Originally appeared on E! Online
The lights have officially dimmed on Tom Sandoval’s time on America’s Got Talent.
The Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras frontman and his band were eliminated from the show on Aug. 20.
The Vanderpump Rules alum, 43, and his cover band found out their fate once it came down to two groups battling it out for their place in the semifinals. However, after host Terry Crews did not announce their names, Tom and his band quickly exited the stage.
The results show came after the band performed a cover of The Weeknd’s hit “Blinding Lights” Aug. 19 and earned mixed reviews—and a buzzer smash—from the judges.
Sofía Vergara had high praise for the act—which made their debut in June—focusing more on the entertainment aspect.
“I love the dancing,” the Modern Family alum said. “I love the band, the song. The sound was not amazing, but this was super entertaining.”
“I like Tom and I like the band,” Simon Cowell said during the episode. “However, you’re judging this performance, and it didn’t sound great. It didn’t. It might just be me from where I sat but it didn’t sound good, I’m afraid.”
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Mel B echoed Sofía’s sentiments adding, “You bring a little bit of happiness and the way that you commit is flawless. Those moves brother, comma they’re lit.”
And despite Simon’s concerns, Howie Mandel saw a bright future for the band.
“I think people who are watching will want you to play their weddings,” he said. “Their parties, their clubs. You’re good people having a fun time and that’s what this show is all about.”
Trae Patton/NBC
As for Simon’s tough critiques and buzzer slam midway through their performance, Tom admitted that he “didn’t even know” it happened.
Still, after making his debut in June, Tom shared what winning AGT and the $1 million prize would have meant for him and his band.
“That would be crazy,” he told E! News. “That would be so amazing. Obviously, there’s such a slim chance because of so many great acts out there, but I would obviously be so happy for the band and for myself.”
He added about potentially taking home the prize, “I would love that, definitely.”
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. For behind-the-scenes secrets about the show, keep reading…
(E! and NBC are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Audition for the First Time in Front of the Judges?
No. In fact, contestants have a long road before they audition in front of the judges, who include Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell for season 20.
“We have open call auditions virtually to reach as many people as possible,” Theresa Graham, NBCUniversal’s director of unscripted formats, told NBC Insider in 2022. “Anybody can sign up and have an audition with our casting team and producers. If they think that somebody is worth considering, they put them through to our executive producers. After they say yes, then the act will go to audition in front of the judges. We all see everything play out from there.”
Hopefuls can try out through either an in-person or virtual open call or through a video audition.
How Long Do Contestants Have to Audition for America’s Got Talent?
Set your timers! Because according to the audition guidelines, individuals will have up to 90 seconds to show off their skills during the open calls. However, the regulations note “producers reserve the right to modify audition times.”
Is There Anything America’s Got Talent Contestants Can’t Bring to the Open Call Auditions?
Yes, quite a few items, actually.
While many acts incorporate open flames, for instance, the rules state that “fire and special rigging are not allowed at open call auditions.” Similarly, competitors will need to fill out an Animal Information Form and bring the animal’s vaccination record if their act incorporates an animal. Other prohibited items, per the rules, include “coolers (unless for medical reasons), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, mace/pepper spray, illicit drugs, alcohol, [or] props requiring fire or pyrotechnics.”
Does America’s Got Talent Cover Contestants’ Expenses to Audition in Front of the Judges?
Once contestant make it through the initial rounds, they must try out in front of the judges. However, they don’t have to worry about paying the full bill to get there.
According to America’s Got Talent‘s audition guidelines, contestants will be provided with airfare if they have to travel far for the judges audition round, or they’ll be given a bus ticket, train ticket or gas reimbursement for driving if they live fairly close to the audition site. They are also provided with hotel accommodations as well as a daily allowance for food or other expenses.
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Get Their Hair and Makeup Done?
According to America’s Got Talent audition guidelines, the show does not provide hair and makeup support for contestants during the judges audition round; however, competitors are expected to come “camera ready.” Although, the series does provide these services for contestants for future rounds.
In fact, AGT‘s makeup artist Tonia Green noted on Instagram the hair and makeup team worked with “hundreds of contestants” during season 19.
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Rehearse Their Acts Before the Show?
Yes. Contestants have the opportunity to run through their acts during the rehearsals. However, this isn’t the only part of the show they go over.
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but all the contestants have to do a results rehearsal,” Sofie Dossi, who competed on three seasons of America’s Got Talent, shared in a 2024 YouTube video. “It’s so everyone knows where to go if you’re booted off or if you make it through and for the staff to figure out lighting and camera angles.”
Do the Winners of America’s Got Talent Get Their Money Right Away?
The grand prize for winning America’s Got Talent is $1 million. But does the champion get the full amount right away?
“The prize, which totals $1,000,000 is payable in a financial annuity over forty years,” a statement at the end of the show’s credits read, “or the contestants may choose to receive the present value of such annuity.”
If you take $1,000,000 and you divide it by 40, that comes out to $25,000 per year before taxes for those who choose to receive the payment over time.
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