Published by Swikblog Entertainment Team | August 26, 2026

Nene Royal has become one of the breakout names of America’s Got Talent Season 21 after Mel B hit the Live Golden Buzzer for the 16-year-old Thai singer and guitarist during the August 25, 2026 quarterfinal.

Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, is a teenage rock performer from Phuket, Thailand. Her powerful performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” impressed the AGT judges and sent her directly to the Season 21 Finals without having to rely on the public vote.

The live episode also looked noticeably different because longtime judge Simon Cowell was absent while undergoing treatment for ongoing back issues. Eleven acts took the stage during the second live quarterfinal as the competition continued narrowing the Season 21 field.

Who Is Nene Royal and How Did She Reach the AGT Finals?

Nene Royal is a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket who has attracted attention for combining powerful rock vocals with energetic guitar performances. She began learning guitar as a child and later developed her skills largely through practice and online videos.

Before appearing on America’s Got Talent, Nene performed at markets and public venues in Phuket. Her rise from local performances to one of television’s biggest talent competitions has helped attract international attention to the young Thai musician.

Her AGT journey began with a performance of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, which earned four yes votes from the judges. She later performed Muse’s “Hysteria” during the Judges’ Callbacks and secured a place among the acts advancing to the live shows.

But it was her live rendition of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” that produced her biggest moment yet.

After Nene finished the performance, Mel B praised her vocals, guitar playing, stage presence and overall image before pressing the Live Golden Buzzer. Golden confetti filled the stage as an emotional Nene celebrated the result and embraced her father.

The Golden Buzzer means Nene does not have to compete for one of the public-vote spots from the quarterfinal. Instead, she advances directly to the America’s Got Talent Season 21 Finals.

Howie Mandel was also highly impressed by the performance, while Sofía Vergara suggested Nene had the ability to potentially win the competition.

AGT has been one of the major programs in the 2026 summer reality TV schedule, with Season 21 now entering its decisive live stages.

Simon Cowell Misses AGT Live Show as Season 21 Competition Heats Up

Nene Royal’s Golden Buzzer was not the only major talking point from the August 25 episode. Viewers also noticed that Simon Cowell was missing from the judges’ table.

Host Terry Crews explained during the broadcast that Cowell was undergoing a medical procedure related to his back. The procedure was described as routine rather than an emergency, and Cowell is expected to return after recovering.

Cowell has previously dealt with back problems following a serious electric-bike accident in 2020. Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara remained on the panel for the quarterfinal broadcast.

Other contestants faced a much more uncertain night because they still needed viewer support to advance.

Hawaiian teenage brothers Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm received mixed feedback for their performance of “I Swear.” Mel B pressed her red X, while Mandel felt nerves had affected their performance. Vergara offered a more positive assessment but suggested the pair may have played things too safely.

Danger performers Brad & Tracy also divided the judges with a stunt-heavy performance involving nail and sword-swallowing elements. Mel B again pressed her X, while the other judges had more mixed reactions.

The varying responses highlighted how difficult the live rounds have become: acts must now impress both the judges and viewers, while a Golden Buzzer can instantly change a contestant’s path through the competition.

When Is the AGT Season 21 Final?

For contestants who did not receive the Live Golden Buzzer, America’s vote determines who advances from the quarterfinals. Viewers can vote through NBC’s official platforms, while voting information is also shared through AGT’s social media channels.

Nene Royal no longer needs to survive the quarterfinal public vote because Mel B’s Golden Buzzer has already secured her place in the final.

The remaining live quarterfinal performance shows are scheduled for September 1 and September 8, followed by the semifinal stage later in September.

The America’s Got Talent Season 21 Finals are scheduled for September 22, with the finale results expected on September 23. Episodes air on NBC, with streaming availability through Peacock.

For official episodes, schedules, voting information and contestant updates, viewers can visit the America’s Got Talent page on NBC.

Nene Royal’s rise has now become one of the standout stories of AGT 2026. From performing in Phuket to earning four yes votes during her audition and eventually receiving Mel B’s Live Golden Buzzer, the teenage guitarist has secured a place on the biggest stage of Season 21.

With her Finals appearance confirmed, attention will now turn to whether Nene Royal can win America’s Got Talent Season 21 and complete her journey from Thai teenage rocker to AGT champion.

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