America’s Got Talentseason 20 is seeing one of it’s most shocking auditions in an upcoming episode, whenVanderpump Rulesstar and center figure of Scandoval Tom Sandoval will be trying outfor the series with his band, The Most Extras. Tom, who spent 11 seasons onVanderpump Rules, broke his trust with America when he cheated on his long-term partner, formerVanderpumpco-star and currentLove Island USAhost 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 ofAmerica’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 formerVanderpump Rulesstar 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. WhileTom had the judges skeptical at first, things appeared to be going wellthroughout the performance.

America’s Got Talent’s judge Simon Cowell sitting in his judges seat

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,"@PhillipDuncan555shared, while@salmanilla7943explained,“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 althoughSimon seemed disinterested at first, as the performance continued on, he was quick to get enthusiastic.

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 otheracts to joinAmerica’s Got Talentafter getting their foot in the door elsewhere. Withother reality stars, influencers, and online creators surely interested in doing more, it’s possible Tom could’ve opened a whole new doorfor the show, whether he meant to or not.

Americas Got Talent TV Show Poster

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 imageover the last few years. Moving forward afterVanderpump Ruleswith a stint onThe Masked Singer, and then a longer stretch onThe Traitorsseason 3, Tom’s been doing okay for himself in the reality TV world. Now, auditioning with The Most Extras onAmerica’s Got Talentseason 20, it’s clear he’s starting fresh once again. Tom’sAmerica’s Got Talentaudition could be the next big step in his career.