Thai singer and guitarist Nene Royal, who recently won the U.S. reality competition "America's Got Talent" (AGT), made a strong impression on a Singapore audience as the opening act for American rock band Avenged Sevenfold. The 16-year-old performer from Phuket appeared before a sold-out crowd of 10,000 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 13 in what marked her largest concert to date.
During her 30-minute set, Nene delivered energetic renditions of rock classics, including Rage Against the Machine’s "Killing In The Name," System of a Down’s "E-A-I-A-I-O," and The Cranberries’ "Zombie," the latter of which was her breakthrough performance on AGT. Her powerful performance sparked enthusiastic responses from the crowd, including moshing and a sing-along.
Later in the evening, Nene made a surprise guest appearance during Avenged Sevenfold’s main set, performing guitar and sharing lead vocals on two of their signature songs, "Bat Country" and "Unholy Confessions." Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows noted that their collaboration was unrehearsed, highlighting Nene's professionalism and stage presence.
Nene, whose birth name is Rattikan Amloy, expressed that performing alongside her idols was a significant milestone. She told reporters that her ambition has been to represent Thailand and Asia on a global stage, and she credited hard work for her rapid rise.
The decision to include Nene in the concert’s lineup predates her AGT victory. Francis Hosking, regional business development director at Midas Promotions, the concert organiser, explained that he had followed her career since her early performances in Phuket’s night markets and secured her spot well before her win. He added that Nene’s participation generated extra excitement for the event.
As a longtime fan of Avenged Sevenfold, Nene shared that her previous band, Ozone Band, used to cover several of the group’s songs during street performances in Phuket. She met the band earlier in October during their Bangkok shows, where the members expressed enthusiasm about her opening act in Singapore.
Nene’s international exposure has rapidly expanded following her AGT success on September 23, which included a surprise collaboration with American rock band Linkin Park during the show’s finale. She described the impromptu performance and brief rehearsal with Linkin Park’s frontman Mike Shinoda as overwhelming moments.
Upon returning to Thailand, Nene received significant public attention, with fans greeting her at the airport and seeking autographs and photos. Her AGT victory, the first by a Thai contestant, also earned her an audience with Thailand’s King and Queen at Dusit Palace on October 9. The competition awarded her a US$1 million prize, structured as an annuity, which she intends to use to further her music career and establish a studio.
Balancing her rising career with education, Nene studies remotely while travelling and is currently working on original material for her debut EP. Her debut original instrumental track, "Real Verse," was released earlier this year on social media.
Coming from a family involved in craftwork and street vending, Nene’s musical journey began somewhat by chance. Originally interested in computer classes, she instead enrolled in a music course because of full enrollment and began learning guitar at age seven through online tutorials. Her preference for rock music set her apart from classmates who favored pop, rap, and R&B.
Looking forward, Nene aims to continue developing her own musical style and inspire young musicians throughout Asia. She encouraged aspiring artists to focus on originality and persistent practice, emphasizing the importance of performing on any available stage to gain experience.