It’s safe to say Tom Sandoval is pretty pumped about his success on America’s Got Talent.
Nearly a week after the Vanderpump Rules alum wowed the show’s judges and advanced to the next round of competition, the Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras frontman is looking ahead and revealing what potentially winning season 20 of the NBC reality series would truly mean to him and his band.
“That would be crazy,” he exclusively told E! News. “That would be so amazing. Obviously, there’s such a slim chance because of so many great acts out there, but I would obviously be so happy for the band and for myself.”
And, aside from the $1 million prize, the 42-year-old could totally see his cover group headlining their own concert residency.
As Tom added, “I would love that, definitely.”
Heading into his audition—which aired during the June 24 episode—the reality star revealed which of the four judges he was most nervous to get feedback from on his performance of A-ha‘s ’80s hit “Take on Me.”
“Obviously, Simon Cowell,” Tom shared. “He’s a legend. I mean they all are, but he definitely has his reputation of being brutally honest.”
Thankfully for him and his band, Simon only had rave reviews to share.
“Seeing Simon Cowell’s smile at the end,” The Traitors alum reflected, “and Mel B just being like, ‘You really put a smile on my face and I loved it. You guys are not ashamed to say that you’re a cover man.’ Everybody was having a good time and we got a standing ovation. That means so much to me.”
As for what Tom and his band are planning for their second AGT audition? He couldn’t share much but teased, “I’m not exactly sure yet and we don’t know exactly when we’re going back. So, that’ll be news to me. I’m really just excited to get back in there and do it again.”
And Tom has a message for any fans surprised by his transition from the man at the center of VPR‘s Scandoval controversy to AGT fan-favorite.
“It was really hard,” he shared. “Thank you for following along and hopefully we do well and I do them proud. Wish us the best of luck.”
See Tom’s journey continue when America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. For behind-the-scenes secrets about the show, keep reading…
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Audition for the First Time in Front of the Judges?
No. In fact, contestants have a long road before they audition in front of the judges, who include Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell for season 20.
“We have open call auditions virtually to reach as many people as possible,” Theresa Graham, NBCUniversal’s director of unscripted formats, told NBC Insider in 2022. “Anybody can sign up and have an audition with our casting team and producers. If they think that somebody is worth considering, they put them through to our executive producers. After they say yes, then the act will go to audition in front of the judges. We all see everything play out from there.”
Hopefuls can try out through either an in-person or virtual open call or through a video audition.
How Long Do Contestants Have to Audition for America’s Got Talent?
Set your timers! Because according to the audition guidelines, individuals will have up to 90 seconds to show off their skills during the open calls. However, the regulations note “producers reserve the right to modify audition times.”
Is There Anything America’s Got Talent Contestants Can’t Bring to the Open Call Auditions?
Yes, quite a few items, actually.
While many acts incorporate open flames, for instance, the rules state that “fire and special rigging are not allowed at open call auditions.” Similarly, competitors will need to fill out an Animal Information Form and bring the animal’s vaccination record if their act incorporates an animal. Other prohibited items, per the rules, include “coolers (unless for medical reasons), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, mace/pepper spray, illicit drugs, alcohol, [or] props requiring fire or pyrotechnics.”
Does America’s Got Talent Cover Contestants’ Expenses to Audition in Front of the Judges?
Once contestant make it through the initial rounds, they must try out in front of the judges. However, they don’t have to worry about paying the full bill to get there.
According to America’s Got Talent‘s audition guidelines, contestants will be provided with airfare if they have to travel far for the judges audition round, or they’ll be given a bus ticket, train ticket or gas reimbursement for driving if they live fairly close to the audition site. They are also provided with hotel accommodations as well as a daily allowance for food or other expenses.
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Get Their Hair and Makeup Done?
According to America’s Got Talent audition guidelines, the show does not provide hair and makeup support for contestants during the judges audition round; however, competitors are expected to come “camera ready.” Although, the series does provide these services for contestants for future rounds.
In fact, AGT‘s makeup artist Tonia Green noted on Instagram the hair and makeup team worked with “hundreds of contestants” during season 19.
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Rehearse Their Acts Before the Show?
Yes. Contestants have the opportunity to run through their acts during the rehearsals. However, this isn’t the only part of the show they go over.
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but all the contestants have to do a results rehearsal,” Sofie Dossi, who competed on three seasons of America’s Got Talent, shared in a 2024 YouTube video. “It’s so everyone knows where to go if you’re booted off or if you make it through and for the staff to figure out lighting and camera angles.”
Do the Winners of America’s Got Talent Get Their Money Right Away?
The grand prize for winning America’s Got Talent is $1 million. But does the champion get the full amount right away?
“The prize, which totals $1,000,000 is payable in a financial annuity over forty years,” a statement at the end of the show’s credits read, “or the contestants may choose to receive the present value of such annuity.”
If you take $1,000,000 and you divide it by 40, that comes out to $25,000 per year before taxes for those who choose to receive the payment over time.
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