Thailand’s Nene Royal returns to Phuket after winning America’s Got Talent and US$1m, performing with Linkin Park and conquering US television. Her 89-year-old grandmother embraces her as Avenged Sevenfold, LOSO and a debut EP now drive her next chapter.
Nene Royal stormed back into Phuket on Sunday after a stunning week turned the 16-year-old rocker into an international star. Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy became the first Thai to win America’s Got Talent, seized its US$1 million prize and performed with Linkin Park before a whirlwind of US television interviews. Now Avenged Sevenfold, LOSO and a debut EP await, while billionaire Chearavanont family backing includes a Bangkok condominium worth up to ฿36 million. Yet the biggest moment came at Phuket airport. Her 89-year-old grandmother Kaew Phoolkerd, who named her “Praew” as a baby, wrapped her arms around the returning champion. Hours later, Nene was back where it all began, hammering out rock music onstage.
Nene Royal returned to Phuket on Sunday after a remarkable week that transformed the 16-year-old rock musician’s international profile. Three days earlier, she became the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent.
The victory brought a US$1 million prize and massive exposure across American television. Notably, she also performed with Linkin Park during the finale. Within hours, she was racing through a packed schedule of US television interviews. By Sunday, however, Nene was back where her career began.
Waiting at Phuket International Airport was Nene’s 89-year-old grandmother, Kaew Phoolkerd. She had travelled from Nakhon Si Thammarat specifically for the homecoming. Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, arrived at about 10.50 am. She flew from Hong Kong aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX771. Her family and members of OZONE Band travelled with her. Meanwhile, Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom joined provincial officials, relatives, supporters and fans inside the terminal.
Grandmother who named Nene ‘Praew’ embraces America’s Got Talent winner on her return to Phuket
The official reception quickly gave way to a deeply personal reunion. Mrs Kaew pulled Nene towards her when the teenager reached the arrivals area. She embraced and kissed her granddaughter as cameras and mobile phones surrounded them. Around them, photographers, supporters, relatives and officials packed the terminal. Yet the grandmother and granddaughter remained at the centre of the scene.
Before Nene appeared, Mrs Kaew explained why she had made the journey. She said she had missed her granddaughter and wanted to hug her immediately. Previously, Nene and her mother had visited Mrs Kaew while the elderly woman was ill. During that period, Mrs Kaew made a vow concerning Nene’s American television campaign. She asked for her granddaughter to finish first in America’s Got Talent. Last Thursday, that happened.
There was another powerful family connection. Mrs Kaew revealed that she gave Nene the nickname “Praew”. Nene was only about two months old. Thus, the woman who named Praew as a baby was waiting 16 years later at Phuket airport. This time, her granddaughter returned as Nene Royal, America’s Got Talent champion. As part of the homecoming, the family now plans a traditional Nora performance. It will fulfil Mrs Kaew’s vow following the victory.
Sunday’s celebrations then spread beyond the airport. At about 5.30 pm, Nene joined her family, OZONE Band and her manager at Limelight Phuket. Provincial officials and supporters also attended. Afterwards, she travelled through Phuket Old Town aboard an open-top municipal electric vehicle. A motorcycle convoy led the procession through the historic district. Along the route, supporters gathered to see Thailand’s newly crowned American television winner.
Nene returns to the stage in Phuket after becoming the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent
Still, Nene did not finish Sunday simply waving from a parade vehicle. Instead, she returned to the activity that had driven her rise from Phuket. She performed. That evening, Nene joined OZONE Band at the Chartered Bank intersection in Phuket Old Town. A large crowd of Thai and foreign supporters watched the performance. Consequently, her first day home ended on a live stage rather than inside an official reception.
Only days earlier, the surroundings could hardly have been more different. Nene had stood before an enormous American television audience awaiting the biggest result of her career. The America’s Got Talent Season 21 finale aired live from California on Wednesday night US time. In Thailand, it was already Thursday morning. Nene subsequently won the public vote and made Thai television history.
The result made her the first Thai contestant to win America’s Got Talent. In addition, the title carried a US$1 million prize. Yet Nene reached the final with a firmly established musical identity. Her final competitive performance was The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”. Earlier, she performed The Cranberries’ “Zombie” and Muse’s “Hysteria”. She also tackled Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”. Throughout the competition, therefore, she maintained a consistent rock repertoire.
Her reaction to victory was considerably less controlled. Presenter Terry Crews announced Nene as the winner before the live television audience. She had previously considered how she might react if her name was called. Indeed, Nene later revealed that she had practised poses for a possible victory. Instead, every rehearsed response disappeared when Crews announced the result. Nene collapsed onto the stage, rolled over and cried.
Nene recalls collapsing in tears before performing with Linkin Park and facing a US media scramble
Later, she described those final seconds to Entertainment Weekly. Immediately before the announcement, Nene told herself she should remain proud regardless of the outcome. She also told herself not to give up. Then Crews called her name. Rather than producing one of her rehearsed poses, she simply fell to the floor.
