Who Is Nene Royal? AGT Teen's Incredible Rise From a $49 Guitar to 200 Million Views

A 16-year-old guitarist who began playing on a $49 (around £36) instrument and performing for donations at a Phuket night market has become Thailand's latest international sensation.

Nene Royal has attracted more than 200 million views through her America's Got Talent appearances, catching the attention of the country's government, businesses and aspiring young musicians.

Who Is Nene Royal? Meet the 16-Year-Old AGT Guitarist

Nene Royal is the stage name of Rattikarn Amloy, a teenage guitarist from Phuket, Thailand, whose performances on America's Got Talent have propelled her to an international audience.

Nene gained widespread attention with her rendition of The Cranberries' 'Zombie', combining vocals with electric guitar solos. Videos of her performances quickly spread online, with her AGT appearances amassing more than 200 million views across the programme's official platforms, more than any other act this year.

The teenager has already set her sights beyond the competition. She previously told a Thai television outlet that she hopes to become a global artist and eventually stage her own concert tour.

Nene Royal Started With a $49 Guitar in Phuket

Nene's journey began years before the bright lights of American prime-time television.

She started playing guitar at seven using an instrument that cost 1,600 baht, or about $49 (£36). At the time, the purchase represented a significant expense for her family because her father earned just over 10,000 baht ($305 or £223) per month.

To help cover the cost of lessons, her father encouraged her to perform at a night market in Phuket, where she played for donations.

Those modest beginnings now stand in stark contrast to the enormous audience watching her compete on one of America's biggest talent shows.

Nene Royal's Million AGT Views Bring Global Attention

Nene's viral success has triggered a wave of support in Thailand, including from some of the country's most prominent figures and businesses.

Charoen Pokphand Foods Pcl, part of CP Group, rented space on a giant screen in New York's Times Square to feature Nene alongside messages of support from Thai fans ahead of the AGT live rounds.

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the reigning Miss World and another Phuket native, also publicly backed the teenager, encouraging her to 'show the world what you can do'. Nene's official Facebook page has meanwhile grown to more than 3.1 million followers.

Thailand Eyes Nene Royal's Fame for Tourism Push

Her rise has also caught the attention of Thailand's government as the country looks for new ways to attract international visitors.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed tourism authorities to explore ways of supporting Nene after seeing her perform. He later hosted her at Government House, where she played guitar as he sang a Thai rock song.

Officials have also discussed potentially featuring the young musician in campaigns promoting the 'Amazing Thailand' tourism brand.

The attention comes as Thailand works to restore international visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels. The country welcomed about 20 million foreign visitors through 22 August, around 3 per cent fewer than during the same period last year. Annual arrivals also remain below the record of almost 40 million set in 2019.

Nene Royal Effect Reaches Guitar Shops and Music Schools

Nene's influence is already being felt beyond television and tourism. Bangkok-area music shop owner Naris Padungsaeng said interest had increased since the guitarist went viral. He sold two electric guitars to students over two weeks after previously considering even one sale a month strong.

Music schools are also receiving more inquiries from young people, according to Wisoot Intharapichit, president of the Music School Association of Thailand.

Among those inspired is 17-year-old student Benjapa Kaewpradit, who picked up an electric guitar after repeatedly seeing Nene in her social media feeds.