Tackling Muse’s “Hysteria” is an ambitious move for any musician, as the 2003 track is anchored by one of modern rock’s most relentless bass riffs. Taking that driving bassline, adapting it directly to electric guitar, and singing lead vocals simultaneously is an entirely different level of difficulty. Yet that is precisely what 16-year-old Nene Royal accomplished on stage. Hailing from Phuket, Thailand, the self-taught prodigy transformed a demanding technical challenge into an exhilarating display of multi-tasking coordination, drawing attention from music publications and online viewers.
The standout performance took place during the Judges’ Callbacks on America’s Got Talent Season 21. Performing before judge Howie Mandel and guest judge Nikki Glaser, Nene faced immense pressure to prove she belonged in the next round. She delivered in spectacular fashion, earning praise from both Howie and Nikki, and Howie selected her for a coveted spot in the Live Shows. Her high-energy interpretation proved that her musical instincts extend far beyond ordinary covers, offering a showcase of pure talent that demands to be seen and heard.
What makes the performance so captivating is how smoothly she deals with the song’s shifting layers. Nene launches the piece with a blisteringly fast tapping intro before settling into the driving rhythm of the main riff. Balancing intricate fretting with impassioned vocals, she never misses a beat, making the complex fretwork look completely natural. As the song builds toward its climax, she lets loose with an extended, electrifying guitar solo that showcases both precision and genuine rock-and-roll attitude.
This viral moment built upon the momentum of her initial audition, where a gritty cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie” earned her four enthusiastic “yes” votes. “Hysteria,” however, dramatically raised the technical stakes and confirmed that her first appearance was no fluke, something The Music Man readers will certainly appreciate. Online audiences responded instantly, pushing the callback performance past 4.8 million views and racking up more than 224,000 likes. The figures reflected strong engagement with the callback clip and added to the momentum of her AGT journey. Revisit the standout audition where Nene Royal first stunned the judges with her powerful rendition of a Cranberries rock classic.
The comment section included enthusiastic praise for her rare mix of technical skill and stage charisma. One enthusiastic viewer declared, “This young lady is the DIAMOND of this year’s AGT Nene IS a Rock Star!!!!” Other commenters described it as refreshing to see a young artist embrace heavy, guitar-driven music with such authenticity. One commenter, who identified themselves as a 54-year-old Brazilian rock fan, wrote, “She delivers exactly what I wanted to hear from the new generation. She’s not just a fantastic vocalist; she’s a visceral guitarist.”
Among the commenters were people identifying themselves as viewers in different countries and age groups. One wrote, “This is crazy cheering from Korea. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it.” Meanwhile, another commenter who said they were 98 playfully chimed in, “I’m 98 years old. Long Live Rock & Roll. NENE!!! Queen of Rock. Go Go Go!!!” Beyond advancing in the competition, Nene Royal’s performance made high-level musicianship look joyful and effortless, prompting enthusiastic comments from self-described viewers in several countries.