America’s Got Talent has a new champion, and Season 21 ended with a major victory for teenage singer and guitarist Nene Royal.
The 16-year-old performer from Phuket, Thailand, was crowned the winner after viewers cast their votes following the season’s final round of performances. Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, walked away with the show’s $1 million grand prize after a season that established her as one of the competition’s breakout performers.
Her road to the championship included a pivotal moment during the live quarterfinals, when Mel B awarded her a Golden Buzzer. That sent Nene directly into the finale and put her one step closer to the Season 21 crown.
The competition was still crowded with talent when finale night arrived.
Nene ultimately landed in the Top 5 alongside magician Geno Ploeger, magic group Hundred Fingers, light-up dance act Royal Lasers and aerialist Veronika Goroshkova.
The field narrowed quickly as the final results were announced. Goroshkova finished fifth, Royal Lasers took fourth and Hundred Fingers landed in third place.
That left Nene and Ploeger as the final two contestants standing.
When host Terry Crews revealed America’s choice, Nene emerged as the Season 21 champion, with Ploeger finishing as runner-up.
The finale was more than a results show. It also brought finalists together with established performers for a series of special appearances. Nene shared the stage with Linkin Park, while other collaborations during the night included appearances from Steve Aoki, Josh Groban, Jessica Sanchez and former AGT champion Mat Franco.
One familiar face was missing from the judges’ table. Simon Cowell sat out the finale while recovering from back surgery. KSI stepped in as a guest judge alongside Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara.
After weeks of auditions, Golden Buzzers, live performances and eliminations, however, the final spotlight belonged to Nene.
At just 16, the singer and guitarist turned an international journey from Phuket into an America’s Got Talent championship, a $1 million prize and one very memorable finish to Season 21.
