Tom Sandoval’s AGT Performance Booed by Simon Cowell
Tom Sandoval faced boos from Simon Cowell after his shaky Blinding Lights cover on AGT 2025. Did sound issues sink his shot? Read now!
Introduction
Tom Sandoval is no stranger to public scrutiny, thanks to years on Vanderpump Rules. But stepping onto the America’s Got Talent stage in August 2025 brought a different kind of attention. Performing live with his band The Most Extras, Sandoval attempted The Weeknd’s chart-topping hit Blinding Lights. It didn’t go well.
Simon Cowell hit his red buzzer mid-performance, a rare but clear signal of disapproval. Afterward, Cowell told him flatly: “It didn’t sound great. It didn’t.” Sandoval blamed technical issues, saying his in-ear monitors failed, but the damage was done.
The performance, aired August 19, 2025, immediately lit up social media. Some viewers mocked the attempt; others defended Sandoval, praising his energy and guts. With judges divided — Simon critical, Mel B and Sofía Vergara more supportive, and Howie Mandel looking for entertainment value — Sandoval’s AGT journey suddenly looked uncertain.
This matters not just because of one off-key night. It reflects how reality TV stars crossing into music are judged, how live television leaves no safety net, and how celebrity reputations shift in real time.
Simon Cowell’s Reaction: Why the Buzzer Matters
Simon Cowell’s buzzer is more than a prop. It’s part of AGT’s DNA. When he pressed it during Sandoval’s Blinding Lights, the audience gasped. Here’s why it mattered:
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Instant Branding: Cowell’s buzzer signals to millions that something isn’t working. Sandoval’s performance will now always be remembered as “the one Simon booed.”
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The Harsh Standard: Simon rarely softens critiques. His blunt “It didn’t sound great” is the kind of line that goes viral. US Magazine and TMZ both quoted it immediately.
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Impact on Votes: AGT depends on audience votes. Simon’s buzzer moment may sway undecided viewers against Sandoval.
But it’s not the end. Many contestants recover from buzzer moments. Jackie Fabulous in 2019, for example, got booed early but still built a fanbase. The question for Sandoval is whether fans of Vanderpump Rules will rally behind him or tune out.
Sound Issues or Excuses? Sandoval’s Defense
Sandoval told the judges that his in-ear monitors failed during the song. That meant he couldn’t properly hear himself or his band, leaving him “flying in the dark.”
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Why it matters: Live shows often have technical hiccups. Singers rely heavily on monitors to stay in key. Without them, pitch control is guesswork.
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The mistake: Trying to push through without adjusting. Some artists, like Kelly Clarkson, have stopped mid-performance when monitors fail. Sandoval pushed ahead, which may have worsened the outcome.
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Mel B’s pushback: She cut him off when he brought up the issue, basically saying excuses don’t change the result.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) debated whether Sandoval was unlucky or unprepared. As of August 20, “Sandoval buzzer” trended in the U.S., with over 20,000 posts.
The Judges’ Mixed Reactions
Not every judge wrote him off.
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Sofía Vergara: Praised his energy, even while admitting the sound was lacking.
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Mel B: Focused on stage presence. “Those moves, brother, they’re lit,” she said, standing to applaud.
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Howie Mandel: Suggested the performance fit a wedding or club vibe — not perfect, but fun enough to book.
This contrast is common on AGT. Some judges value technical skill, while others care more about showmanship. Sandoval clearly landed in the second camp.
Comparing to His First Audition Success
Sandoval’s June 24 audition was a completely different story. Covering A-ha’s Take On Me, he impressed all four judges and earned his spot in the live quarterfinals.
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What changed? The audition was taped, giving producers more control over sound quality. The live stage leaves no room for adjustments.
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Expectations vs. delivery: Fans who loved the audition expected growth. Instead, the live show felt like regression.
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Band’s role: The Most Extras gave big energy, but the mismatch between backing track and vocals was too obvious.
AGT history shows contestants often shine in auditions but falter live. Sandoval joins a long list — but unlike unknown singers, he carries existing fame that makes the stumble bigger news.
Celebrity Crossovers: Why Reality Stars Struggle on Talent Shows
Sandoval isn’t the first celebrity to try talent TV. Sometimes it works — Joey Fatone (Dancing With the Stars) or Kelly Osbourne (The Masked Singer). But it can also backfire.
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Public Expectation: People already “know” Sandoval from Bravo. They expect drama, not polished vocals.
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Double Scrutiny: Critics judge him as both a singer and as a Bravo personality trying to legitimize himself.
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Reputation Risk: A bad AGT run doesn’t just end with elimination — it becomes part of the celebrity’s larger public image.
Entertainment reporters at The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline have noted how crossover attempts often flop unless the star is truly skilled. Sandoval may face that same ceiling.
Social Media Reactions and Fan Divide
The online reaction was instant.
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Supporters: Fans praised his guts. Many said the performance was “fun,” if not perfect.
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Critics: Memes mocking the buzzer moment flooded Reddit’s r/BravoRealHousewives.
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Numbers: On August 20, Google Trends showed “Sandoval AGT” peaking at 100 in the Entertainment category in the U.S.
This digital chatter keeps Sandoval relevant. Even negative press drives clicks. His Bravo audience may never cross into AGT fandom, but they’re watching clips and talking about him — and that’s how reality stars survive.
What This Means for The Rest of AGT 2025
AGT’s live rounds are unforgiving. To stay, Sandoval will need fan votes, not just judge goodwill.
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Odds of advancing: With Simon against him, he must rely on Bravo fans to push votes.
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Future performances: He hinted in a July interview about tackling 80s rock next. If true, that could play more to his vocal strengths.
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Risk vs. reward: A single strong comeback could flip the narrative. But another stumble likely ends his run.
Even if eliminated, the exposure may help his band land gigs — Howie Mandel’s “clubs and parties” comment may not have been an insult but a realistic market.
FAQs
1. Did Simon Cowell really boo Tom Sandoval?
Yes. On August 19, 2025, during AGT quarterfinals, Simon pressed his red buzzer in the middle of Sandoval’s Blinding Lights cover, signaling disapproval. Afterward, he told Sandoval bluntly: “It didn’t sound great.”
2. Why was Sandoval’s performance criticized?
His vocals were shaky, partly due to reported monitor issues. Judges and fans agreed the sound was off, though Sofía Vergara and Mel B praised his energy and dancing.
3. Has Sandoval performed well before on AGT?
Yes. His June 24 audition of Take On Me impressed the judges and moved him to the live shows. The contrast with the quarterfinals performance is what made the recent flop stand out.
4. Can Sandoval still win AGT 2025?
It’s unlikely but not impossible. AGT fans have rallied for underdogs before. His Bravo fanbase could keep him alive if they mobilize votes.
5. Will this hurt Sandoval’s Bravo career?
Not necessarily. Even negative press fuels his brand. If anything, the AGT drama may give him more Bravo storyline material for upcoming Vanderpump Rules episodes.
Conclusion
Tom Sandoval’s AGT quarterfinals performance was messy, memorable, and divisive. Simon Cowell’s buzzer marked the low point, but other judges saw value in his energy and stage presence. Technical issues, audience expectations, and the crossover challenge of reality TV stars all played a role in the backlash.
Whether he advances or not, Sandoval has already achieved one thing: people are talking. In today’s entertainment landscape, sometimes that’s enough. For Bravo viewers, AGT fans, and celebrity journalists, this moment is another case study in how live television builds — and sometimes bruises — reputations.
