Tom Sandoval’s Music Career Takes Center Stage on AGT 2025
Tom Sandoval’s music career shines on America’s Got Talent 2025 with The Most Extras. From Scandoval to stage, explore his journey. Read now!
Introduction
Tom Sandoval, once Vanderpump Rules’ villain, stepped onto America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 20 in June 2025, fronting his cover band, Tom Sandoval and The Most Extras. Their performance of A-ha’s “Take on Me” earned four “yes” votes, advancing them to the live quarterfinals (The Hollywood Reporter, June 25, 2025). Why’s this matter? After the 2023 “Scandoval” affair that dubbed him “the most hated man in America” (The Independent, August 15, 2025), Sandoval’s music career is his shot at redemption. Fans are split—some cheer his vocals, others cry “image rehab” on X (NBC, July 1, 2025). This article dives into Sandoval’s musical pivot, how he’s rebuilding, mistakes he’s made, and what’s next, using Billboard, E! News, and X posts for the latest scoop. Let’s break it down.
Why Sandoval’s AGT Run Matters for His Music Career
Sandoval’s AGT appearance isn’t just a TV stunt—it’s a bold move to redefine his career post-Vanderpump Rules. Music has been his lifeline since the 2023 Scandoval, when he cheated on Ariana Madix with Rachel Leviss, tanking his reputation (The Independent). A 2024 Variety study says 70% of reality stars use talent shows to pivot careers. Why’s this key? AGT’s 5.4 million viewers give Sandoval a massive stage (NBC).
He’s done music before—his 2015 single “Touch in Public” with Charles McMansion flopped (Wikipedia). Mistakes? Underestimating vocal training, as Simon Cowell noted his vocals “weren’t great” (Billboard, June 25, 2025). If he doesn’t improve, he risks bombing the quarterfinals, losing fans, like Masked Singer’s early exit in 2023 (E! News).
The Most Extras: Who’s in the Band?
Tom Sandoval and The Most Extras, formed in 2021, is a nine-piece cover band with Jason Bader on drums, Colin Deas on sax, Stephen Stiphen on guitar, Mia Davitt on bass/vocals, Macrae Eckelberry on trumpet, Caspar Madaus on rhythm guitar, Max Bergmanis on keys, and Maddi Fraser on vocals (Bravo, June 25, 2025). Why’s this matter? Their diverse sound—covering A-ha to The Weeknd—sets them apart, unlike Sandoval’s failed original music attempts (Wikipedia). They’ve toured since 2021, but AGT is their biggest stage. Mistakes include logistical snafus, like a van stuck in mud or a collapsing venue ceiling (The Independent). If they don’t tighten up, production flops could overshadow their talent, as seen with Vanderpump Rules’ music moments fizzling out (Yahoo, June 25, 2025). Fans on X, like @musicfan22, praise their energy: “Sandoval’s band is legit fun!” (August 10, 2025).
How Scandoval Shaped Sandoval’s Music Push
The 2023 Scandoval—Sandoval’s affair with Rachel Leviss—wrecked his Vanderpump Rules run and public image, pushing him to music as a lifeline (The Wrap, June 28, 2025). He told AGT judges, “This band was the only thing that kept me going” (NBC, June 12, 2025). Why’s this crucial? The scandal’s fallout—labeled “most hated” by The New York Times—forced a career pivot. A 2023 The Hollywood Reporter study says 60% of scandal-hit stars use new platforms to rebuild. Mistakes? Sandoval feared AGT would invite trolling, and it did—X posts like @hater123’s “Tom’s just chasing clout” show backlash (August 9, 2025). If he ignores criticism or overplays the victim card, he risks alienating fans, as seen with Real Housewives stars post-scandal. His focus on covers over originals is safer but limits creativity.
AGT Performance: What Worked, What Didn’t
On June 24, 2025, Sandoval and The Most Extras performed A-ha’s “Take on Me” on AGT, earning a standing ovation (The Hollywood Reporter). Judges Mel B and Sofia Vergara loved the “happy vibes,” while Howie Mandel called Sandoval a “showman” (E! News, June 25, 2025). Simon Cowell was harsher, saying, “The vocals weren’t great, Tom” but gave a “yes” for authenticity (Billboard). Why’s this matter? The performance reached 5.4 million viewers, boosting their tour buzz (NBC). Mistakes? Weak vocals and overreliance on covers risk stalling growth, as seen with Sandoval’s 2023 Masked Singer flop (Wikipedia). X fans like @agtlover said, “Tom’s energy is fire, but he needs vocal work” (June 25, 2025). If he doesn’t train, the quarterfinals on August 19 could tank.
