Sixteen-year-old Thai musician Nene Royal delivered a standout audition on the latest episode of America's Got Talent, aired on Tuesday 7 July, performing a cover of The Cranberries' 1990s protest anthem "Zombie". Her energetic rock performance won over the studio audience and all four judges, earning her a place in the next stage of the NBC talent show's 21st season and marking a notable moment for a young international contestant.

Royal, who hails from Phuket and picked up the guitar aged seven, performed the day before her 16th birthday, playing electric guitar and singing. Judges Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Simon Cowell all praised her, highlighting her energy, vocal control, guitar skills and authentic tone, with Cowell noting that the slightly "messy" nature of the audition added to its appeal. Each judge voted yes.