America’s Got Talent season 20 is seeing one of it’s most shocking auditions in an upcoming episode, when Vanderpump Rules star and center figure of Scandoval Tom Sandoval will be trying out for the series with his band, The Most Extras. Tom, who spent 11 seasons on Vanderpump Rules, broke his trust with America when he cheated on his long-term partner, former Vanderpump co-star and current Love Island USA host Ariana Madix, with her close friend Raquel Leviss. While Tom’s been in a band for years, he’s been relying on it heavily since his high-profile split got such public backlash.

In the next episode of America’s Got Talent, judge Simon Cowell is informed ahead of Tom’s audition that he’ll be the next person coming to the stage. According to Simon, he’s a close friend of Lisa Vanderpump and seems ready to give Tom a chance, sharing that he couldn’t care less about the past scandal. With former Vanderpump Rules star Tom Schwartz in the audience, Tom and his band perform a cover of A-ha’s “Take On Me” that immediately gets the crowd going. While Tom had the judges skeptical at first, things appeared to be going well throughout the performance.

While there’s sure to be some vitriol surrounding Tom and his decision to go on America’s Got Talent, the majority of the comments on the performance are positive. “Simon’s reaction says it all. It was good,” @PhillipDuncan555 shared, while @salmanilla7943 explained, “No matter the outcome on the show, this was a great opportunity for Tom and the band.” The performance itself seemed to wow Simon, as well as the other judges on the panel who’d been discussing Tom’s past indiscretions prior to the beginning of the song. Tom was able to impress the judges, though no buzzer outcomes were announced.

What Tom Sandoval Auditioning For America’s Got Talent Means

He Could Be Trying To Push His Music Career Forward

Although Tom was quick to let the judges and viewers know that he was one called the most hated man in America in the press, he shared that he’s been relying on his band for support throughout their time together, especially since his scandal. While Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara discussed the rumors for a moment, Simon shut them down quickly, wanting to focus on Tom’s performance over his personal life. This quickly proved to be a good sign, and although Simon seemed disinterested at first, as the performance continued on, he was quick to get enthusiastic.

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As someone viewers may not be the most interested in watching, Tom’s performance proved to be something many couldn’t take their eyes off of. While Tom may not be continuing in the competition itself, the fact that he and his band had this large of a platform was shocking, and could open the door for other acts to join America’s Got Talent after getting their foot in the door elsewhere. With other reality stars, influencers, and online creators surely interested in doing more, it’s possible Tom could’ve opened a whole new door for the show, whether he meant to or not.

Our Take On Tom Sandoval Auditioning For America’s Got Talent

He Seems Ready For A Challenge

Although Tom’s not the most beloved figure in reality TV, even long after Scandoval, it’s clear that he’s been doing his best to rehabilitate his image over the last few years. Moving forward after Vanderpump Rules with a stint on The Masked Singer, and then a longer stretch on The Traitors season 3, Tom’s been doing okay for himself in the reality TV world. Now, auditioning with The Most Extras on America’s Got Talent season 20, it’s clear he’s starting fresh once again. Tom’s America’s Got Talent audition could be the next big step in his career.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.

Source: America’s Got Talent/YouTube