Introduction

Tom Sandoval, once labeled “the most hated man in America” by The New York Times after his 2023 Vanderpump Rules cheating scandal, is trying to rewrite his story. His band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, hit the America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage in 2025, moving from their audition cover of A-ha’s “Take On Me” to a quarterfinal performance of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” Why does this matter? For entertainment journalists and fans, it’s a case study in celebrity redemption arcs—how a reality TV star uses talent shows to shift public perception. Sandoval’s journey reflects a broader trend: celebrities leveraging platforms like AGT to pivot from scandal to success. Think Lindsay Lohan’s 2019 MTV show or Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback. This article breaks down Sandoval’s AGT moment, its stakes, and what it means for his career, drawing from sources like Billboard and NBC. Let’s get into it.

H2: Why Sandoval Chose AGT for His Comeback

Sandoval’s AGT appearance isn’t just about singing; it’s a calculated move to escape the “Scandoval” shadow. In 2023, his affair with Raquel Leviss, a close friend of his then-girlfriend Ariana Madix, exploded across headlines, making him a reality TV villain. Billboard reports he felt “destroyed” by the backlash, with his band being “the only thing that kept me going.” AGT, with its massive viewership (5.7 million average viewers in 2024 per Nielsen), offers a platform to showcase his musical side, not his personal drama.

Mistakes here are high-stakes: a lackluster performance could cement his image as a fame-chaser rather than a musician. He’s already faced criticism—Simon Cowell called his “Take On Me” vocals “not great.” To succeed, Sandoval needs to deliver a performance that’s authentic, not just “extra” for shock value. If he fails, he risks being seen as a reality star grasping at straws, not a serious artist.

H2: How Sandoval’s Band Prepares for AGT

Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, formed in 2021, is a cover band with a diverse lineup: Jason Bader on drums, Colin Deas on saxophone, Maddi Fraser on vocals, and others on guitar, bass, trumpet, and keys. TV Insider notes Sandoval co-founded the band with Bader over drinks, turning a casual idea into a serious project. For their “Blinding Lights” performance, Sandoval told Billboard they’re “stepping it up” with bigger production and a unique spin on the song.

Preparation involves daily vocal training, especially after Cowell’s critique. Sandoval’s working on his weaknesses, but over-relying on production (lights, costumes) could overshadow the music. If the band doesn’t balance flair with substance, they might alienate voters. AGT’s live voting (starting August 19, 2025, per Billboard) means fans decide their fate, and a misstep could end their run early.

H2: The Role of Scandoval in Shaping His AGT Narrative

The “Scandoval” affair—Sandoval cheating on Madix with Leviss—defines his public image. The New York Times called him “the most hated man in America,” a label he brought up during his AGT audition. On stage, he framed the band as his lifeline during a “very dark place.” This vulnerability is strategic, aiming to humanize him. Entertainment journalists know this tactic: celebrities often use personal struggles to connect with audiences, like Britney Spears’ 2008 comeback after her public breakdown.

But there’s a catch. TooFab notes some AGT judges, like Sofia Vergara and Mel B, were initially skeptical, whispering about his scandal. If Sandoval leans too hard into his sob story, he risks seeming manipulative. The consequence? Audiences might reject him as inauthentic, especially since X posts show mixed fan reactions—some root for his redemption, others stay “Team Ariana.”

H2: The Impact of AGT’s Platform on Celebrity Careers

AGT has a history of boosting careers, from Susan Boyle to Shin Lim, who won twice and now headlines in Vegas. Soaps lists past winners like Grace VanderWaal, who parlayed her AGT win into a music and acting career. For Sandoval, AGT’s 8 p.m. Tuesday slot on NBC (streaming next day on Peacock) offers exposure to millions. Billboard highlights his goal to “tour the world” as “the ultimate cover band.”

The risk is oversaturation. Reality stars like Sandoval can come off as desperate if they jump from show to show (he’s also on House of Villains in 2026). RealityTea suggests he’s losing interest in reality TV, focusing on music. A strong AGT run could lead to a tour (he’s planning 20 cities, per Billboard), but a weak one might limit him to bar gigs.

