Phuket Teen Rock Star Nene Royal Advances Straight to America’s Got Talent Final

Sixteen-year-old Phuket rock singer and guitarist Nene Royal has secured a direct place in the final of America’s Got Talent 2026, skipping the semi-final stage altogether. The KIS Phuket student received a Live Show Golden Buzzer from Spice Girls member and AGT judge Mel B.

Nene’s performance of “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden proved decisive. As in her earlier appearances on the competition, she performed both vocals and guitar herself. The performance was broadcast on the evening of August 25 in the United States, which meant it aired on the morning of August 26 in Phuket.

Following the performance, Mel B praised Nene’s voice, guitar skills, appearance, energy and stage presence. The judge also highlighted the striking contrast between the quiet, shy teenager backstage and the confident rock performer she becomes once she steps onto the stage. Mel B then pressed the Golden Buzzer.

For Nene, the result means an automatic place in the 2026 final. Other contestants in her quarterfinal group must rely on the public vote, with only three performers advancing to the semi-finals. Nene will bypass that stage completely.

The Phuket teenager burst into tears after receiving the Golden Buzzer before embracing her father, who was with her backstage. The achievement marks Nene’s third consecutive successful stage of America’s Got Talent.

During her initial audition, Nene performed “Zombie” by The Cranberries and received four “Yes” votes from Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B. The performance helped transform the young Phuket musician, who was already known locally, into a much wider national star.

She then faced the Judges’ Callbacks, a stage newly introduced to America’s Got Talent. There, Nene performed “Hysteria” by Muse and demonstrated that her first breakthrough had been no fluke. Her performance earned her a place among the 44 contestants selected for the televised quarterfinals.

With the Golden Buzzer from Mel B, Nene has now gone one step further and secured her place in the final without having to compete in the semi-finals.