When Nene Royal launched into Soundgarden’s 1994 classic “Black Hole Sun” during the second live quarterfinal of America’s Got Talent Season 21, the competition suddenly felt like a headline show. Singing with remarkable composure while anchoring the track with her electric guitar and a searing solo, the performance transcended the usual talent-show cover. Her commanding stage presence transformed the television studio into an arena.
The electric performance culminated in a career-defining moment when judge Mel B pressed her Live Golden Buzzer. The decisive move sent Royal straight to the Grand Finale, bypassing both the overnight public vote and the tense semifinal round. Confetti showered the stage as the stunned teenager embraced the emotional milestone, cementing her status as an undeniable breakout act of the season.
Behind the stage moniker is 16-year-old Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy from Phuket, Thailand. Her poised stagecraft did not happen by accident; she honed her craft playing regular live sets with the local band OZONE and performing for bustling crowds at Phuket’s Naka Night Market. Those grassroots gigging experiences likely helped give the young musician the technical foundation and easy confidence that now command an international audience.
Royal has carved a distinctive lane on the show by staying fiercely loyal to alternative rock. After auditioning with the Cranberries’ “Zombie” and powering through Muse’s “Hysteria” during callbacks, her quarterfinal return with a vintage Ibanez Musician Series MC300 guitar showcased her rock musicianship. Her unwavering artistic vision has consistently set her apart from typical talent-show vocalists, something The Music Man readers will surely appreciate in a modern TV competition. Relive the explosive viral audition that introduced many viewers to the young Thai guitarist.
Her performances have drawn attention across borders, with the official quarterfinal video amassing over 5.7 million views and 300,000 likes as of August 28, 2026. Selected commenters praised her talent. “Sorry Thailand, Nene belongs to the world now,” one fan quipped. Another viewer wrote: “I’m a 75-year-old Texan. Never watched AGT before until my wife showed me your ‘Zombie’ audition. Now, I want to listen to your original songs while driving my ’57 Chevy on the highways.”
That appeal may stem from her balance of vocal subtlety and instrumental power. With her place firmly secured in the late-September Grand Finale, Royal has evolved from an overseas hopeful into a fully formed rock artist. Whatever song she brings to the finale, she will take the stage as a bona fide headliner.