Phuket musician Nene Royal performs with Linkin Park at AGT finale

Sixteen-year-old Phuket musician Nene Royal performed with Linkin Park during the America’s Got Talent season 21 finale results show on Thursday, 24 September 2026, ahead of the announcement of the US$1 million competition’s winner.

Nation Thailand reported that Royal, whose full name is Rattikarn Amloy, joined the band for a live performance of “The Emptiness Machine”. She combined vocals and guitar with Linkin Park’s performance.

Royal is one of 10 finalists in the season 21 competition. She reached the final after receiving a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B during the live quarter-finals.

Before the Linkin Park performance, Royal’s final competitive appearance was a guitar-led version of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”. The performance received a standing ovation and praise from the judging panel, according to the report.

Royal began her campaign with The Cranberries’ “Zombie” and later performed Muse’s “Hysteria” and Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”.

Ahead of the results show, photographs posted on Royal’s Facebook page showed her and her family with members of Linkin Park. The post carried the message: “Dreams can come true if our hearts fight.”