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Sandoval is stepping back into the spotlight, auditioning with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, on the June 24 episode of “America’s Got Talent.”
The appearance on the long-running NBC competition show marks a new era for the former “Vanderpump Rules” star following his role in one of Bravo’s most talked-about scandals.
Sandoval’s Redemption Arc
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“My name is Tom Sandoval, I was the most hated man in America,” he says in a clip shared to the “AGT” Instagram account on June 20. “This is the chance to show who I am as a musician.”
In the teaser, Sandoval dons a sequined emerald blazer and black pants as he steps on stage to perform a lively cover of “Take on Me” by A-ha. His high-energy set gets the crowd clapping along, while judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B watch with cautious and somewhat unconvinced expressions. Despite initial hesitation, Simon can be seen cracking a smile toward the end.
Whether Sandoval will advance to the next round remains to be seen, but the early release clip is already generating buzz online. “Wow! Incredible job! Couldn’t stop watching! Congratulations @tomsandoval1 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥” wrote one user.
Another added, “Meanwhile Ariana hosting the biggest show on TV,” referencing his ex, now “Love Island” host Ariana Madix.
A Second Act on Stage
The audition marks a significant pivot for Sandoval, who found himself in the center of a reality TV firestorm in March 2023 when it was revealed he had been in a months-long affair with his “Vanderpump Rules” costar Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. At the time, he was still in a nine-year relationship with fellow cast member Ariana Madix.
The revelation, later dubbed “Scandoval,” shook the Bravo universe and reignited filming for Season 10 of “Vanderpump Rules” to capture the aftermath. Leviss eventually checked into a mental health facility and did not return for Season 11, while Madix moved on with a new boyfriend, Daniel Wai.
Sandoval publicly apologized shortly after the affair became public. In an Instagram post, he wrote: “I made mistakes, I was selfish, and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically and publicly.”
He added, “My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana. I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving families and friends … I owed Ariana better.”
Now, more than two years later, Sandoval appears ready to reclaim his public identity—this time through music.
“America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
