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

"I feel like, obviously, since a couple of 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 "yes" votes from judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara, who said the act "brought me joy."

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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 interested during the days of the so-called "Scandoval," when the then-Vanderpump Rules cast member and longtime partner 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 has 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 have been some people out there that have been negative, but, for the most part, it's been an overall very positive response."

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

[Image: Tom Sandoval appears on 'The Traitors' reality show]

"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-wracking, scary at times, but it's been worth it. I'm glad I did it."