Tom Sandoval Addresses Simon Cowell’s AGT Criticism, Friendship With Schwartz, and Moving on From Scandoval, Plus If He Misses Filming VPR, If He’d Join The Valley, and Future With Victoria

Tom Sandoval is in the process of building his post-Vanderpump Rules career. As such, he’s bringing his musical talents to the forefront, and he recently appeared as a contestant on America’s Got Talent with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras. Now, the Bravo star is opening up about the judges’ reactions. 

As fans know, Tom joined Vanderpump Rules during the show’s first season. Since the show ended, he has appeared on The Traitors and will also be on the upcoming season of House of Villains. 

Tom spoke to Entertainment Tonight’s Brice Sander and gave his thoughts on his America’s Got Talent journey so far. When asked how he’s feeling about the experience, Tom told Brice, “I’m feeling really, really good. I was really excited to watch it.”

“It was emotional. It’s been a long journey with my band, and to be out there with the whole group of you, my friends, and put ourselves out there and get such a positive response, it just meant so much to me, and it meant so much to my band,” Tom continued.

Brice then mentioned the response Tom and his band have gotten from the audience so far. He responded, “Yeah, it was very nerve-racking. I mean, even when it came to going on AGT, I really didn’t want to do it for a lot of reasons, but I was like, ‘You know what, you guys have been there for me, I’m gonna do this.’ Cause I know it meant the world to them.”

He went on, “That was very scary, though. Compared to going on Masked Singer and other things I’ve done. Like, to go there in front of Simon Cowell, Sofia, Mel B, and Howie, it’s like, it’s a lot of pressure.” He also admitted that he wanted to give his bandmates this chance because of the backlash they had faced due to his antics on Vanderpump Rules. 

Notably, Simon Cowell had a bit of criticism for Tom’s singing, stating that his vocals weren’t great. In reacting to this, Tom said, “I mean, look, a lot of them have heard some of the best vocalists probably in the world, so I understand it. I could always be better.” 

When asked where he hopes to go with the AGT journey, Tom explained, “I am down for anything. I’m just along for the ride. Just getting through the audition was a big step, so I’m just excited to see where we go from here.”

From there, they discussed Scandovol and how Tom is feeling about the scandal two years later. According to him, “Well, look, I mean, I have completely moved on from it, and really, bringing that up was referring to the fact that my band was there for me during that time and kept me going when I really didn’t have much to keep me going.”

“So, that’s really the only reference I have made towards it. Besides that, I feel like myself and the world have moved on because it’s been so long,” Tom added.

He also spoke about getting his friendship with Tom Schwartz back to where it used to be. In terms of how they got back to this place, he said, “I mean, Schwartz and I have always just been so close, and we’ve done so many things together, so I think it just took a little time.”

From there, they discussed rumors that he and Schwartz would be joining The Valley for its third season. He responded, “I have no idea. I haven’t talked to production, so I don’t really know, but I don’t really think there are any plans for us to be main cast members.”

Like other former VPR cast members, Tom admitted that this season has been a bit too dark for him to watch. However, he also said he doesn’t really watch reality television. Continuing on about Bravo, Brice then asked Tom if he has any FOMO, knowing that cameras are rolling at SUR and he’s no longer a cast member. 

“I actually have really enjoyed not filming Vanderpump Rules. It really has been nice doing things like Traitors and recently House of Villains, which I really, really enjoyed. It’s just been nice. Really nice,” said Tom. 

Regarding House of Villains, Tom also said he was reluctant to do the show initially because of the “villain” label. When asked about his message to people who can’t let go of his past, Tom said, “I don’t really know what to say to those people. I think it’s up to them. I’m just gonna keep living my life, doing myself, and keep putting myself out there, and keep moving forward.”

At the end, they discussed his relationship with Victoria Lee Robinson. He described their relationship as “really nice,” and he said there’s the possibility of marriage and children with her in the future. He also said that dating her without their relationship being filmed has been a positive in his life.