How Tom Sandoval’s Breakout America’s Got Talent Audition Came to Be
Tom Sandoval is ready to be the No. 1 guy on America's Got Talent.
After the Vanderpump Rules alum and his band Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras wowed the judges during the NBC reality series' June 24 episode and advanced to the next round of competition, Tom is sharing insight into his breakout audition performance.
"It's not something I thought of doing, but they had reached out a couple times," Tom told E! News in an exclusive interview. "I wasn't necessarily interested in doing it because I knew that there would probably be some backlash, but I thought to myself, 'This is a really good opportunity to showcase the band—to get us out there.’"
Plus, he felt he owed it to the musicians after they supported him through his 2023 Scandoval cheating controversy.
"I just wanted to be like, 'Hey guys, we're gonna go play on the biggest stage we've ever played on America's Got Talent,'" the 42-year-old continued. "It definitely was scary, but really exciting and I'm really, really happy I did it."
One of Tom's biggest decisions in preparing was song choice.
"That was a tough one because we have a lot of songs that we play," he noted. "A-ha's 'Take on me' aas a song growing up I always loved the music video. I never thought I would ever be able to sing that song or hit those notes."
But after training with vocal coaches, Tom added, "I'm able to sing now and it's been just such a great feeling being able to have a sense of accomplishment being able to perform the song."
It clearly was the right choice, as The Traitors alum got rave reviews from the audience and judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B.
And Tom has been blown away by all the glowing feedback and support he's gotten since his AGT debut.
"I was so excited to make it through the next round and the response has been overall really positive," he reflected. "I'm super grateful for that. Everybody's been really, really great for the most part. I'm just really happy my band is super happy."
While Tom wouldn't reveal what his band will be performing for their second audition—though he teased, "I'm really just excited to get back in there and do it again."—he would love to take home the season 20 title.
"That would be crazy," he gushed. "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."
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…
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.
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."
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.”
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.
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.
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."
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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