Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 25, 2025 · Entertainment

Reality TV Villain Turned Musician: Tom Sandoval's Divisive AGT Audition

Fans tuning into NBC's America's Got Talent were quite stunned to see reality TV villain Tom Sandoval auditioning as a musician

SHOCKING TURN OF EVENTS ON AMERICA'S GOT TALENT!

Fans were left stunned on Tuesday's episode of NBC's America's Got Talent as reality TV villain Tom Sandoval, once dubbed "the most hated man in America" by The New York Times after his cheating scandal, took the stage to audition with his band, The Most Extras.

The 42-year-old Vanderpump Rules star confessed that he was still reeling from the aftermath of his infidelity and the subsequent backlash on social media. But despite being at rock bottom, Sandoval found solace in music, which became the one thing that kept him going during those dark times.

While he has continued to appear on reality shows like The Masked Singer and most recently The Traitors , now he's trying to rebrand as a musician.

As he took the stage to perform A-ha's 1985 hit "Take On Me," the crowd seemed apprehensive at first, but Sandoval's charismatic stage presence soon won them over. Even judge Simon Cowell, who admitted to being familiar with Sandoval due to his close friendship with Lisa Vanderpump, appeared impressed.

But not everyone was convinced. When asked if music was what he wanted to do from now on, Sandoval replied, "Yes, I would love nothing more for us to tour the world like just be the ultimate cover band, party band." His girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson and old friend Tom Schwartz were spotted in the audience, showing their support.

Despite some initial reservations, Sandoval's performance received a standing ovation from the judges, with Mel B and Sofia Vergara giving him a resounding "yes" to move on to the next round. Simon Cowell also gave his approval, albeit reluctantly, stating that not everyone comes on the show seeking a record deal, but rather to be true to themselves.

He appeared on Tuesday's episode of AGT with his band dubbed The Most Extras, which he is hoping to turn into the 'ultimate cover band'

The episode sparked a heated debate on social media, with some fans praising Sandoval's musical talents while others slammed him for trying to rebrand and rehabilitate his image. "This is an odd prop-up job by the show," tweeted @AGTCommenter. "What are they gaining from trying to rehab Tom Sandoval's image for him? Sounds like he is kind of a top-notch scumbag."

But others were more sympathetic, with @Samfree92 saying, "Tom Sandoval was great on America got talent." Meanwhile, @PaulBacon30 insisted, "Tom Sandoval & The Next Extras SHOULD have gotten the #GoldenBuzzer because it was the best act in Week 5 of the auditions."

As the debate raged on, some fans even tagged Bravo's Andy Cohen, calling out the network for fostering a toxic environment that encouraged bullying and harassment. "@Andy you watching @AGT? Tom Sandoval is on! I feel awful about how everyone talked about him," tweeted Samantha W (@swasser85). "It was cruel. Maybe @BravoWWHL shouldn't have fostered it."

He appeared on Tuesday's episode of AGT with his band dubbed The Most Extras, which he is hoping to turn into the 'ultimate cover band'

The controversy surrounding Sandoval's appearance on America's Got Talent has left fans divided, with some people eager to give the reality TV star a second chance while others believe he should be held accountable for his past actions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this drama-filled episode of America's Got Talent!

He got tepid applause in his opening segment, adding he was in a 'very very dark place,' but his band was, 'the only thing that kept me going'

When asked if music is what he wanted to do from now on, Sandoval said, 'Yes. I would love nothing more for us to tour the world, like just be the ultimate cover band, party band,' as he said his girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson and his old friend Tom Schwartz were in the audience to support him

Before the performance, judge Howie Mandel explained to fellow judge Sofia Vergara that he's so hated because, 'he slept with his girlfriend's best friend.'

One X user dubbed @AGTCommenter said, 'This is an odd prop-up job by the show. What are they gaining from trying to rehab Tom Sandoval's image for him? Sounds like he is kind of a top notch scumbag. I'm not a pearl clutcher but this seems like an unnecessary hill for the show to be on right now'

Jordan @JordanLR7 added, '#AGT Already said what I had to say about Tom Sandoval a few days ago but this needs to be added. He's a cheater. That is an awful sob story to go with for this show. Turning your bad decisions into a sob story is head scratching. And apparently he's a MILLIONAIRE. Why is he here'

Others were impressed with Sandoval's musical stylings, such as @Samfree92, who said, 'Tom Sandoval was great on America got talent.'

Another fan - @PaulBacon30 - added, 'Tom Sandoval & The Next Extras SHOULD have got the #GoldenBuzzer because it was the best act in Week 5 of the auditions.'

Carol (@catitcomb) insisted, 'Tom Sandoval is a complete IDIOT Evil & no one will vote for you Mr. Cheater. We hated you on PumpRules & we still hate you.'

Still, others were livid, like @dreaontime, who said, 'Tom Sandoval was terrible on #AGT. Turned it off and not watching anymore. This show is a joke.'

Jacqueline DeClerg (@JaxDeClerg) tweeted, 'Not Tom Sandoval trying to rebrand on America¿s Got Talent.'