Quarterfinals and Beyond: What’s Next?
For the AGT quarterfinals on August 19, 2025, Sandoval promised a “bigger production” with The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” aiming to show versatility (Primetimer, August 13, 2025). He’s been vocal training daily to address Cowell’s critique (Billboard). Why’s this a big deal? The live shows, watched by millions, could launch a national tour, with dates set for fall 2025 (Bravo, January 25, 2025). Mistakes? Choosing a tough song like “Blinding Lights” risks exposing vocal weaknesses, as The Voice contestants often learn. If the production overshadows the music, it could feel gimmicky, per @musiccritic7 on X: “Tom’s all flash, no substance” (August 12, 2025). Success could mean a career shift from reality TV, but failure might trap him in scandal’s shadow.
Challenges of Moving from Reality TV to Music
Transitioning from reality TV to music is rough. Sandoval’s 11 seasons on Vanderpump Rules made him a star, but Scandoval’s backlash—70% negative fan sentiment in a 2023 Variety poll—hampers his music credibility (The Wrap). How’s it done? He’s leveraging AGT’s platform and focusing on covers to rebuild (Reality Tea, August 8, 2025). Mistakes include not addressing vocal critiques sooner, as Cowell noted, and risking overexposure on reality shows like The Traitors and Masked Singer (Wikipedia). If he doesn’t balance music with his TV past, he could lose both audiences, like Real Housewives’ Kim Zolciak’s failed music pivot in 2018. X posts show support, with @fanofextras saying, “Tom’s band deserves a shot!” (August 15, 2025). Authenticity and skill are key to sticking the landing.
Original Music: Will Sandoval Return to It?
Sandoval’s past original music, like 2015’s “Touch in Public” with Charles McMansion, flopped, and he’s now focused on covers (The Independent). He told The Wrap he’s open to originals but prioritizes crowd-pleasers for now (The Wrap, June 28, 2025). Why’s this matter? Covers are safer—80% of cover bands sustain longer careers than original acts, per a 2024 Billboard study—but originals could set him apart. Mistakes? His earlier bands collapsed from lack of cohesion, and he risks repeating that without a clear plan (The Independent). If he avoids originals too long, he might stay a “cover band guy,” limiting growth, as seen with reality stars like American Idol’s Sanjaya. Fans on X, like @musicdreamer, urge: “Tom, write your own songs!” (August 14, 2025). A hit original could redefine his legacy.
FAQs
Why is Tom Sandoval focusing on music now?
Post-Scandoval, music became Sandoval’s outlet after Vanderpump Rules. AGT’s 5.4 million viewers offer a fresh start (NBC). Weak vocals, as Cowell noted, risk stalling him, like his 2023 Masked Singer exit (Wikipedia). He needs training to succeed.
How did Scandoval impact his music career?
The 2023 affair made Sandoval “the most hated man in America,” pushing him to music as a lifeline (The Independent). Backlash, like @hater123’s X post, hurts credibility. Ignoring it risks fan loss, as seen with Real Housewives stars (Variety).
What’s The Most Extras’ AGT strategy?
They performed “Take on Me,” earning four “yes” votes, and plan “Blinding Lights” for quarterfinals with bigger production (Primetimer). Overdoing flash could overshadow music, per @musiccritic7 on X. Balance is key to advancing (Billboard).
Will Sandoval quit reality TV for music?
A source told The Sun he’s “less interested” in reality TV, eyeing a tour post-AGT (Reality Tea, August 8, 2025). Overexposure on shows like The Traitors risks diluting his music focus, as seen with Kim Zolciak (Variety).
What are fans saying about his AGT run?
X posts are split: @agtlover praises his “fire” energy, while @hater123 calls it “clout-chasing” (August 9-10, 2025). A 2023 Variety poll showed 70% negative sentiment post-Scandoval. Strong vocals could sway fans (NBC).
Can Sandoval succeed with original music?
His 2015 “Touch in Public” flopped, and he’s sticking to covers (The Independent). A 2024 Billboard study says covers are safer but limit growth. Without a hit original, he risks staying niche, like Sanjaya (The Wrap).
Conclusion
Tom Sandoval’s music career is at a crossroads on America’s Got Talent 2025, with The Most Extras earning a spot in the quarterfinals after “Take on Me” (The Hollywood Reporter). Scandoval’s shadow lingers, with X posts like @hater123’s showing backlash, but fans like @fanofextras cheer his energy (The Independent). His “Blinding Lights” performance on August 19 could make or break his pivot from reality TV (Primetimer). Mistakes like weak vocals or overdone production could stall him, as seen with past reality star flops (Variety). Catch him on NBC or Peacock, and share your take below!
