Everybody loves a redemption arc, right? That’s what reality TV star Tom Sandoval delivered with his viral America’s Got Talent audition on June 21, 2025, with a show-stopping cut of A-ha’s 1984 bop “Take On Me.” The singer appeared with his band Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, and the big question of the night was whether he could hit those famously sky-high vocal runs. But first, he had to get through the interview, where the Vanderpump Rules star admitted that he was labeled “the most hated man in America.”
The New York Times labeled Sandoval thus when it got out that he was cheating on his girlfriend Ariana Madix with Rachel Leviss, with all three being Vanderpump Rules cast members. But as The Music Man readers know, on AGT it’s all about the music, and Sandoval hoped to move forward with the support of his rocking band. The band started strong with a lively stage presence, and the tension in the room built as Sandoval worked his way to that stratospheric high note in the chorus, and the mad lad pulled it off!
The rocking performance and redemption arc was a hit with America’s Got Talent viewers, and Sandoval’s audition hit a million views within a week of being uploaded. Fans noted with approval that the huge chorus won over the big boss, adding comments such as “You know you did everything right when Simon’s expression changes and he can’t stop smiling” and “A-ha songs are not the easiest to pull off. 1980s music is really hot right now, so this was a perfect song choice. I loved it!”
With its famous vocal hooks, there have been many covers of “Take On Me” by big names over the years. In The Music Man’s book, the most iconic performance of all still remains A-ha’s own performance of the banger at Live 8. Frontman Morten Harket recorded the studio vocals for “Take On Me” when he was just 25 years old. To deliver such a powerhouse live performance on such an infamously demanding vocal part 20 years later certainly impressed many fans.
America’s Got Talent’s YouTube upload of Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras’ audition ended on a cliffhanger, without showing the judges’ reaction. However, that doesn’t mean things went badly for the reality star and his band. Sandoval scored four yes votes from the judges, ensuring that he cemented his return to television for the time being.