Published: September 25, 2026 · 12:26 AM EDT
The Thai singer and guitarist shares the stage with Emily Armstrong and Mike Shinoda before winning America's Got Talent Season 21, following performances of rock classics by The Cranberries, Soundgarden and The White Stripes
Linkin Park joined 16-year-old singer and guitarist Nene Royal for a performance of “The Emptiness Machine” during the America's Got Talent Season 21 finale on September 23, 2026. The musician from Phuket, Thailand, performed alongside Emily Armstrong and Mike Shinoda before being announced as the winner of the NBC competition.
Royal opened the song on lead vocals and guitar before Armstrong took over, with the two singers subsequently sharing vocal duties. Following the performance, Shinoda praised the young musician, while Armstrong expressed her support ahead of the announcement of the competition's results.
The collaboration followed Royal's performances of The Cranberries' “Zombie,” Muse's “Hysteria” and Soundgarden's “Black Hole Sun” during the competition. She also performed The White Stripes' “Seven Nation Army” during the final round and joined Mexican rock band The Warning for a performance of “Kerosene” during the finale.
Read: Linkin Park Announce New Single 'Over Each Other'
Royal was named the winner of America's Got Talent 2026, finishing ahead of magician Geno Ploeger and receiving the competition's $1 million grand prize. Linkin Park's appearance also came ahead of the September 30 theatrical release of Unshatter, the band's upcoming documentary and concert film.
Watch Linkin Park perform “The Emptiness Machine” with Nene Royal during the America's Got Talent 2026 finale, featuring Emily Armstrong and Mike Shinoda, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Screenshot of Linkin Park perform “The Emptiness Machine” with Nene Royal during the America's Got Talent 2026 finale You Tube video.
