A 16-year-old Thai singer and guitarist has won the latest season of the US television talent show ‘America’s Got Talent’, taking home the $1 million prize and sparking celebrations across Thailand.

Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, beat a magician in the final to become the first Thai national to win the popular talent competition.

The teenager from Phuket stunned the judges and audiences with her guitar playing and powerful rock vocals throughout the competition.

Her victory was announced in California on 24 September. Nene fell to the stage after her name was called as the winner.

“I’m very happy, and you know I’m emotional right now,” she said after the announcement.

Nene, who began playing guitar at the age of seven, largely taught herself by watching videos online. She later received a music scholarship to attend a private international school in Phuket.

“I fell in love when I played the first chord, and I thought I am going to be the girl rock star,” she told ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Her performances of rock classics, including The Cranberries’ ‘Zombie’ and Soundgarden’s ‘Black Hole Sun’, had previously gone viral on social media in Thailand.

For her final performance, Nene sang and played guitar alongside US rock band Linkin Park.

The teenager had already become a familiar face in Thailand before her ‘America’s Got Talent’ victory. In July, she was invited to perform with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Anutin, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly, congratulated Nene on her win, saying her talent and dedication had brought pride to Thailand, according to deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan.

Nene’s school in Phuket also celebrated the victory, holding watch parties for students and teachers.

“You did it, congratulations, champion. We are so proud of you,” the school said in a Facebook post.

The Phuket night market where Nene began performing also congratulated the teenager, describing her victory as an inspiration for others pursuing their ambitions.