Tom Sandoval got ‘special treatment’ for AGT audition including backing vocals as execs knew he would ‘boost ratings’

VANDERPUMP Rules alum Tom Sandoval got special treatment during his appearance on America's Got Talent, The U.S. Sun has learned.

The Bravo star and singer, 42, auditioned with his band, Tom Sandoval And The Most Extras, on the June 24 episode of the NBC competition show- and received a glowing response from the judges.

Tom sang a cover of Take On Me by 80s Norwegian pop band Ah-ha and blew away the AGT judges, including the normally harsh Simon Cowell and Mel B.

"You made me smile!" gushed Mel B, adding that she may hire the band for her upcoming wedding. "You gave me happy vibes."

"I'm going to say yes," Simon responded as the audience cheered.

Though his voice has been criticized in past performances, Tom appeared to hit every note- but a source told The U.S. Sun that he had some help.

"Sandoval did sing live, but he also sang over a backing track which helped him with his vocals," the source claimed.

"It’s not accustomed for AGT singers to get a back track, typically they sing completely live.

"It’s not unheard of, but not typical. Sandoval wasn’t coming into this audition as a vocalist, but as a performer."

The source also claimed Tom scored his audition through his connections to NBC, the parent company of Bravo, and his friendship with judge Howie Mandel after appearing on his podcast in 2023.

"He didn’t have a typical audition or audition process," the source confessed.

"He did get a little bit of special treatment from NBC. They’ve known him for years. He’s become buds with Howie.

"The powers that be worked their magic to make this happen for Tom. He didn’t go the typical producer route.

"The show knew it’d be good for ratings and Tom, at the very least, would put on a show so both sides were ecstatic about it and they think it went great."

A source denied Tom had any special treatment in the audition process.

A representative for AGT told The U.S. Sun: "AGT is an even playing field. Every act that is seen on our stage is allowed to use backing tracks to support their performance, should they choose."

READY TO ROCK

Despite his alleged special treatment, the source insisted Tom and his band are "serious" about going all the way in the competition this season.

"Tom and his band absolutely are serious about auditioning and using this as a platform to further their careers," the source continued.

"They would love a Vegas show. They’d knock the roof off the house at whatever venue they play at so they’re serious about taking it all the way."

However, since at-home viewers vote later in the season, Tom's connections can only take him so far.

"But the next time they perform it will be up to America’s vote," the source said.

"So he’ll have to hope the public has forgiven him enough if he even wants to move on one more round.“

MOVING ON

Tom was infamously declared The Most Hated Man In America in 2023 after he admittedly cheated on his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, with their Vanderpump Rules co-star Rachel Leviss, then known as Raquel.

He has tried to fix his reputation over the past two years with performance gigs and a successful stint on The Traitors.

In November 2024, the entire cast of Vanderpump Rules was fired to make way for an entirely new group of models and restaurant servers working under Lisa Vanderpump.