How Tom Sandoval’s Breakout America’s Got Talent Audition Came to Be

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Tom Sandoval is ready to be the No. 1 guy on America’s Got Talent.

Following their impressive showing on the NBC reality series “Vanderpump Rules” and the progression to the next phase of competition in the June 24 episode, Tom (former cast member) is now revealing behind-the-scenes details about his standout audition performance with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras.

In an exclusive chat with TopMob News, Tom shared that although it wasn’t initially on his mind, they had extended invitations to him a couple of times. Even though he wasn’t particularly eager due to anticipating some negative reactions, he recognized it as a great chance to promote the band and increase their visibility.

Additionally, he felt a sense of gratitude towards the musicians for standing by him during his 2023 Scandoval cheating scandal.

The individual, aged 42, expressed, “Let me say, ‘Hi everyone, we’re about to perform on the largest platform we’ve ever stepped onto, America’s Got Talent,'” he went on. “It was undeniably frightening, but equally thrilling and I couldn’t be more pleased that I took the leap.

One of Tom’s biggest decisions in preparing was song choice.

He mentioned that the song was challenging due to the numerous tunes they often perform. For me, “Take On Me” by A-ha was a beloved tune from my childhood, and I never imagined that I could ever master singing it or reach those high notes.

However, following vocal coaching sessions, Tom remarked, “Now I can sing! It’s an incredible sensation to achieve mastery over this skill and feel a strong sense of accomplishment while performing the song.

It turned out to be a wise decision indeed, as the former student from The Traitors garnered impressive accolades from both the audience and judges, including Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B.

Tom has been amazed by all the positive comments and backing he’s received following his performance on America’s Got Talent.

He felt thrilled about advancing to the next stage, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable overall. I’m incredibly thankful for this. For the most part, everyone has been amazing. Honestly, I’m just extremely pleased because my band is ecstatic too.

Tom remained secretive about the songs his band plans to perform during their second audition, but hinted at his eagerness to return and try again with a playful remark. However, what he truly desires is to win the title for Season 20.

He exclaimed enthusiastically, ‘What a fantastic idea!’ Although it’s highly unlikely given all the talented bands around, if they pull this off, both the band and I would be incredibly ecstatic!

Catch up with Tom as his adventure unfolds when America’s Got Talent airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on NBC. Uncover exclusive insights about the program by continuing to read…

For season 20, potential contestants face a lengthy process before they even get to perform for the judges, which consist of Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell. In fact, NBCUniversal’s director of unscripted formats, Theresa Graham, stated in 2022 that open call auditions are held virtually to reach as many people as possible. This means anyone can register for an audition with the casting team and producers. If they believe a contestant is promising enough, they advance to audition before the executive producers. Once approved by the executive producers, the act moves on to perform in front of the judges. The journey continues from there. Contestants can try out through either an in-person or virtual open call, or via video submission.

Make sure to set your time limits! As per the audition rules, you’ll get around 90 seconds to display your talents during the open auditions. However, it’s important to remember that producers retain the ability to adjust the audition durations if needed.

 

Absolutely, there are quite a few restrictions in place. For example, while many performances involve open flames, the guidelines clearly state that “open call auditions do not permit fire or special rigging.” If an act involves animals, performers must complete an Animal Information Form and bring the animal’s vaccination records. Other items prohibited according to the rules include coolers (unless for medical reasons), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, mace/pepper spray, illegal substances, alcohol, and props that require fire or pyrotechnics.

After passing the preliminary rounds on “America’s Got Talent,” contestants will have the opportunity to perform in front of the judges without worrying about the cost of travel or lodging. The show covers their transportation expenses (either airfare, bus ticket, train ticket, or gas reimbursement) and also provides hotel accommodations along with a daily allowance for meals or other necessary expenditures.

As outlined in the rules for America’s Got Talent auditions, the show doesn’t offer hair and makeup assistance during the judges’ round; however, participants are expected to appear “ready for the camera.” Interestingly, the show does provide these services for later rounds. Notably, AGT’s makeup artist, Tonia Green, shared on Instagram that they worked with numerous contestants on season 19.

During rehearsals, contestants get to practice their acts. But there’s more to the show that they also prepare for.

Sofie Dossi, a former America’s Got Talent contestant, explained in a 2024 YouTube video, “There’s something called a results rehearsal that all contestants must do. It helps everyone know where to go if they get eliminated or make it through, and it allows the staff to adjust lighting and camera angles.

The grand prize for winning America’s Got Talent is initially presented as a $1 million award, but this amount is typically distributed as an annuity over a period of 40 years. This means that winners can either receive a series of annual payments or take a lump sum representing the present value of those future payments. If they opt for the annual payments, they would receive approximately $25,000 per year before taxes.

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2025-06-26 03:17