Tom Sandoval Admits Taking Simon Cowell’s Criticism “to Heart” on AGT

August 20, 2025 – Tom Sandoval, former Vanderpump Rules star and cover-band frontman, shared today that Simon Cowell criticized his vocals during Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras’ audition for America’s Got Talent. Sandoval got praise from the other three judges. But Cowell’s comment—“For me, the vocals weren’t great”—made him want to improve his performance.

““I could always be improving,” Sandoval told TODAY. He remembered how he and his band first played A-ha’s “Take On Me” a half-step lower. They later brought it back to the original key. He said hitting the iconic high note was like “overcoming a huge hurdle” in his music journey.

Sandoval’s honest thoughts show a big change in how people see him after his well-known personal issues. He wants to change his public image by accepting feedback nationally. This way, he can show he deserves to be among AGT’s best acts.