Nene Royal’s to-do list: write, tour and ‘go back to school’ - Bangkok Post

Rising Thai teen rock star Nene Royal, fresh off her win on “America’s Got Talent”, says she’s planning to write her own songs, tour — and “go back to school”.

Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, took home the $1-million prize on the US talent show last week, after wowing judges and viewers with blistering guitar solos and high-octane voice.

The 16-year-old student from Kajonkiet International School in Phuket has become a national celebrity since entering the competition two months ago.

“My plan is … writing my own songs, you know, and also making some tours, and also go back to school,” she told AFP after a performance at a Yamaha music showroom in Bangkok on Wednesday.

The singer and guitarist said she was “shocked” and “fainted”, dropping to the stage floor, when she was announced as the champion on Sept 23.

Next month, she is set to open for the US metal band Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore, after playing with Linkin Park in the final episode of America’s Got Talent. (Story continues below)

Nene Royal poses for selfies with supporters in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: AFP)

Videos of her televised renditions of alternative rock classics such as Zombie by The Cranberries and Black Hole Sun by grunge band Soundgarden had gone viral in Thailand and beyond.

She performed both songs on Wednesday with her backing Ozone Band — three teen performers who match Nene’s chops on bass guitar, keyboard and drums.

Asked about her band after the gig, Nene said: “I really missed them, because they’re kind of like my brothers.”

The boys travelled to California while she filmed America’s Got Talent to cheer her on, she said.

Nene, who started playing guitar at age seven and learned mostly by watching online videos, won a music scholarship to Kajonkiet International School, where staff and teachers have been very accommodating of her career while also trying to ensure she can have a normal teenage life.

Appreciative of the outpouring of support from Thai fans, Nene said she did not expect such a raucous homecoming.

“When I went back to Thailand, everyone went crazy,” she said.

Real Verse, a guitar instrumental composed by Nene Royal.