UPDATE: Nene Royal welcomed at Phuket International Airport ahead of America’s Got Talent final

Sixteen-year-old guitarist and singer Nene Royal was welcomed at Phuket International Airport on 28 August by the Phuket governor and crowds, according to a report by Khaosod.

Her arrival had been expected at about 9.45pm. Nene, whose real name is Rattikan Amlai, returned to Phuket to resume her studies before travelling back to the United States for the America’s Got Talent final on 22 September.

She advanced directly to the final after receiving a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B during the programme’s live quarterfinals on 25 August. Nene performed Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”, demonstrating her guitar playing and vocals before Mel B pressed the buzzer.

Earlier in Season 21, Nene performed “Zombie” by The Cranberries during her audition and received four yes votes from the judges. She later performed Muse’s “Hysteria” during the judges’ callbacks to secure a place in the live shows.

Nene travelled to the United States with her parents and manager. During their departure from Los Angeles, they were seen off by representatives of the Thai Association of Southern California, members of the Thai community, and Thai and Filipino fans.