TOM Sandoval wants to ‘quit’ reality TV after his surprising success on America’s Got Talent as his future career plans are revealed.
While most of his Vanderpump Rules co-stars are pining for a spot on The Valley cast, the reality icon has his eyes set on a different path to build the momentum off his AGT stardom.
Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras audition in front of Simon, Sofia, Mel B and Howie[/caption]
Tom Sandoval during the final season of Vanderpump Rules[/caption]
Tom, 43, has been performing with his band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, since the group formed in 2021.
The musical group, which was co-founded by Tom’s pal, Jason Bader, who serves as the drummer and manager of the band, performs covers of crowd-favorite hits.
They’ve toured all over the country, with their popularity dipping in 2023 due to the frenzy of “Scandoval,” but it recently picked back up due to their AGT audition.
Following the success of the band’s tryout on AGT, the VPR alum now has reprioritized his career to focus on music, a source close to Tom has told The U.S. Sun.
“Tom is focusing on his music career; he is less interested in reality TV right now.
“He wants to launch another tour after his AGT run is over and capitalize on that success.
“He is overwhelmed, in the best way, with the response to his AGT audition and feels seen for the first time as a musician,” the insider claimed.
They added that he “has very little interest in going on The Valley” as of right now and wants to “use this opportunity to pivot more into music and chase those dreams.”
Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras audition for AGT[/caption]
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — “Auditions” Episode 2005 — Pictured: Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Images)[/caption]
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Tom’s rep for comment.
Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras auditioned for AGT earlier this year, and the episode aired on June 24.
The Bravo star, who is the lead singer of the band, performed vocals to the A-ha classic, Take On Me.
As the band performed the cover in front of the superstar panel of judges and thousands of fans in the crowd, their energy continued to increase as the song went on.
Their electric performance earned a mixed reaction from judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B.
While Simon confessed that the vocals “weren’t great” and there were some pitch issues, the former American Idol judge said that the number did make him smile and he was thoroughly entertained.
Despite the harsh critique of his voice, Simon, 65, ultimately gave the hopefuls a “yes.”
Sofia, Howie, and Mel B agreed – giving the band four “yeses” to make it through to the next round on the show – an honor few acts receive.
Responding to Simon’s criticism, Tom admitted backstage that he knows he’s a performer over a vocalist, explaining: “Hearing the best vocalists in the world, he’s had a career of hearing [different levels of talent].
“So, with me being a performer, I’m not the next Celine Dion. I know that. For a long time, I never thought I would ever be able to sing a song like that and hit those notes,
“And so, with working with vocal coaches and practicing, and being able to pull that off, it just was a huge milestone and accomplishment for myself.
“So, I think that’s one of the reasons why I chose it. Plus, it’s just such a great crowd favorite.”
The Cast of The Valley
Vanderpump Rules spin-off The Valley has attracted fans with its drama-filled episodes and entertaining cast. The reality show, which airs on Bravo, features some familiar faces from VPR and others as they manage their work and personal lives in California. Here is the cast of The Valley:
Jax Taylor, 44: former VPR star who is married to Brittany Cartwright, but is currently going through a separation
Brittany Cartwright, 35: former VPR star who is married to Jax Taylor, but has moved out of their marital home as they work through their issues
Kristen Doute, 41: former VPR star who is dating Luke Broderick and previously dated VPR’s Tom Sandoval and James Kennedy
Luke Broderick, 32: Kristen’s boyfriend who spends his time in The Valley and also in Colorado where he enjoys outdoor activities
Danny Booko, 40: Nia Booko’s husband who is from Michigan and works as an actor and voiceover artist
Nia Booko, 34: Danny Booko’s wife who is from Sacramento and hosts the podcast, Hold My Crown
Jesse Lally, 44: Michelle Lally’s ex-husband who is from Boston and is now a luxury real estate broker in Los Angeles
Michelle Lally, 35: Jesse Lally’s ex-wife who was born and raised in Beverly Hills and works as a real estate broker
Jason Caperna, 40: Janet Caperna’s husband who is from Los Angeles and works as a lawyer
Janet Caperna, 34: Jason Caperna’s wife who is from Ohio and formerly worked as an executive assistant
He then teased what to expect of what’s next, boasting: “We’re going to definitely step up our performance and probably go a little bit of a different direction to show our versatility – but we’re not sure just yet.
“We’ve got a few songs that we’re kind of throwing around and thinking about, but we’re still trying to figure that out and how to present them.”
Fans were also delighted by his performance, with one commenting on Instagram: “I didn’t think Tom would be redeemable in my eyes but this was fun to watch.”
“Okay he actually sounds really good here. It’s okay to say he’s a good performer guys,” another added.
VALLEY LOWS
While Tom won’t be heading to The Valley anytime soon, his former VPR cast mate, Scheana Shay, will be joining the cast, The U.S. Sun previously revealed.
There are also rumors floating around that former co-star Lala Kent will be added to the show.
Tom Sandoval poses at the season 11 Vanderpump Rules reunion[/caption]
Television personality Tom Sandoval (L) and model Victoria Lee Robinson attend The Unofficial Vanderpump Rules Ultimate Trivia Book release party at SUR Restaurant[/caption]
THE VALLEY cast pictured: Luke Broderick, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor, Nia Booko, Danny Booko, Brittany Cartwright, Jason Caperna, Janet Caperna, Michelle Lally, and Jesse Lally[/caption]
