Nene Royal didn’t enter America’s Got Talent to dilly-dally about. She came to rock.
Hailing the Phuket, Thailand, the teenager made the long-haul to the United States to compete in the current, 21st season of AGT, getting it done with an electric guitar and a knack for cast-iron metal. From the top, Royal caught the attention of millions when she auditioned with The Cranberries’ mid-‘90s protest anthem “Zombie.”
If you weren’t already paying attention, the penny dropped when she covered “Hysteria” by Muse,” laid out on a bed of licks, squeals and technical tricks that Hendrix would’ve approved of.
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For Tuesday night’s (Aug. 25) Quarterfinals, Royal cranked it up yet again with a performance of Soundgarden’s signature song, “Black Hole Sun,” a grunge-era classic which was released in 1994 on the band’s album Superunknown.
Royal literally lit up the stage, for a heavy, and fiery, moment. The roar from the crowd told you all you needed to know.
“I know I’m not supposed to say this. NBC, give her the million right now,” Howie Mandel enthused.
“Nene I think you could really win this competition,” remarked Sofía Vergara. “Because you can sing and you can play that guitar. I mean, insanely. The way you look. No wonder everybody in the street asks me about you. I think you can win.”
Mel B met the youngster and other contestants backstage. “You are just like the most quietest, humblest, sweet-like young lady. And then you’ve come out on this stage and it’s a different vibe,” she said. The Spice Girl, like her fellow judges, struggled to be heard over the raucous audience. “I have to say that I love really good vocals. I’m a ‘90s girl. I’m into pop music. That kind of music is not my vibe. But, your vocals are on point, your guitar is on point, your look, your energy, your vibe. How could I not do this.”
And with that, Mel B dramatically activated the Golden Buzzer. Cue golden glitter, and tears of joy, hugs.
Royal is now fast-tracked to the Finals. Her fellow Quarterfinalists will learn their fate during Wednesday night’s results show. America votes, and three more acts progress to the semifinals. Also on the night, Season 20 standout country singer Steve Ray Ladson returns to the stage alongside Grammy-nominated act The War and Treaty.
Watch Nene Royal’s Golden Buzzer-winning performance below.
