Nene Royal wins America's Got Talent Season 21

Nene Royal has won America's Got Talent Season 21.

The winner was revealed on Wednesday, September 23, at the close of the live finale on NBC. Royal takes the $1 million winner's prize, according to Deadline.

Ten acts reached the final. Five survived the first cut. Then the places fell quickly into line.

Geno Ploeger finished second. Hundred Fingers finished third. Royal Lasers placed fourth and Veronika Goroshkova placed fifth. The final five had been Royal Lasers, Hundred Fingers, Veronika Goroshkova, Nene Royal and Geno Ploeger.

The five acts stopped just short of that group were Come Here, Olivia Befus, Lai Noelle, Unitree and Acro Canine Crew. That left a Top 10 of Acro Canine Crew, Come Here, Geno Ploeger, Hundred Fingers, Lai Noelle, Nene Royal, Olivia Befus, Royal Lasers, Unitree and Veronika Goroshkova.

The finale played out over two nights, September 22 and 23, airing at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, according to NBC Insider. The first night featured the last performances. The second night brought the results.

KSI sat on the judging panel for the finale in place of Simon Cowell, alongside Sofia Vergara, Mel B and Howie Mandel. Cowell had also missed part of the live shows earlier in the season, when Heidi Klum stepped in for the fourth quarterfinal round.

The results show was packed with guests. The line-up included Linkin Park, Trisha Paytas, Josh Groban, Lele Pons, Taylen Biggs, Rei Ami, Jessica Sanchez, Mat Franco, Steve Aoki, Chloe Flower and Bruce Buffer.

Sanchez needed little introduction for regular viewers. She won America's Got Talent Season 20 and returned for the Season 21 finale. Weeks after that win in 2025, she gave birth to her daughter.

For fans, this means a clean handover. One champion closes the show. Another opens the next chapter.