Tom Sandoval’s AGT Audition: From Scandoval to Stage watch video

 Tom Sandoval’s AGT audition with The Most Extras aims to redefine his image post-Scandoval. Discover his music journey and performance. Read now!

Introduction

Tom Sandoval, the Vanderpump Rules star infamous for the 2023 “Scandoval” cheating drama, hit the America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage on June 24, 2025, with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras. Known for his 11-season run on Bravo’s reality hit, Sandoval’s affair with Rachel Leviss rocked his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix, earning him the New York Times label “most hated man in America,” per Billboard (June 24, 2025). Now, he’s chasing redemption through music, performing A-ha’s “Take on Me” on AGT’s Season 20. Fans on X (June 21, 2025) are split—some praise his vocals, others call it “glorified karaoke.” Why does this matter? Sandoval’s audition reflects a broader trend of reality stars pivoting to new platforms, and his story grips fans and haters alike. Here’s the scoop on his AGT moment, band, and post-scandal life.

Scandoval’s Fallout: The Cheating Scandal That Shook Reality TV

In March 2023, Sandoval’s world imploded when Ariana Madix found explicit texts between him and Rachel Leviss, her close friend and Vanderpump Rules co-star, per People (June 21, 2025). The months-long affair, dubbed “Scandoval,” ended their nine-year relationship and sparked a media frenzy. Bravo cameras captured the fallout in Vanderpump Rules Season 10’s finale, with Leviss later entering a mental health facility and skipping Season 11, per TV Insider (June 19, 2025). Sandoval faced brutal backlash, with X posts (March 2023) branding him a “villain.”

Why It Matters

Scandoval redefined Sandoval’s public image, making his AGT audition a high-stakes redemption attempt. It shows how scandals can reshape careers.

How It’s Done

Sandoval issued a public apology on Instagram (March 2023), admitting “selfish” choices, per The Mirror US (June 21, 2025). He leaned into music to rebuild.

Common Mistakes

Celebrities often double down or hide post-scandal. Sandoval’s Howie Mandel podcast appearance (April 2023) was criticized for being too soft, per People (June 21, 2025).

Consequences

Ignoring the scandal could’ve buried his career. His AGT pivot, while risky, keeps him relevant, with fans on X (June 2025) noting his resilience.

The Most Extras: Who Are Sandoval’s Bandmates?

Formed in 2021, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras is a cover band born from a drunken chat between Sandoval and drummer Jason Bader, who’s played since age eight, per TV Insider (June 19, 2025). The lineup includes Colin Deas (saxophone, musical director), Maddi Fraser (backing vocals, ex-The Voice contestant), Stephen Stiphen (lead guitar), Mia Davitt (bass, vocals), Macrae Eckelberry (trumpet), Caspar Madaus (rhythm guitar), and Max Bergmanis (keyboard). They aim to be the “ultimate cover band,” per Billboard (June 24, 2025).

Why It Matters

The band’s AGT audition showcases Sandoval’s shift from reality TV to music, with a talented crew boosting his credibility.

How It’s Done

Sandoval leads vocals, with Deas directing arrangements. They practice regularly, focusing on high-energy covers like “Take on Me,” per USA Today (June 22, 2025).

Common Mistakes

Cover bands can lack originality. Some X fans (June 2025) call their act “karaoke,” questioning authenticity.

Consequences

A weak band could’ve flopped on AGT. Their diverse lineup and tight performance earned a standing ovation, per The Mirror US (June 21, 2025).

The AGT Audition: “Take on Me” and Judges’ Reactions

On June 24, 2025, Sandoval and The Most Extras performed A-ha’s 1985 hit “Take on Me” on AGT Season 20. Dressed in a sparkly green blazer, Sandoval danced energetically and hit high notes, surprising judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, per EW (June 22, 2025). Cowell, a friend of Lisa Vanderpump, recognized Sandoval instantly, saying, “I think I know who you are,” per Just Jared (June 22, 2025). Vergara looked skeptical but warmed up, while Cowell smiled by the end, per E! Online (June 21, 2025).

Why It Matters

The audition tests if Sandoval’s musical talent can outshine his scandal. A strong performance could pivot his career.

How It’s Done

They rehearsed extensively, with Sandoval focusing on vocal clarity. AGT’s no-makeup rule for auditions meant he arrived “camera-ready,” per E! Online (June 21, 2025).

Common Mistakes

Reality stars often overestimate their talent. X fans (June 2025) suspect auto-tune, questioning if Sandoval lip-synced.

Consequences

A poor performance could’ve cemented his “villain” status. The crowd’s ovation suggests a step toward redemption, but judges’ votes decide, airing June 24.

Sandoval’s Reality TV Journey: From VPR to AGT

Sandoval starred on Vanderpump Rules from 2011 to 2024, surviving 11 seasons before Bravo revamped the cast post-Scandoval, per USA Today (June 22, 2025). He also appeared on The Masked Singer Season 10 (2023) as Diver, eliminated after two episodes, per Talent Recap (June 21, 2025). His Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (2023) and The Traitors Season 3 (January 2025) stints kept him visible, but music is his focus now, per Billboard (June 24, 2025).

Why It Matters

His reality TV past fuels his AGT narrative, drawing viewers curious about his reinvention post-scandal.

How It’s Done

Sandoval leverages his TV fame for music exposure, choosing high-profile platforms like AGT, per TV Insider (June 21, 2025).

