Nene Royal: Thailand’s Teenage Rock Sensation Takes the World by Storm
Thailand has a new rock star—and her name is Nene Royal.
At just 16 years old, the singer and guitarist from Phuket has become one of the most talked-about performers on the current season of America’s Got Talent, capturing the attention of audiences in Thailand, the United States and around the world. What began as an extraordinary journey for a young musician from Phuket has now become an international success story, culminating this week in one of the biggest moments of the entire competition: a Live Golden Buzzer from Mel B of the Spice Girls, sending Nene directly into the America’s Got Talent final. (NBC)
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, has impressed throughout the competition with her combination of powerhouse rock vocals, guitar ability and unmistakable stage presence. Her journey on AGT began with a performance of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” before she continued to build momentum with Muse’s “Hysteria” in the Judges’ Callbacks. Then came her explosive live performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”—the performance that changed everything. (nationthailand)
Even Mel B, who openly acknowledged that hard rock is not normally her preferred genre, could not deny what she was witnessing. She praised Nene’s vocals, guitar playing, look, energy and overall vibe before pressing the Golden Buzzer and sending the young Thai rocker straight through to the final. Howie Mandel was equally emphatic, declaring after her performance that NBC should simply give her the $1 million prize. Sofía Vergara also told Nene that she could genuinely win the competition, praising her ability to sing and play guitar. (Cinemablend)
That level of praise says something significant about what Nene Royal brings to the stage.
As a longtime musician and producer, Jim Carson hears something in Nene’s voice that is increasingly rare in modern popular music: a genuine, powerful and dangerous rock voice. Carson likens the sheer intensity and vocal fearlessness of her singing to the kind of territory occupied by legendary rock vocalists including Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
“That’s an incredibly elite category of rock vocalist,” Carson says. “I’m not saying she is a copy of any of them—she absolutely has her own identity—but when you hear that kind of power, range, grit and willingness to really attack a vocal, you immediately think of the great rock singers.
Axl Rose, Sebastian Bach and Steven Tyler are among the greatest rock vocalists to ever live, and Nene has the kind of raw vocal ability that makes you understand why people are putting her in that conversation.”
That level of praise says something significant about what Nene Royal brings to the stage.
As a longtime musician and producer, Jim Carson says it was Nene Royal’s extraordinary performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” that truly led him to his conclusions about the remarkable level of her vocal ability.
Carson was particularly struck by the raw power, range, grit and emotional intensity she brought to the song—while still making the performance distinctly her own.
“Her performance of Black Hole Sun was what really did it for me,” Carson says. “It wasn’t simply that she could sing the song. It was the raw power, the range and the way she attacked the vocal. She took on a very demanding rock song associated with one of the most unique and powerful voices in rock history, but she didn’t try to imitate Chris Cornell. She made it her own.”
That performance is also what led Carson to compare Nene’s vocal potential and sheer vocal fearlessness to the kind of territory occupied by some of rock’s greatest singers.
“When you hear that kind of power, range and willingness to go for it, you start thinking about the truly elite rock vocalists,” Carson says.
“For me, that brings to mind singers like Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith—three of the greatest rock vocalists to ever live. I’m not saying Nene is a copy of any of them, because she absolutely has her own identity. In fact, what impressed me most about Black Hole Sun was that she made the song her own. But the raw ability she displayed—the power, the range, the grit and the fearlessness—is what made me feel she belongs in a conversation about that caliber of rock vocal talent.”
Nene’s performance of Black Hole Sun clearly struck a chord far beyond Carson as well. The performance earned her Mel B’s Live Golden Buzzer and a direct place in the America’s Got Talent final, while Howie Mandel said NBC should give her the $1 million prize immediately and Sofía Vergara praised her ability to sing and play guitar. The performance also received praise from Vicky Cornell, the widow of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who called Nene’s rendition “incredible” and said she had done him proud. (Billboard)
Of course, such comparisons should not be misunderstood. Nene Royal is not being celebrated because she sounds exactly like anyone else. Quite the opposite. Her success is coming from the fact that she brings a young, modern identity to a style of singing that demands real ability. In an era increasingly dominated by heavily processed vocals and digital perfection, Nene’s performances stand out because the power is unmistakably human.
Her rise has also become a source of enormous pride for Thailand.
The teenager from Phuket has gone from performing music locally and building an audience online to appearing on one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world. Her performances have generated international attention, while fans across Thailand have rallied behind her as she represents the country on a global platform. Even Thailand’s Prime Minister has publicly praised her achievement following her Golden Buzzer success. (Thai PBS)
And tonight, August 28, Nene Royal is scheduled to return home.
According to Thai media reports, Nene, accompanied by her family and manager, is expected to arrive at Phuket International Airport at approximately 9:45 p.m. after her remarkable run in the United States. Fans and supporters are expected to gather to welcome home the young star, in what could be a powerful and emotional celebration for a Phuket teenager who has suddenly become one of Thailand’s most exciting international music success stories. (www.thairath.co.th)
It is easy to imagine the scenes awaiting her.
Only weeks ago, Nene Royal was another extraordinarily talented young musician with a growing following. Now, she is returning home carrying the momentum of a Golden Buzzer, praise from some of the biggest names on American television, and the support of fans across the world.
But perhaps the most remarkable part of her story is that it is not over.
Nene Royal is now headed for the final of America’s Got Talent, where she will once again have the opportunity to perform on one of the world’s biggest stages. Her journey has already inspired young musicians across Thailand and beyond—but if her performances so far are any indication, the world may only be seeing the beginning of what she can become. (NBC)
For now, Thailand welcomes home one of its newest musical heroes.
And somewhere in Phuket tonight, a 16-year-old girl with a guitar, a Golden Buzzer and one of the most explosive voices in modern rock is coming home.
Welcome home, Nene Royal. Thailand is proud of you—and the world is watching.
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