Why Tom Sandoval's America's Got Talent debut is sparking backlash, and praise
Tom Sandoval, best known from Bravo's Vanderpump Rules and appearing in Season 3 of The Traitors, is now making headlines for an entirely different reason, his unexpected musical debut on America's Got Talent. The 41-year-old reality TV personality took the stage in June 2025 with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, performing a theatrical cover of A-ha's Take on Me. The performance was both bold and symbolic, an effort to move past the infidelity scandal that turned him into a tabloid villain.
In 2023, Sandoval's nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix ended after she discovered he was involved with her friend and co-star Rachel Leviss. Dubbed 'Scandoval,' the affair became reality TV's biggest controversy of the year. The fallout included public outrage, widespread memes, and even fans labeling him 'the most hated man in America.'
Now, two years later, Sandoval is trying to rewrite the narrative. His America's Got Talent appearance sparked mixed reactions. While some were skeptical with even Howie Mandel whispering the details of his affair to co-judge Sofía Vergara, others were impressed. Simon Cowell, known for his critical eye, offered a rare smile during the performance, though he dismissed the scandal altogether.
Online, reactions ranged from surprise to sarcasm. TikTok comments included lines like, 'He actually sounds great… surprisingly,' and, 'Say what you want, this wasn't bad.' Others asked bluntly, 'Who even is this guy?' with one viral comment joking, 'A worm with a mustache.'
Though doubts remained, Sandoval took the stage hoping to move forward from his past. Whether audiences grant him that is still up in the air.
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Why Tom Sandoval's America's Got Talent debut is sparking backlash, and praise
Tom Sandoval, best known from Bravo's Vanderpump Rules and appearing in Season 3 of The Traitors, is now making headlines for an entirely different reason, his unexpected musical debut on America's Got Talent. The 41-year-old reality TV personality took the stage in June 2025 with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, performing a theatrical cover of A-ha's Take on Me. The performance was both bold and symbolic, an effort to move past the infidelity scandal that turned him into a tabloid villain. In 2023, Sandoval's nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix ended after she discovered he was involved with her friend and co-star Rachel Leviss. Dubbed 'Scandoval,' the affair became reality TV's biggest controversy of the year. The fallout included public outrage, widespread memes, and even fans labeling him 'the most hated man in America.' Now, two years later, Sandoval is trying to rewrite the narrative. His America's Got Talent appearance sparked mixed reactions. While some were skeptical with even Howie Mandel whispering the details of his affair to co-judge Sofía Vergara, others were impressed. Simon Cowell, known for his critical eye, offered a rare smile during the performance, though he dismissed the scandal altogether. Online, reactions ranged from surprise to sarcasm. TikTok comments included lines like, 'He actually sounds great… surprisingly,' and, 'Say what you want, this wasn't bad.' Others asked bluntly, 'Who even is this guy?' with one viral comment joking, 'A worm with a mustache.' Though doubts remained, Sandoval took the stage hoping to move forward from his past. Whether audiences grant him that is still up in the air.
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