Phuket teenager Nene Royal to receive Irish rock award
Nene Royal, the 16-year-old Phuket singer-guitarist, has been selected for the Best New International Artiste 2026 award at The Phil Lynott Convention in Dublin.
Phuket singer-guitarist Nene Royal has been selected to receive the Best New International Artiste 2026 award at The Phil Lynott Convention in Dublin, Ireland.
The 16-year-old musician, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, will be presented with the award at the Button Factory in Temple Bar on Saturday, 22 August 2026. The convention is scheduled to run from 6pm to 10.30pm local time.
The event celebrates the music and legacy of Phil Lynott, the singer and bassist of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy, and this year's convention marks the 40th anniversary of his death.
Organisers have introduced two special awards for the 2026 event. Nene will receive the Best New International Artiste honour, while the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to Irish music is being kept as a surprise until the event.
The award recognises promising young performers and aims to encourage a new generation of rock artists, according to the event information reported by The Nation.
Nene's selection follows her appearances on season 21 of America's Got Talent, where her vocal and guitar performances secured a place in the competition's Live Shows. She performed a rock version of “Zombie” by The Cranberries before singing “Hysteria” by Muse during the Judges' Callbacks.
She began teaching herself guitar at about six or seven years old and developed her live-performance skills by busking at markets in Phuket. Her selection for the Dublin award adds to the international attention generated by her television appearances as she develops her music career beyond Thailand.
