Thai teenager Nene Royal wins America's Got Talent, first Thai to take top prize

On September 24, 2026, 16-year-old Thai rock singer and guitarist Nene Royal won America's Got Talent, becoming the first Thai to take the top prize. She beat nine other finalists, including magician Geno Ploeger, and took home $1 million. Her victory was celebrated in Thailand, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulating her. Royal, who learned guitar by watching online videos and performed at a Phuket night market, has become a national figure and a role model for young musicians.