H2: Challenges of Covering “Blinding Lights” on AGT

Covering The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” a four-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, is ambitious. Sandoval promises a “more extra” performance, but Billboard quotes him saying it’ll be “different” and “our own.” This is tricky—AGT audiences love recognizable covers but hate when originals are butchered. Common mistakes include overcomplicating arrangements or mimicking the original too closely, losing originality.

Sandoval’s band must nail the song’s synth-pop energy while adding their flair. YouTube clips of their “Take On Me” cover show Sandoval’s showmanship but uneven vocals. If they prioritize spectacle over musicality, they could lose votes. The quarterfinals (August 19, 2025) are live, and NBC confirms results are revealed the next day, so there’s no room for error.

H2: How Fans and Critics Are Reacting

Fan reactions on X are split. Some praise Sandoval’s “Take On Me” high notes, with one user saying, “He sounds really great.” Others remain loyal to Madix, who’s thriving as Love Island USA host. Critics, like Deadline’s Armando Tinoco, note Mel B’s indifference to Sandoval’s scandal, saying, “I don’t give a f*** about a scandal.” This suggests some judges focus on talent, not baggage, which could help Sandoval.

But the public’s memory is long. Realityblurb comments show skepticism, with one user alleging autotune in his audition. If Sandoval doesn’t address vocal critiques convincingly, he risks being dismissed as a reality star playing musician. His Instagram post after the audition got supportive comments but also hate from Madix fans. Balancing these reactions is key to advancing.

FAQs

Why is Tom Sandoval on AGT?

Sandoval’s on America’s Got Talent to pivot from his Vanderpump Rules scandal to a music career. His band, The Most Extras, auditioned with “Take On Me” and advanced to the quarterfinals, performing “Blinding Lights” on August 19, 2025. He told Billboard the band saved him during a “dark place” post-Scandoval. It’s a chance to be seen as a musician, not a reality TV villain.

How do reality stars use talent shows for redemption?

Reality stars like Sandoval use shows like AGT to shift focus from scandals to talent. Think Snooki on Dancing with the Stars after Jersey Shore drama. AGT’s large audience (5.7 million viewers in 2024, per Nielsen) offers exposure. Success depends on authenticity—Sandoval’s “extra” performance must feel genuine, or he risks seeming opportunistic.

What are the risks of Sandoval’s AGT performance?

If Sandoval’s “Blinding Lights” cover flops, he could be seen as a fame-chaser, not a musician. Simon Cowell already criticized his vocals. Overdoing production or leaning too hard into his scandal narrative could alienate voters. AGT’s live voting (August 19, 2025) means fans decide, and X posts show some still resent him.

How does AGT judge feedback affect contestants?

Judges like Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B shape contestants’ fates. Cowell’s “vocals weren’t great” comment pushed Sandoval to train harder. Positive feedback, like Mel B’s praise for their “happy vibes,” boosts voter confidence. Harsh critiques can sink acts, as seen with past AGT rejections.

Can Sandoval’s band succeed post-AGT?

Success depends on leveraging AGT’s platform. Billboard says Sandoval plans a 20-city tour and new recordings. Past AGT winners like Shin Lim turned exposure into Vegas residencies. If Sandoval advances, he could book bigger gigs; if not, he might return to smaller venues.

Summary

Tom Sandoval’s America’s Got Talent performance is a high-stakes bid to move past his 2023 “Scandoval” and establish himself as a musician. His band’s “Blinding Lights” cover, airing August 19, 2025, aims to be “bigger” and “better,” per Billboard. From vocal training to navigating fan backlash on X, Sandoval’s balancing showmanship with authenticity. AGT’s platform could launch his band to a 20-city tour or leave him stuck as a reality TV footnote. Whether you’re Team Sandoval or Team Ariana, his journey highlights how celebrities use talent shows to rewrite their narratives. Share your thoughts on his redemption arc in the comments