Tom Sandoval’s America’s Got Talent Journey Ends in Shocking Semifinal Exit
Alright, I guess we need to break this down for you since you clearly missed the drama unfolding on your TV screen last week. Yes, Tom Sandoval—yes, *that* Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules and questionable bartending decisions—was eliminated from America’s Got Talent, and no, it wasn’t pretty. The 43-year-old reality star and frontman of Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras was cut from the competition during the August 20 results show after a shaky performance that left both judges and fans divided.
Let’s rewind just a bit. Sandoval made his AGT debut back in June with a splashy cover band act that combined retro rock vibes with choreographed dance moves. It was… eccentric, to say the least. By the time he reached the live shows, things were getting real—especially when he and his band squared off against another group in a battle for a semifinal spot.
The trouble started during their August 19 performance of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” While the crowd seemed to enjoy the spectacle, the judges weren’t all smiles. Sofía Vergara praised the entertainment value and called out the dancing, but admitted the sound quality left something to be desired. Simon Cowell, never one to sugarcoat, slammed the audio mix mid-performance by hitting the dreaded buzzer. Mel B gave a lukewarm thumbs-up, while Howie Mandel offered what might have been the most backhanded compliment of the night: “I think people will want you at their weddings.” Ouch.
When the results rolled around the next evening and Terry Crews didn’t call their names, Sandoval and the gang took the hint and exited stage left. Cue the collective gasps from fans who had tuned in expecting either a Cinderella story or a trainwreck—and got something in between.
Now, if you’re wondering how someone like Sandoval even gets on a talent competition show in the first place, here’s how the process works: contestants start with open-call auditions, either virtual or in person. If producers like what they see, they move forward to more advanced rounds before finally facing the judges. And yes, hopefuls only get about 90 seconds to impress during those early stages. Fire acts? Not allowed. Animals? Sure, but bring vaccination records. Coolers? Nope. So, unless you’re bringing a trained llama with a fire baton routine, you’re probably good.
Sandoval himself acknowledged the long odds of winning the $1 million prize, telling E! News earlier this season that it would be “crazy” if they pulled it off. Still, he admitted he’d love to take home the win—for the band, of course.
So where does this leave us? With a lot of questions and zero wedding gigs confirmed. Tune in next time to see if any other reality stars try their luck—or if Howie Mandel starts booking cover bands for his next family reunion.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, NBC Insider
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