Highlights
- William Hung’s American Idol audition went viral despite Simon Cowell’s criticism, changing his life forever.
- Hung’s performance led to worldwide fame and even a performance with Ricky Martin years later.
- The judges’ harsh criticisms didn’t faze Hung, as he saw them as playing roles on the show.
American Idol gave viewers a chance to literally pick the next big pop star. As a concept, it was genius. The show would help elevate the careers of talented young hopefuls who truly deserve their big break. All the while, it would ensure big bucks for the many managers, producers, and executives behind the scenes.
The show brought out millions of people across the country to audition. The show even helped the chemistry between judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson to become an iconic part of television history. It’s also partly responsible for the incredible career host Ryan Seacrest has enjoyed.
However, when William Hung auditioned, he didn’t exactly make an impression with his talent. Instead, Hung made audiences’ jaws drop with his infectious personality and confidence. He also stood up to Simon after the judge was downright mean to him.
William Hung Became A Sensation When He Auditioned For ‘American Idol’ Twenty Years Ago
On January 15, 2004, William Hung’s audition for American Idol aired on television. During the audition, Hung sang Ricky Martin’s hit “She Bangs.” The performance featured Hung’s unique dance moves and he had the judges cracking up laughing.
All the judges, that is, except for Simon Cowell. Cowell wasn’t too kind to Hung and made his opinions on his performance known.
“I mean, everything about it was grotesque,” Cowell said. “You can’t dance; you can’t sing; what do you want me to say?”
Hung responded, “I already gave my best, and I have no regrets at all.”
Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson gave Hung compliments and words of encouragement. While Hung wasn’t sent off to Hollywood, that didn’t mean his audition wouldn’t fundamentally change the course of his life.
Hung became a celebrity and was known as what we now call a viral sensation. Hung appeared in various places around the world and even made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
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“It was all very surprising,” Hung told People in 2024. “I didn’t expect that. I had no expectations going in other than thinking that it was going to be fun.”
At the time, Hung was only 20 years old and had been living in the United States for 10 years. Hung had immigrated to the United States with his family from Hong Kong.
“I may not be the best singer, but I sing from the heart,” Hung told the judges at the start of his audition.
- Hung’s net worth is estimated to be between $600,000 and $1.5 million.
Danny Noriega was a former American Idol contestant who competed in the show’s seventh season. They did so well that they were placed in the semi-finals. During the competition, Simon Cowell referred to one of Noriega’s performances as “grotesque.” The remark brought Noriega to tears and was just one example of something Lambert saw as a recurring issue on the show.
“Up until my season, anytime someone came on the show that was perceived to be gay or it was obvious enough that they were gay, they were a joke; They were made fun of,” Adam Lambert said in an interview with NME. “Simon would make fun of them.”
During his audition, Lambert sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance was cut off by Cowell simply saying, “Okay.” Paula Abdul told Lambert he was a “great singer.”
Cowell, on the other hand, wasn’t so impressed. “I’m going to give you my opinion for what it’s worth,” he began. “I think you are… theatrical.” Cowell didn’t mean it as a compliment.
During Lambert’s run in the season, Cowell warmed up to Lambert.
“Over the entire season, you’ve been one of the best, most original contestants we’ve ever had on the show,” Cowell told Lambert during the season finale. “The hope and whole idea of a show like this is to find a worldwide star, and I truly believe we’ve found that in you.”
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Lambert also said that the two are on much better terms today.
“I did the finale the year before last, and it was the first time I had seen him in 10 years. He was sweet. He said, ‘Good to see you — good job,’” he said. “He sort of wised up on that angle and he realized quickly that is not acceptable anymore.”
William Later Explained Why He Wasn’t Upset With Simon For His Reaction To The Audition
In 2020, Hung gave an interview to Variety to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “She Bangs,” the song that made him famous.
“First of all, I’m grateful to have that song,” Hung said, “because otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
He continued, “I just enjoyed the song right from the beginning. I thought it sounded cool and very upbeat. It was unique compared to everything else I was hearing back in the early 2000s. I heard on the radio and I was attracted to it right away.”
Hung revealed to the outlet that he decided to sing that song because he previously won a school talent show singing it. He said the experience gave him the “confidence” he needed to audition.
Hung was asked if the American Idol producers prepared him for his interactions with the judges.
“Not too much,” he said. “I was just waiting, visualizing in my head how I wanted my audition to go. I didn’t expect anything, and that’s really why I was able to stay positive despite the harsh criticism of Simon Cowell.”
Hung said that his understanding of the judges’ roles on the show helped him not to take their reactions personally.
“The way I saw the judges, I felt like they were just playing their roles. So that’s why I didn’t feel the need to be angry or upset,” Hung said.
Hung also reflected on becoming an “overnight celebrity” after his audition aired. His newfound celebrity status would even lead to him performing with Ricky Martin himself.
“I finally got to perform with him in 2018,” Hung shared. “So that’s like two years ago. And then my audition was in 2004. So that’s 14 years later. He said, ‘Thank you, and it was great meeting you.’ I don’t know. It sounds so surreal. He’s a really nice guy. My friend and I, we were very impressed.”
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Hung also looked on the bright side of his celebrity status as it exists today.
“A lot of people still call me the ‘She Bangs’ guy,” Hung revealed. “They don’t remember my name. It’s part of my identity now. Sometimes in life, you can’t change the past. You don’t have control over the past, but what you can do is make the most out of your situation.”
Source: NewsFinale
