Tom Sandoval is pumping up the volume on America’s Got Talent.
The Vanderpump Rules alum shocked fans by making his unexpected debut on the NBC reality competition series.
In a preview of the show’s June 24 episode, the Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras frontman teased why he’s taking his talents to the AGT stage two years after Scandoval—his cheating scandal involving exes Ariana Madix and Rachel “Raquel” Leviss—became a media sensation.
“My name is Tom Sandoval, I was the most hated man in America,” Tom said in a clip posted to Instagram June 20. “This is the chance to show who I am as a musician.”
The Bravo star then sang a cover of A-ha‘s classic ’80s hit “Take on Me” dressed in black pants and a glittering, bedazzled green jacket. As he opened the song, judge Sofía Vergara looked very skeptical at his vocal abilities. However, Tom impressively belted out the lyrics much to her (and the audience’s) surprise.
Meanwhile, notoriously harsh judge Simon Cowell looked not too happy at the beginning after first laying eyed on The Traitors alum, but later flashed a giant smile as he enjoyed the performance.
As for the crowd’s reaction, audience members smiled and cheered, especially when Tom hit a particularly hard high note mid-chorus.
However, fans will have to wait and see if Tom wins over Simon, Sofía, Howie Mandel and Mel B.
Of course, this isn’t Tom and Howie’s first time coming face to face. The comedian famously hosted an explosive interview with the former SUR-ver after his 2023 cheating scandal.
Looking back on his deception of Ariana, Tom admitted on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast that he “handled s–t wrong” and “f–ked up” with how he ended things with his partner of almost 10 years, but wished that some of their mutual friends had reached out to hear his side of the story.
“Nothing is excusable for what I did,” he said, adding of their former costars “I definitely deserve the hate, but for these close friends to not even shoot me a text and go right to social media and start posting things?”
As for how things ended with Ariana, he recalled, “My plan was to breakup with her in therapy. I had made it pretty clear in therapy that I wanted to take the steps to break up, but Ariana really started fighting for it and I felt so, so bad about it.”
See if Tom makes it through to the next round of competition when America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on NBC.
In the meantime, keep reading for surprising secrets about America’s Got Talent.
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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