her regular opportunities to refine their craft in front of both tourists and residents. This local foundation directly prepared her for larger stages.

Thailand and Classic Rock: Why "Zombie" Resonates with Thai Audiences

"Zombie" by The Cranberries has served as a pub staple across Thailand since the 1990s, appearing on set lists in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket venues for decades. Thai audiences recognize the song's driving guitar riff and emotional delivery, which align with the country's longstanding appreciation for classic rock covers. Nene Royal's choice to perform this track connected her audition to familiar sounds that many Thai listeners have heard in local bars and live houses for years, strengthening the cultural bridge between her performance and home audiences.

From Local Gigs to Global Stage: Her Musical Journey

Before her America's Got Talent appearance, Nene Royal performed with the Thai bands Ozone and Koo Koo Kangaroo. These groups provided her with experience playing in front of domestic crowds at festivals and smaller venues throughout Thailand. The progression from these local gigs to an international television platform illustrates a clear path many Thai musicians follow when building their careers. Her background with these bands supplied the stage presence that impressed the AGT judges.

Soft Power and Thai Talent: What This Means for Thailand's Cultural Exports

Nene Royal's success on America's Got Talent carries implications for Thailand's soft power within ASEAN and beyond. Positive international exposure of young Thai artists can increase interest in Phuket's tourism offerings, particularly its live music venues and arts events. The moment also encourages other Thai teenagers to pursue music seriously, knowing that global platforms are accessible. Regional media outlets have already begun highlighting her story as an example of emerging Thai talent reaching worldwide audiences.

What's Next for Nene Royal on AGT

Following the audition, Nene Royal advances to the next rounds of America's Got Talent Season 21. Her continued participation will determine how far her guitar and vocal abilities carry her on the competition. Thai fans are following updates through the Bangkok Post video and related coverage, anticipating further performances that could showcase additional material from her repertoire. The outcome remains open, yet her initial reception has already secured her a place in ongoing conversations about Thai musicians on the global stage.

By Ann Srisawat, Staff Writer