PM Anutin backs Phuket teen singer Nene Royal’s America’s Got Talent journey
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged government support for Phuket’s 16-year-old singer Nene Royal after her America’s Got Talent audition surpassed 100 million views on TikTok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged government support for Phuket singer Nene Royal after her audition for America’s Got Talent attracted more than 100 million views online.
Nene, 16, met Anutin at Government House in Bangkok on July 14, accompanied by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjaroenworakul. The Prime Minister presented her with an Amazing Thailand souvenir set and a commemorative pin, and praised her talent, determination and dedication in bringing international recognition to Thai youth.
Anutin watched Nene perform “Zombie” by The Cranberries while accompanying herself on guitar. He then joined her in singing the Thai song “Som San” in a light-hearted moment.
The government said it would cover Nene’s expenses during the next stages of the competition and encouraged the public to vote for her. Officials also announced plans to appoint her as a tourism promoter to help showcase Thailand internationally.
The official America’s Got Talent TikTok video of Nene’s audition had surpassed 100 million views by July 12, with more than 13 million likes and over 1 million shares. Nene received four “Yes” votes from the judges after performing “Zombie”. Judge Mel B praised her as “a rock star”.
The attention has also drawn large crowds to Naka Market in Phuket. Hundreds of fans gathered there on July 11 and 12 to watch Nene perform her regular evening concerts.
Nene has said that appearing on America’s Got Talent was a childhood dream. “Zombie” was the first song she learned to play on guitar. Her father, Narong Amlai, said the family prepared the audition without a professional production team and that Nene completed months of intensive practice.
Nene, whose correct Thai nickname is Praew, has credited her father with introducing her to rock music. She hopes to write and perform her own music and become an internationally recognised artist. Her father said the family is preparing to release several original rock songs written by Nene.
