Overview

• In the Aug. 19 live quarterfinals, Tom Sandoval and The Most Extras performed a cover of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”
• Simon Cowell criticized the sound and was the only judge to press his red X during the performance.
• Sofía Vergara noted audio issues but called the set entertaining, while Mel B praised Sandoval’s commitment and Howie Mandel backed the band’s party-ready appeal.
• Sandoval said his in-ear monitors failed right before going on stage and added that he still enjoyed the moment.
• The band advanced from a praised June debut with “Take On Me,” and Sandoval’s AGT run has been framed as part of a broader image rebuild after his 2023 cheating scandal.