Before the result, another major career moment had already unfolded. Nene performed Linkin Park’s “The Emptiness Machine” with the band during the finale. Accordingly, the Phuket teenager shared an American television stage with an established international rock act. The appearance also exposed Nene to an audience reaching beyond regular talent-show viewers.
Almost immediately, the television competition gave way to a media scramble. Nene moved directly into an intensive schedule of American interviews. Her name and image appeared across television and entertainment outlets. NBC DFW, USA Today Entertainment and ExtraTV were among those interviewing her. Separately, she appeared with KCRA TV, BUZZ and Action News 5. Her schedule also included Live in the D and other American programmes.
Thai beauty pageant commentator Tee Thanet Laksavilasa highlighted the extraordinary pace. He posted photographs showing Nene moving through the US media circuit. At the time, it was not even 2 pm in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, Mr Tee said she had already completed interviews with more than ten programmes. Other reports identified Today in AZ, Rockford News First and KCRA 3 among her engagements.
Fluent English interviews keep Nene in the spotlight as major international rock bookings follow
In parallel, Nene’s English-language ability attracted attention among supporters in Thailand. She conducted American interviews fluently and responded directly to presenters. Clips circulated rapidly among Thai fans. Her communication skills were therefore suddenly receiving attention alongside her singing, guitar playing and stage performances.
During one appearance, Nene admitted that she had barely slept following the victory. She was still absorbing what had happened. Even so, her interviews repeatedly returned to music rather than the US$1 million prize. She discussed developing an individual musical identity instead of simply copying established performers. Likewise, she stressed regular practice and performing whenever opportunities became available.
On another front, Nene discussed women working in rock music. She described the genre as traditionally dominated by men. Inevitably, presenters also asked about the enormous prize attached to her victory. Her publicly stated plans again concentrated on music. She spoke about touring and creating new material. Additionally, the teenager indicated that she wanted to buy herself a guitar.
Her immediate concert schedule already contains significant international opportunities. On October 13, Nene is scheduled to open for Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore. The concert will take place at Singapore Indoor Stadium during the American band’s Asian tour. Accordingly, she will quickly return to an international rock audience after her American television triumph.
Nene lands LOSO stadium date as original music advances and billionaire family backing comes into focus
Another major booking follows in Thailand. On November 21, Nene is scheduled to appear at LOSO’s 30th anniversary concert. She will perform as a special guest at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. At the same time, work on her own original material is already underway. Her debut EP was being prepared before the America’s Got Talent victory. The recording project therefore predates the sudden global attention.
Education also remains part of the family’s plans. Nene’s father said she should complete another two years of secondary education in Thailand. Afterwards, she could study music at university in the United States. Her career schedule has expanded rapidly, but those educational plans remain in place.
Beyond the television prize, substantial financial support was already surrounding Nene before America delivered its verdict. The billionaire Chearavanont family had backed the young musician and her family before the final. The family is closely associated with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group. Its support went far beyond a congratulatory gesture after Nene became famous.
The Chearavanont family gave Nene’s family a luxury condominium at Mulberry Grove The Forestias in eastern Bangkok. The property measures approximately 98 to 99 square metres. Moreover, it contains two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Published estimates place its value between ฿25 million and ฿36 million. At the upper estimate, its value approaches that of Nene’s US$1 million television prize.
Chearavanont family backed Nene before the final with a luxury Bangkok condominium worth up to ฿36m
Crucially, the presentation occurred on September 5. That was before Nene and her family travelled to America for the final. Hence, the condominium was not arranged after she won the competition. The Chearavanont family committed to the property gift before anyone knew whether the American public would make Nene champion.
Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, announced details following Nene’s victory. Nene had attended the September 5 presentation with her family. Several Chearavanont family members were also present. They included Nathawat Ahriyavraromp, Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp and Varnnee Chearavanont Ross.
The Chearavanont family said it was impressed by Nene’s story and her family’s commitment. Specifically, its statement highlighted the sustained backing provided by her parents. Nene’s parents are Narong Amloy and Chuanphit Poolkerd. They have remained beside their daughter throughout the development of her musical career.
Speaking to Nene’s parents, Mr Dhanin said her experience could inspire a new generation to “dare to dream, take action, persevere through challenges and believe in their own potential, while never forgetting the value of family and the people who stand by them throughout their journey”.
Dhanin praises Nene’s family commitment as Chearavanont backing extends beyond the condo
Mr Dhanin also described what he hoped the property would provide. He said it should become more than simply a home. Instead, he hoped it would provide space where opportunity could grow and create a positive impact.
“May it be a home filled with love, warmth and stability — a new beginning for the next chapter of Nene’s journey and a reminder that no matter how far the road ahead may be, with determination, perseverance and a family as the wind beneath her wings, dreams can become reality,” the 87-year-old tycoon said.
Importantly, the Chearavanont family said the gift came without obligations attached. However, the condominium was not the beginning of its financial involvement with Nene. The family had previously provided educational funding. It also supported other costs connected with her journey towards the American competition. That earlier assistance reportedly amounted to approximately ฿10 million.
