UPDATE: Phuket school celebrates Nene Royal’s America’s Got Talent Season 21 win

More than 1,000 teachers and students gathered at Kajonkiet International School in Kathu, Phuket, on 24 September to watch 16-year-old Phuket-born singer Nene Royal win America’s Got Talent Season 21 and its US$1 million prize, Daily News reported.

The school community watched the result announcement at about 8am Thailand time after Nene completed her final performance of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”, accompanying herself on guitar. Cheers and applause filled the school as the tension of the wait gave way to celebration.

The Daily News report said teachers recognised that Nene had faced pressure while competing on an international stage, but remained confident in her abilities and followed the competition from Thailand.

Kom Chad Luek reported that Nene’s real name is Rattikant Amloy and that her nickname is Praew. Her run began with an audition performance of “Zombie”. She later received a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B in the quarter-finals after performing “Black Hole Sun”, sending her through to the final.

Kom Chad Luek also reported that Nene performed in a special collaboration with Linkin Park during the Season 21 final.

Khaosod reported that the America’s Got Talent winner also receives an opportunity to perform in Las Vegas.

According to Khaosod, the US$1 million prize may be paid as US$25,000 annually for 40 years or as an estimated present-cash-value lump sum of US$300,000–US$430,000 before taxes. Khaosod also reported that a winner who is not a US resident may face 30 per cent US withholding tax under IRS rules, as well as additional local taxes.