Phuket guitarist Nene Royal to balance school with music career after AGT win

Sixteen-year-old Phuket guitarist Rattikarn Amloy, known as Nene Royal, has won the 21st season of America’s Got Talent and plans to continue her education while building a music career, according to a report published on 12 October 2026.

The report said Amloy chose a one-off payment after winning the programme’s $1 million prize. It estimated that the lump sum amounted to about $300,000 to $430,000 before tax, compared with the prize’s approximate value of B33 million.

Her reported commercial opportunities include a partnership with Enya Music, sales of custom merchandise and plans by the Thai government to appoint her as a tourism ambassador. The report also said CP Group had given her family a 98-square-metre condominium in Bangkok and provided an educational scholarship.

Despite the demands of her new schedule, Amloy remains focused on completing school in Thailand. Her reported upcoming work includes live performances, an appearance opening for Avenged Sevenfold and voice work as Billie Doe in the Thai release of Disney’s animated film Hexed.

The report said her parents, Narong Amloy and Chuanpit Poonkerd, have supported her music from an early age, helping her learn guitar through YouTube videos. The family also includes a younger brother, who is 12 years younger than Amloy.

Phuket officials have held a ceremony to present her with a certificate of appreciation, while her mother recently celebrated Amloy receiving an “outstandingly filial child” certificate for National Mother’s Day.