Genre:
Pop,
Rock,
Cover/Tribute,
Hard Rock/Metal
Hometown: Phuket, Thailand
Nene Royal is a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter from Phuket, Thailand, and the lead vocalist and guitarist of the young rock band. In 2026, the 16-year-old musician gained international attention as a contestant on America's Got Talent Season 21, performing The Cranberries' “Zombie,” Muse's “Hysteria” and Soundgarden's “Black Hole Sun.” Her “Black Hole Sun” performance earned a Live Golden Buzzer from Mel B, sending Nene directly to the America's Got Talent Season 21 finale.
Before appearing on America's Got Talent, Nene was already an accomplished young musician in Phuket. She began learning guitar as a child, largely teaching herself through online videos and learning songs by ear. She developed her live performance skills by performing at markets in Phuket and became known for her powerful vocals, expressive guitar playing and commanding stage presence. Her accomplishments include a runner-up finish at the Overdrive Guitar Contest, recognition as an Outstanding Player at the King Power Band Competition, and an appearance on the Thai television program Super 10.
Nene is also the front person of OZONE, a young Phuket rock band whose members have attracted attention for their performances of classic rock, hard rock, pop and other styles. Coyote Music discovered OZONE in March 2026 after seeing Nene perform the guitar solo from Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a video from Phuket's Naka Night Market. Coyote Music subsequently interviewed Nene and OZONE from Austin, Texas.
Nene Royal on America's Got Talent
Nene's America's Got Talent journey began with her audition performance of “Zombie” by The Cranberries. The performance earned a standing ovation and four “Yes” votes from the judges, advancing her to the next stage of Season 21.
She returned for the Judges' Callbacks with Muse's “Hysteria,” continuing to showcase the combination of guitar playing and powerful vocals that had become her signature.
During the Live Quarterfinals, Nene performed Soundgarden's “Black Hole Sun.” Mel B awarded her the Live Golden Buzzer, sending her directly to the Season 21 finale.
The America's Got Talent Season 21 finale is scheduled for September 22–23, 2026.
Nene Royal & OZONE
Nene Royal is the lead vocalist and guitarist of OZONE, a young rock band based in Phuket, Thailand. Although Nene naturally attracts much of the attention as the band's front person, Coyote Music was struck by the musicianship of the entire group when we discovered them in 2026.
Coyote Music interviewed OZONE in March 2026, before Nene's appearance on America's Got Talent. The interview covered the band's history, their performances at Naka Night Market, their musical influences, their rehearsal process and the reaction to Nene's viral “Bohemian Rhapsody” guitar performance.