Tom Sandoval faces harsh AGT critique after quarterfinal performance– what really happened?

Former Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval is taking his talents to a new stage — but not without controversy. Sandoval and his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, advanced to the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent and performed The Weeknd’s hit “Blinding Lights” during the Aug. 19 episode.

The performance, however, divided the judges. While Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofía Vergara praised his energy and stage presence, Simon Cowell wasn’t impressed, hitting his buzzer midway through. “That did not sound good, I’m afraid,” Cowell told Sandoval bluntly.

Sandoval later explained that technical issues threw him off. “Right before I went on, my in-ears went out, so I was flying blind,” he admitted. Still, he insisted it wasn’t an excuse: “I had a blast.”

This wasn’t Sandoval’s first AGT appearance. He debuted in June with a rendition of A-ha’s “Take on Me,” which earned far better feedback. Mel B even described that performance as “happy vibes” and praised his ability to make the crowd smile.

Sandoval revealed he picked the ‘80s classic for personal reasons. “Growing up, I loved the music video, but I never thought I’d be able to hit those notes,” he shared. After months of vocal training, he said he finally felt confident enough to try: “It’s been a great feeling of accomplishment.”

For Sandoval, the AGT stage represents more than just a personal challenge — it’s a chance to elevate his bandmates, who stood by him through the fallout of the 2023 “Scandoval” cheating scandal. “I thought, this is a great opportunity to showcase the band and give back to the people who’ve supported me,” he explained.

Just gonna say it: Tom Sandoval didn’t deserve to go thru to the live rounds. It’s solely based for his reality notoriety. He wasn’t great & his vocals were off. Am I the only one? Am I in the minority? #AGT is pushing him on us & he was the final act. #AmericasGotTalent pic.twitter.com/T5edHSoNmY

— ShimBo84 ✡️🎗️ (@ShimBo84) August 20, 2025

Despite the criticism, Sandoval said he’s proud of the experience. “It was scary, but also really exciting. I’m glad I did it.”

AGT season 20 continues Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Does Tom Sandoval deserve a place in the live rounds?

Supporters argue that Sandoval, best known from Vanderpump Rules and the infamous “Scandoval,” has shown growth as a live performer. They highlight that his charisma, willingness to take risks, and crowd interaction make him entertaining—even if not vocally flawless. Some fans also see his AGT journey as a redemption arc, a chance for him to prove that he is more than a reality TV villain.

Critics, however, insist that AGT is a competition about talent, not notoriety. They point out that Sandoval’s vocals fell short compared to other contestants, and that his band’s performance leaned heavily on spectacle rather than musical precision. For them, Cowell’s buzzer was not only justified but a reminder that the show should prioritize genuine artistry over celebrity headlines.

As voting opens, the question remains: is Sandoval’s entertainment value enough to secure a live round spot, or will his act be remembered more for the drama it stirred than the music itself?