Thais hail teen rocker Nene for 'America's Got Talent' win

AFP | Bangkok

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A 16-year-old Thai rock singer and guitarist who has performed with the prime minister and Linkin Park won a top US television talent show Thursday, sparking celebrations back home -- and praise from her principal.

Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, took home the $1 million prize as winner of "America's Got Talent", after wowing judges and viewers with blistering guitar solos and rock ballad shrieks.

The teen from the island of Phuket has become a national figure in Thailand since entering the competition and played alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in July.

As Nene's final performance aired on television, her schoolmates and teachers back home rooted for her at a watch party.

The moment she was crowned champion -- the first Thai national to win the hit TV show -- was "electric", school principal Gareth Eynon told AFP.

"Literally everyone from age two to 18 was there cheering her on" at Kajonkiet International School Phuket, he said.

"She's so talented, yet she's so humble," Eynon added.

"She doesn't have to be front and centre of the stage" during school performances, he said, noting that Nene was just as happy helping and encouraging less experienced student musicians.