Mel B, the former Spice Girls member and America’s Got Talent judge, has won the hearts of Thai viewers after pressing the show’s Golden Buzzer and sending 16-year-old Thai singer Nene Royal straight into the show’s final.
Nene had just performed Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun in the live quarter-final.
Before pressing the button, Mel B admitted that the style of music was not normally her thing, saying she is a “’90s girl” who loves pop music.
During her speech, the crowd could be heard chanting, “Golden Buzzer! Golden Buzzer!” Another judge, Sofia Vergara, was seen trying to calm them down.
Nene, who was on stage, looked tense, probably because no one was sure what Mel B would say next.
Mel B then continued, saying Nene’s voice, guitar playing, appearance, energy and overall vibe were impossible to resist.
She then asked, “How could I not do this?” before hitting the button and sending the audience wild with joy.
From that moment, Mel B has become an unexpected favourite among Thai viewers. Some Thai netizens wrote, “Millions of thanks to Mel B for the Golden Buzzer.” Across Thai social media platforms, Mel B received praise and thanks.
Photos showing Mel B going over to Nene and her family, hugging them and joining in the celebration were widely shared among fans.
Some Thai netizens praised Mel B as their hero for supporting Nene, with one inviting her to Bangkok and promising to organise a parade as a gesture of gratitude.
Thai media have also embraced Mel B as a character in Nene’s story. Several outlets have published profiles explaining who she is, revisiting her career as a member of the Spice Girls and introducing her to Thai audiences as the “icon” who pressed the Golden Buzzer for Nene.
One television station’s Facebook page described her as a female icon, while many media outlets ran stories titled “Who is Mel B?”
The coverage has also brought renewed attention to Mel B’s connection with Thailand. Thai media have highlighted her affection for Phuket, while photographs from her previous visits to Thailand have been circulated as her relationship with the country gains new attention.
Mel B's Facebook
Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, introduced herself during her first audition as a 15-year-old from Phuket. Mel B responded by saying, “Phuket is my favourite place.”
While Thailand is busy cheering for Nene, the country appears to have found another person to cheer for along the way.
For many Thai viewers, Mel B is no longer simply “Scary Spice”, the pop icon of the 1990s. She is now the woman who saw something special in a girl from Phuket.
That may explain why, almost overnight, Mel B has gone from international pop star to something rather unexpected in Thailand — a new fan favourite.
