Nene Royal returns to Phuket after America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer

Sixteen-year-old singer and guitarist Nene Royal returned to Phuket International Airport at about 9.45pm after securing a place in the final of America’s Got Talent with a Golden Buzzer performance.

Royal, whose real name is Praew-Rattikarn Amlai, was welcomed by Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum, Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode, government officials, private-sector representatives and members of the public. She travelled back to Phuket with her parents and manager.

Royal received the Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B during the competition’s Live Quarterfinals on 25 August 2026 after performing Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” while playing guitar. The result sent her directly through to the final without relying on audience voting.

Ahead of her arrival, welcome banners, vinyl signs and LED displays appeared across Phuket. The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office also projected a “Welcome Home, Nene!” message on the Chartered Bank building in Phuket Old Town.

Monchai congratulated Royal and said the airport would provide assistance and care following her return. Governor Chotinrin gave her a Phuraya inhaler, a herbal product made by a Phuket entrepreneur. The product has been promoted as a local Phuket product and received the SME Provincial Champion Award 2026.

Royal has also incorporated Thai fabrics into her performances. She first appeared on America’s Got Talent Season 21 with The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, receiving four yes votes from the judges, before performing Muse’s “Hysteria” during the Judges’ Callbacks to qualify for the Live Shows.

She is scheduled to compete in the final in the United States on 22 September 2026 and will resume her studies in Phuket before returning there. Yunyong “Add Carabao” Opakul, a National Artist and leader of the Thai folk-rock band Carabao, has donated B1 million towards her travel expenses for the final. He said he hoped she would bring victory back to the Thai people.