Common Mistakes

Reality stars can overstay their welcome. Sandoval’s Vanderpump exit was timely, avoiding fan fatigue, unlike some castmates (X, May 2025).

Consequences

Clinging to Vanderpump could’ve stalled his music career. AGT offers a fresh stage, with X fans (June 2025) debating his talent.

Post-Scandoval Life: New Love and Public Perception

After Scandoval, Sandoval dated model Victoria Lee Robinson, who cheered him at AGT, per Billboard (June 24, 2025). Madix, now hosting Love Island USA and starring in Broadway’s Chicago, thrived post-split, per USA Today (June 22, 2025). Sandoval’s Howie Mandel podcast (April 2023) drew flak for its lack of pushback, with Andy Cohen criticizing Mandel’s prep, per People (June 21, 2025). X posts (June 2025) show mixed sentiments—some fans praise his AGT vocals, others mock his “most hated” label.

Why It Matters

Sandoval’s personal life shapes his public image, making his AGT bid a test of fan forgiveness.

How It’s Done

He’s open about his mistakes, focusing on music and new relationships to move forward, per The Mirror US (June 21, 2025).

Common Mistakes

Hiding from scrutiny can worsen backlash. Sandoval’s candid AGT intro risks overexposure but shows accountability.

Consequences

Ignoring Scandoval could’ve alienated fans. His transparency on AGT, while divisive, keeps him in the conversation.

The Role of Reality TV in Music Careers

Reality stars like Sandoval often use talent shows to pivot careers. Kelly Clarkson won American Idol (2002), launching a Grammy-winning career, per The Hollywood Reporter (May 27, 2025). But others, like Real Housewives’ Kim Zolciak, flopped with music ventures, per X posts (April 2025). Sandoval’s AGT audition follows this trend, with his band’s polish setting him apart from amateur acts.

Why It Matters

Talent shows offer reality stars a platform to redefine themselves, but success hinges on skill and timing.

How It’s Done

Sandoval built The Most Extras over years, not as a gimmick, per TV Insider (June 19, 2025). AGT’s format—needing three “yes” votes—tests their merit.

Common Mistakes

Rushing to music without preparation fails, as seen with some Idol rejects (X, May 2025). Sandoval’s experience helps him stand out.

Consequences

A weak AGT showing could’ve mocked his music dreams. Early buzz suggests he impressed, but votes are pending.

Can Sandoval Redeem His Image?

Sandoval’s AGT audition is a calculated move to shift focus from Scandoval to his music. Fans on X (June 20, 2025) are torn—some say, “He sounds great,” others snark, “Ariana’s hosting Love Island while he’s on AGT.” His high-note performance earned cheers, but judges’ skepticism, like Vergara’s initial frown, shows he’s not clear yet, per E! Online (June 21, 2025). Cowell’s smile hints at hope, per TooFab (June 22, 2025).

Why It Matters

Redemption arcs grip audiences. Sandoval’s AGT bid tests if talent can outshine infamy.

How It’s Done

He owns his past, using music to rebuild trust, per Billboard (June 24, 2025). Performing a crowd-pleaser like “Take on Me” was strategic.

Common Mistakes

Deflecting blame alienates fans, as seen in other scandals (X, March 2025). Sandoval’s honesty risks overexposure but builds sympathy.

Consequences

Failing to acknowledge Scandoval could’ve tanked his audition. His openness and vocals give him a shot at redemption.

FAQs

1. What song did Tom Sandoval perform on AGT?

Sandoval and The Most Extras sang A-ha’s “Take on Me” on AGT Season 20, aired June 24, 2025, earning a standing ovation, per The Mirror US (June 21, 2025).

2. Who are Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras?

Formed in 2021, the cover band includes Sandoval (vocals), Jason Bader (drums), Colin Deas (saxophone), Maddi Fraser (vocals), and others, aiming to be the “ultimate cover band,” per TV Insider (June 19, 2025).

3. Why is Tom Sandoval called “the most hated man in America”?

His 2023 affair with Rachel Leviss, cheating on Ariana Madix, sparked “Scandoval,” with The New York Times labeling him as such, per Billboard (June 24, 2025).

4. Did Sandoval’s AGT audition succeed?

The audience cheered, and Simon Cowell smiled, but judges’ votes are revealed on June 24, 2025, per E! Online (June 21, 2025).

5. What other shows has Sandoval been on?

He starred on Vanderpump Rules (2011-2024), The Masked Singer (2023), Special Forces (2023), and The Traitors Season 3 (2025), per USA Today (June 22, 2025).

6. How did Scandoval affect Sandoval’s career?

The 2023 scandal ended his Vanderpump Rules run but pushed him to music, leading to his AGT audition, per People (June 21, 2025).

Conclusion

Tom Sandoval’s AGT audition on June 24, 2025, marks a bold step to move past Scandoval. His band, The Most Extras, delivered a lively “Take on Me,” surprising judges and earning cheers, per Billboard (June 24, 2025). From Vanderpump Rules’ 11 seasons to The Traitors and now AGT, Sandoval’s chasing a music career to redefine his “most hated” label. Fans on X (June 2025) are split—some root for his vocals, others cling to Ariana’s success. His openness about his 2023 mistakes and focus on music show grit, but will the judges advance him? Share your thoughts on his AGT bid in the comments!