Tom Sandoval’s Bold Leap from Reality TV to the Spotlight of “America’s Got Talent”
Walking with a mixture of apprehension and resolve through a corridor behind the scenes, Tom Sandoval exuded a palpable mix of nerves and determination. His shimmering emerald-green jacket, adorned with sequins, caught the light as he took sips of water, clapped his hands, and stretched his shoulders-actions reminiscent of a boxer warming up before a bout. Yet, in this scenario, the seasoned Bravo reality star was preparing to perform with his newly formed musical ensemble before four celebrity judges on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” watched by millions of viewers nationwide.
Contextualizing Sandoval’s Appearance on a Major Talent Show
Before his performance, the show took a moment to clarify Sandoval’s unexpected appearance-beyond the typical cross-promotional synergy NBCUniversal often employs. A producer inquired of judge and creator Simon Cowell, “Are you familiar with Tom Sandoval?” Cowell responded, “He’s left ‘Vanderpump Rules’ and is here to audition with his band.”
Sandoval, 42, later shared an intimate reflection with the camera crew:
“A few years back, I made some poor decisions and got involved in a serious cheating scandal. It let down many people, and it essentially turned my life upside down. Since then, I’ve been under constant scrutiny for everything I do.”
The Scandal That Changed Everything
Two years prior, Sandoval, a prominent figure on “Vanderpump Rules”-a reality series chronicling the antics of restaurant staff owned by a former “Real Housewives” star-became embroiled in a scandal that dominated headlines. He had an affair with Raquel Leviss, a close friend and fellow cast member, while dating Ariana Madix, his partner of nearly a decade. The controversy, dubbed “Scandoval,” ignited a media frenzy, with public opinion sharply divided.
Madix capitalized on the public sympathy, securing lucrative endorsement deals and opportunities in Broadway and television hosting. Leviss, after enduring a barrage of social media vitriol, rebranded herself as a mental health advocate. Meanwhile, Sandoval faced intense backlash, prompting him to appear on multiple reality shows such as “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” “The Masked Singer,” and “The Traitors.” His latest venture? An appearance on E!’s “House of Villains,” a show dedicated to reality TV’s most notorious personalities.
Rebranding Through Reality TV
Historically, reality stars branded as villains often remained trapped in that persona indefinitely. However, Sandoval is attempting a different approach: leveraging the extensive array of reality programs to craft a multi-faceted character arc. By staying in the public eye and revealing different aspects of himself, he hopes to shift perceptions and diminish the weight of past misdeeds.
From Controversy to the “America’s Got Talent” Stage
On “America’s Got Talent,” Sandoval appeared to take a step toward this reinvention. “There’s a lot of pressure,” he admitted candidly. “I just want the audience and judges to see who I truly am-musician first, not just a reality TV figure.”
He then took the stage with his band, composed of eight backup musicians, following a woman attempting to set a butt-Hula-Hoop record and preceding an acrobatic roller-skating act. Judge Cowell questioned Sandoval about his motivation to transition from reality TV to music.
“Being on a reality show often revolves around your personal life,” Sandoval explained. “A couple of years ago, I was involved in a scandal and was labeled as the most hated man in America by the New York Times. It was an incredibly dark period, and I felt like I had nothing left. Forming this band became my lifeline.”
He expressed his ambition to tour globally with his group, aiming to become “the ultimate cover band.”
The Performance and Audience Reception
As Sandoval and his band set up, the judges exchanged quick opinions. Sofia Vergara asked about the scandal, to which Howie Mandel responded, “He slept with his girlfriend’s best friend.” Mel B added, “No wonder he was disliked.”
Simon Cowell, with a hint of skepticism, remarked, “I’m not interested in the past scandals.” Then, the music started-A-Ha’s 1980s hit “Take On Me.” Sandoval energetically danced, jumped, and lifted his microphone stand high. His high note, “I’ll be gone… in a day or two,” elicited a grin from Cowell and a standing ovation from the audience.
Mel B praised the positive energy, while Cowell, honest about the vocal quality, acknowledged that sometimes the show is about authenticity rather than perfection. With four “yes” votes, Sandoval and his band advanced to the next round, leaving the stage amid cheers. Backstage, Mel B remarked that Sandoval’s past shouldn’t matter, emphasizing that “that’s real life,” which seemed to resonate with him.
Analyzing Sandoval’s Post-Scandal Career Strategy
Gibson Johns, a seasoned Bravo analyst and podcaster, has closely followed the aftermath of “Scandoval.” He notes, “No matter your opinion of Tom Sandoval, he commits fully to whatever he does. Whether it’s on “Special Forces,” “The Traitors,” or “The Masked Singer,” he gives 150 percent effort.”
In 2023, Sandoval showcased his vocal talents on “The Masked Singer,” disguising himself as a psychedelic deep-sea diver and singing Journey’s “Any Way You Want It.” He described the appeal of hiding behind a costume, saying it helped him escape judgment from those who don’t know him personally.
Why Continue the Reality TV Cycle?
Sandoval’s upcoming participation in “House of Villains,” set for next year, raises questions about his ongoing strategy. The show features reality TV veterans competing for the title of “America’s Ultimate Supervillain.”
When approached for comment, Sandoval did not respond. Instead, Jon Dalton, known as “Jonny Fairplay” from “Survivor,” shared insights. Dalton, who earned his “villain” reputation through a notorious lie about his grandmother’s death, embraces his villain persona and enjoys the notoriety.
“The landscape of reality TV has evolved,” Dalton explained. “Participants now understand that embracing their villainous side can be part of the game. I think Tom’s joining the show is a calculated move-if you want to stay relevant, you keep playing the game.”
Ultimately, Dalton suggests that staying in the spotlight requires continuous engagement, even if it means embracing a controversial image. “You always have to strike while the iron is hot,” he concluded.