Taken together, the backing was substantial before Nene became America’s Got Talent champion. There was reportedly around ฿10 million in earlier educational and related support. Then came a condominium valued between ฿25 million and ฿36 million. Only afterwards did Nene win the US$1 million television prize.
The condominium itself forms part of a large residential development. Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums comprises six buildings ranging between seven and eight storeys. Together, they contain 269 residential units. The development occupies more than 16 rai within the Forestias complex in eastern Bangkok. Nene’s family received a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit measuring about 99 square metres.
Chearavanont support reaches about ฿10m before condo gift as Nene’s family receives luxury Bangkok home
Long before those figures dominated headlines, however, Nene had been developing as a working young musician in Phuket. She accumulated extensive live-performance experience on the island. She played guitar and performed with OZONE Band. As a result, she entered America’s Got Talent with considerable stage experience despite being only 16.
The American programme then placed that experience before a vastly larger audience. During the competition, Nene received Mel B’s Golden Buzzer. She subsequently advanced while maintaining the rock repertoire that defined her performances. “Zombie” was followed by “Hysteria” and “Black Hole Sun”. Finally, “Seven Nation Army” carried her through the competitive final.
From there, the pace accelerated sharply. First came the public vote and victory. Then came the US$1 million prize and a historic first for Thailand. Alongside that, the Linkin Park performance gave Nene immediate exposure beside a major international band. Within hours, American television networks and entertainment programmes were lining up interviews.
Her post-final schedule was relentless. More than ten interviews were reportedly completed before mid-afternoon during one Los Angeles media run. Yet the attention did not remain confined to the United States. Clips of Nene speaking English circulated among supporters in Thailand. Her next international concert date was already approaching.
Avenged Sevenfold and LOSO dates loom as Nene returns to Phuket with US$1m prize and global recognition
In October, she is scheduled to open for Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore. In November, she is due to appear with LOSO at Rajamangala National Stadium. Meanwhile, her debut EP remains under development. Her education is also expected to continue in Thailand for another two years.
Against that backdrop, Sunday’s Phuket homecoming carried a striking contrast. Nene returned with the America’s Got Talent title attached to her name. She also returned with a US$1 million prize and a vastly expanded international audience. Furthermore, she had just performed with Linkin Park and completed a punishing American media schedule.
Yet the airport reception brought the story back to her family. Mrs Kaew had travelled from Nakhon Si Thammarat at 89 years old. Years earlier, she had given her infant granddaughter the nickname Praew. More recently, while ill, she made a vow asking for Nene to win the American competition.
On Sunday, Mrs Kaew finally saw the winner return. She embraced and kissed her granddaughter inside Phuket International Airport. Around them, cameras, supporters, relatives and officials recorded the moment. The family will now arrange a Nora performance to fulfil the vow made before Nene’s victory.
From there, Phuket took over the celebration. The afternoon brought the gathering at Limelight Phuket. Later came the open-top procession through Phuket Old Town. A motorcycle convoy led the route as supporters gathered around the teenager.
Nene returns to OZONE in Phuket as her rapid rise brings US$1m prize and major international rock dates
By evening, however, the parade was over. Nene returned to OZONE Band at the Chartered Bank intersection. Once again, she was standing before a live audience in Phuket. Only days earlier, she had shared an American stage with Linkin Park. Now she was playing again with the band connected to her musical development.
The sequence marks an extraordinary acceleration in Nene’s career. Phuket performances led to America’s Got Talent and Mel B’s Golden Buzzer. The competition then brought the final, “Seven Nation Army” and the public vote. Victory delivered US$1 million and made her the first Thai winner.
At the same time, Nene’s financial support had already expanded substantially. The Chearavanont family reportedly provided about ฿10 million in earlier educational and related assistance. Subsequently, it presented her family with the luxury Bangkok condominium. That presentation occurred before the final rather than after the victory.
Nene’s live schedule accelerates after AGT triumph as Phuket homecoming closes an extraordinary week
Now the live schedule is also moving quickly. Avenged Sevenfold awaits in Singapore on October 13. LOSO follows at Rajamangala National Stadium on November 21. Meanwhile, original music is already being prepared through her debut EP.
Sunday therefore closed one stage of Nene Royal’s rapid rise and immediately opened another. She had left Thailand seeking an American television title. She returned as the programme’s first Thai champion and a US$1 million winner.
Nene Royal wins big for Thailand with blistering ‘Seven Nation Army’ final act. Nets $1 million prize
Thailand’s America’s Got Talent star returned home on Friday ahead of her September date with destiny
But the first defining scene in Phuket involved neither money nor television. It came when Kaew Phoolkerd reached the granddaughter she had travelled across southern Thailand to meet. The 89-year-old wrapped her arms around Nene inside the airport arrivals hall.
More than 16 years earlier, Mrs Kaew had named the baby Praew. On Sunday, Praew came home as Nene Royal, America’s Got Talent champion.
Hours later, the celebrations ended exactly where her career had started.
Nene Royal was back on a Phuket stage with OZONE Band, playing rock music.
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