Who Is Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval, And Why Is He Called 'The Most Hated Man In America' Today?

Tom Sandoval, a reality TV star, recently popped onto the stage at America's Got Talent to perform in the fierce competition. What looks like an attempt at redemption has sparked a fierce debate, with many questioning whether he can truly escape his past.

Sandoval, once a beloved figure on Vanderpump Rules, now finds himself branded as 'the most hated man in America' after a series of personal scandals and a bold move onto a national stage.

From Reality TV Star to National Spotlight

Tom Sandoval's journey from Bravo's Vanderpump Rules to the audition room of America's Got Talent has been anything but conventional. Known for his long-running role on the hit series, he was a familiar face to fans who watched him navigate love, friendship, and drama in Los Angeles. But in 2023, his reputation was shattered overnight when details of an affair surfaced, ending his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix. The scandal, dubbed 'Scandoval', was plastered across headlines and social media, earning him a reputation as 'the most hated man in America'.

Despite the fallout, Sandoval has sought to rebuild his life through music. His band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, debuted on AGT in June 2025, performing a cover of A-ha's 'Take on Me'. Dressed in black pants and a green, bedazzled jacket, he stepped onto the stage to face four of their most renowned judges. The performance was met with a mixture of scepticism and curiosity. Some viewers questioned whether it was genuine, with one critic asking if he was lip-syncing, while others simply wondered if he had what it takes to succeed.

A Scandal in the Spotlight

Sandoval's appearance on AGT was no ordinary audition. It was a moment loaded with history and emotion. Before singing, judge Howie Mandel whispered to Sofía Vergara about Sandoval's recent personal life—'He slept with his girlfriend's best friend,' he said quietly. Simon Cowell, known for his blunt honesty, simply replied, 'I'm not interested in that stuff,' as Sandoval prepared to perform.

His choice of song, 'Take on Me', was a nod to his desire to show a different side of himself. While snippets of his audition showed the judges listening with mixed expressions, Simon Cowell was seen smiling at one point, possibly recognising the effort behind the performance. The audience, both in the room and watching at home, was divided. Some fans found it cringeworthy, while others wondered if Sandoval was genuinely trying to turn a page.

Many were surprised they enjoyed his performance, with AGT's TikTok post being inundated with comments like 'He actually sounds great...surprisingly.' and 'Say what you want, but this was actually pretty good.'

Others were confused as to what the buzz was even about, with a number of people asking 'someone explain to me who tom sandoval is?' and one particularly savage response stating, 'A worm with a mustache.'

The Past That Won't Stay Hidden

Sandoval's scandalous past continues to cast a shadow over his efforts. In 2023, he admitted to making 'reckless decisions' that hurt someone he loved, specifically Ariana Madix. The affair with fellow cast member Rachel Leviss was exposed when Madix discovered explicit videos on Sandoval's phone during a concert. The fallout was intense. Their relationship ended, and their conflicts played out publicly on Vanderpump Rules.

Ariana spoke openly about her devastation, stating she had been 'devastated and broken'. She has since moved on with her new boyfriend, Daniel Wai.