Tom Sandoval, known from Bravo's reality series Vanderpump Rules, recently appeared on America's Got Talent with his band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, for an audition that aired on Tuesday, June 24. Supported by friend Tom Schwartz and girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson, Sandoval aimed to redefine his public image following the highly publicized 2023 cheating scandal, dubbed "Scandoval." He openly discussed how the scandal, which involved him cheating on his long-time girlfriend Ariana Madix with their mutual friend and co-star Rachel Leviss, "pretty much destroyed my life" and led to him being labeled "the most hated man in America" by The New York Times.

Ahead of his performance, Sandoval expressed hope that his appearance on AGT would allow audiences and judges to "see who I am as a musician, versus someone just on a reality show." He explained to the judges that in the aftermath of the scandal, he was in a "very, very dark place," and his band was "the only thing that kept me going." While the band prepared, the AGT judges privately discussed the "Scandoval" incident. Sofía Vergara inquired about the scandal, to which Howie Mandel explained Sandoval "slept with his girlfriend's best friend." Mel B then quipped, "No wonder nobody likes him then," though Simon Cowell interjected, stating his disinterest in the personal drama.

Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras then delivered a lively cover of A-ha's "Take on Me." Despite Cowell's initial candid feedback that "the vocals weren't great, Tom," he, along with Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel, ultimately gave the band four "yeses," advancing them to the next round of the competition. Mel B praised the performance for making her smile and giving her "happy vibes," even mentioning a need for a cover band for her upcoming wedding. Vergara commended their energy, and Mandel lauded Sandoval as a "showman." After the positive verdict, Mel B reiterated her indifference to the scandal, stating, "I don't give a f--- about the scandal. Who cares?"

This AGT audition marks another venture into reality television for Sandoval, who has also appeared on The Masked Singer, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, and The Traitors Season 3. The connection to NBC's talent show is notable, given that Vanderpump Rules' parent network, Bravo, is also owned by NBC. Meanwhile, Ariana Madix has seen her career flourish post-Scandoval, with successes including hosting Love Island USA, competing on Dancing with the Stars, and making her Broadway debut.