UPDATE: Nene completes farewell show in Phuket before AGT final

Phuket performer Nene has completed her farewell performance with OZONE at Naka Night Market, performing at 9pm on 12 September before travelling to Los Angeles for the America’s Got Talent (AGT) Grand Finale.

The concert was Nene’s last scheduled performance in Phuket before the trip. The Phuket News reported that it drew a large crowd of local supporters and a large online audience through a live broadcast.

Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amlai, is scheduled to travel to the United States with OZONE members, her family and her team. The trip is sponsored by CP, with the group due to arrive at Los Angeles International Airport at about 5pm local time on 15 September.

The AGT Grand Finale is scheduled for 22–23 September. Nene is due to perform on 23 September, when the final results will be announced.

Speaking before taking the stage, Nene said she was 100% confident going into the final because of the intensive preparation she has maintained throughout her AGT run. She said she practises every day after school from about 5pm until 9pm or 9.30pm while balancing her studies with preparations for the competition.

“I’m one hundred percent confident because I’ve put in so much hard work,” Nene said. “Every time I’ve taken the stage, I’ve trained intensely.”

She also appealed to supporters around the world to vote for her in the final. “I want to tell all my fans across the globe that I will give it my absolute all,” she said. “For this final round, I have just one request: please vote for me.”

Nene thanked fans for their support, including ticket purchases and encouragement, and said her goal was to become the AGT champion. She revealed that about 2,900 tickets for the AGT final sold out in less than two hours, saying she was shocked by the response and wanted to deliver her best performance.

After the competition, Nene said she plans to continue practising music and creating new work, with the goal of becoming a world-class artist and eventually undertaking a global concert tour. Asked whether the music she has been preparing could be released soon after the AGT competition, she replied: “Yes, very soon.”

Nene secured her place in the final after receiving a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B during the Live Quarterfinals on 25 August. Her performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”, which she sang while playing guitar, sent her directly through to the final without relying on an audience vote.

She had earlier received four yes votes from the judges after performing The Cranberries’ “Zombie” during her audition. She then advanced to the Live Shows after singing Muse’s “Hysteria” during the judges’ callbacks.

Nene returned to Phuket on 28 August to a welcome at Phuket International Airport attended by Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum, officials, private-sector representatives and members of the public. OZONE members are preparing to travel to Los Angeles to support her from the audience.

National Artist and Carabao frontman Yunyong “Add Carabao” Opakul has donated B1 million towards Nene’s travel expenses and was involved in creating a new song for her with a team of guitarists. Nene said she was proud and grateful for the song, although she had not yet had time to listen to it because of her AGT preparations.

Thai actress and former Miss Thailand Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee also travelled to Phuket to meet and encourage Nene before the concert. Panadda praised Nene’s talent, determination and clear ambitions, while highlighting the support provided by her family and mentors. She urged Thai fans to support Nene positively without attacking or comparing her with other contestants, noting that every finalist was pursuing the same dream.

Supporters in Phuket and across Thailand hope Nene can become the first Thai artist to win AGT.