On June 24, 2025, Tom Sandoval, former star of Bravo’s hit reality series Vanderpump Rules, took a bold step to reclaim his public image by auditioning for Season 20 of America's Got Talent (AGT) with his band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras. The audition, broadcast on NBC, marked a significant moment for Sandoval, who has been trying to move past one of the most notorious cheating scandals of recent reality TV history, widely dubbed "Scandoval."
Sandoval’s scandal erupted in 2023 when he was caught cheating on his longtime girlfriend of nearly a decade, fellow Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, with one of her closest friends and castmates, Rachel Leviss. The affair sparked a media frenzy, leading The New York Times to label Sandoval "the most hated man in America." The fallout was intense, with Sandoval himself admitting the scandal "pretty much destroyed my life."
Despite the backlash, Sandoval has remained in the public eye, appearing on other reality shows such as Season 3 of The Traitors U.S., Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, and the 10th season of The Masked Singer. However, his AGT audition seemed to represent a new chapter, as he sought to be recognized for his musical talents rather than his reality TV notoriety.
Before taking the stage, Sandoval openly addressed the scandal during a pre-performance interview. He said, "A couple of years ago, I made some really bad choices and was involved in a very bad cheating scandal, and I let down a lot of people. It was absurd how much coverage and how big it became. Ever since then, everything I do is completely criticized." He expressed hope that the judges and audience would see him "as a musician versus just somebody on a reality show."
Joining him in the audience were longtime friend and fellow Bravo alum Tom Schwartz and Sandoval’s girlfriend, Victoria. Their presence underscored the personal support Sandoval still maintains despite the public’s divided opinion.
When Sandoval and his band took the stage, Simon Cowell immediately recognized him and mentioned his friendship with Lisa Vanderpump, the former Vanderpump Rules star and executive producer of the show. Sandoval responded enthusiastically, acknowledging his 11-season run on the series. Cowell encouraged him, saying, "Let's get America to like you."
The band performed a spirited cover of the 1980s classic "Take On Me" by A-ha, complete with backup singers and horns, showcasing their energy and showmanship. The performance was met with a standing ovation from all four judges: Cowell, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel.
Mel B praised the act, saying, "You made me smile, you gave me happy vibes," and appreciated that the band was unabashedly a cover band. Vergara echoed the sentiment, adding, "Tom, you look amazing up there. I thought you guys brought us joy tonight." Mandel, who had previously interviewed Sandoval on his podcast following the scandal, complimented him as a "showman" who "really takes this seriously."
Though Cowell acknowledged the performance’s energy, he was candid about the musicality, stating, "The vocals weren’t great, Tom, I’m gonna be honest with you." The audience booed his blunt critique, but Cowell clarified, "Not everyone comes on this show to get a record deal. Sometimes it’s about being true to who you are." Ultimately, all four judges voted "yes," advancing Sandoval and his band to the next round.
During the audition, Howie Mandel briefly explained the scandal to judges Mel B and Vergara, revealing the details that Sandoval had "slept with his girlfriend’s best friend." Mel B quipped, "No wonder nobody likes him then," though Cowell dismissed the drama, saying, "Do you know how not interested I am in any of that stuff?"
Sandoval’s journey on AGT has not been without controversy. Viewers at home voiced mixed reactions, with some accusing the show of attempting an "image rehab" for Sandoval. Comments ranged from outright disdain—"Nope! Still don't like Tom Sandoval"—to criticism of his musical abilities, while others applauded the performance as "incredible" and joyful. The polarized reception reflects the lasting impact of the scandal and the challenge Sandoval faces in reshaping his public persona.
Before the episode aired, Sandoval took to social media to express gratitude for the support he received, writing, "I feel so honored to be able to bring my band into such a cool and different experience. I’m also thankful for the ones who came to support me and of course, all of my fans supporting us! Love y’all!!" He also teased the big question: "Do you think we made it to the next round?"
Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras have been actively performing across the United States throughout spring 2025, with their next scheduled concert on September 30 in Annapolis, Maryland. Sandoval has expressed ambitions to become the "ultimate cover band" and even joked about performing at Mel B’s upcoming wedding when she mentioned she might need a cover band.
Sandoval’s appearance on AGT also ties into the broader connection between Bravo and NBC, as Bravo is a subsidiary of NBCUniversal. This affiliation may provide additional opportunities for Sandoval to remain visible in the entertainment landscape despite his tarnished reputation.
Reflecting on the audition, Sandoval shared, "It means so much to me to see all these people from different places that come together and were happy and cheering for us, and rooting for us. That means so much to me." It’s clear that for Sandoval, this is more than just a competition; it’s a chance for personal redemption and a fresh start in the music world.
While the journey ahead remains uncertain, Sandoval’s AGT audition has undeniably given him a platform to showcase his talents beyond the shadow of scandal. Whether America embraces him as a musician remains to be seen, but for now, he’s taken a step forward, guitar in hand, ready to face whatever comes next.
