Tom Sandoval eliminated from America's Got Talent after panned band performance

When Tom Sandoval stepped onto the America's Got Talent stage, he was quick to tell the judges that he had once been labeled "the most hated man in America."

But he says things have been different with the passage of time and since he and his cover band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, auditioned on the June 24 episode of NBC's talent competition.

"I feel like, obviously, since a couple years have passed, it has changed," he tells Entertainment Weekly. "And I feel like doing things like this, [with] people seeing me in a different light and seeing me do the things that I love to do and I'm truly happy doing, I feel like it's a much better way for people to see me."

The band performed a delightful version of A-ha's "Take on Me" that got the crowd dancing, clapping, and singing along. They earned four yeses from judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara, who said the act "brought me joy."

Mandel hailed Sandoval as "a showman" who provided "a fun night at a club."

Cowell, who is friends with Sandoval's former boss Lisa Vanderpump, had some concerns about Sandoval's vocals. But he said he was not at all interested in the drama the reality star had spoken of.

The rest of the world certainly was back in the days of so-called Scandoval, when the then-Vanderpump Rules cast member and longtime love of costar Ariana Madix had an affair with their costar and Madix's close friend Rachel "Raquel" Leviss.

But following his band's audition, the reality show veteran, who's also appeared on shows such as Special Forces: World's Toughest Test and The Traitors, felt love from the public, too.

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"It's been really positive," he said. "You know, obviously, there's been some people out there that have been negative, but, for the most part, it's been an overall very positive response."

The good news has been no small thing for Sandoval, who's previously been candid about having struggled with his mental health following his public breakup.

Tom Sandoval appears on 'The Traitors' reality show.Euan Cherry/Peacock
"I'm so grateful for it, and I'm so happy," he said. "I didn't know what to expect, you know? It's putting yourself out there in front of judges. It's tough. It's nerve-racking, scary at times, but it's been worth it. I'm glad I did it."

Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras are one of the 11 acts scheduled to take the stage during the first night of live semifinals on America's Got Talent when it airs Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Viewers can vote at NBC.com/AGTVote, and the results will be revealed Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 8 p..m. ET/PT.