William Hung...the newest cult celebrity!

American Idol: Season 3 Forum

February 6, 2004

William Hung's uninhibited tryout for 'American Idol,' done on a whim, has turned him into a cult celebrity.
By Shawn Hubler, Times Staff Writer


In the age of reality television, success isn't the only ticket. Failure, in fact, has created a new genre of fame. Ask William Hung, a Hong Kong-born student who cut class here last fall to try out for "American Idol." Hung was prepared for the stage fright, the long lines, even the disparaging judges. What he didn't expect was for defeat to turn him into an international cult celebrity.

In a perverse and increasingly common twist that has overwhelmed and "kind of confused" the 21-year-old UC Berkeley civil engineering major, the spotlight that shone last week on his uninhibited, Chinese-accented rendition of "She Bangs" by Ricky Martin now just won't go away.

Though the three "American Idol" judges cut him off brutally in mid-song on the Jan. 27 broadcast — stifling laughter, then guffawing out loud as he confessed, "You know, I have no professional training of singing" — Hung has become an object of fascination for millions of strangers who either won't stop jeering or can't get enough of the sincere, upbeat way in which he handled the show's signature brand of humiliation.

Ken Warwick, the executive producer of "American Idol," said the phenomenon has become so frequent that he has a term for it — "anti-celebrity." "Bless him, William will be inundated with offers," Warwick said.

But Hung, whose audition was a whim, said the situation has stunned him. "There is fame and there is infamy," he said, his eyes downcast. "I don't know if this is bad or good."

Whatever it is, for the moment it is prolific. No fewer than three websites devoted to Hung have gone up on the Internet in the last week, including one that generated so much traffic — 4 million hits in four days — that it had to be shut down temporarily and moved to a separate server, according to its Arizona-based Web host provider, GoDaddy.com. A grass-roots campaign to get him back on the show, launched by a 24-year-old college student in Toronto, had collected more than 5,300 e-mail signatures by midweek. Sampled versions of his performance, remixed with hip-hop and techno music, have made the top 10 request list at Chicago's WKSC-FM radio.

In Silicon Valley, two 15-year-old girls have launched a fan club, williamhung.reallyrules.com, that they said got 22 applications from strangers within 48 hours of the site's unheralded appearance online. "We just thought it would be this funny thing for our friends to look at," said Rebecca Daley, a Foster City sophomore who devised the site with her friend Andrea Michaelian.

"I think people are inspired," said Don Chin, the 40-year-old real estate agent in the Northern California hamlet of McKinleyville who launched http://www.williamhung.net with his wife two days after the show was broadcast, partly because they were amused and partly because they saw merchandising opportunities.

"I'm Chinese, too, and he was the underdog, and I like to see the underdog make it. It took guts to go up there," Chin said. He added that he has a sideline selling gifts and novelties through EBay, and he instantly saw how Hung's seemingly openhearted demeanor might have potential. In fact, he has already e-mailed Hung samples of gag movie posters in which his wife digitally substituted Hung's cheerful face for the faces on "The Last Samurai" and "The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King" advertisements.

*

Unexpected notoriety

The annals of entertainment are riddled with the famously thwarted, from Rodney Dangerfield to Wile E. Coyote to the Chicago Cubs. But the combination of high-speed Internet, which has made downloading and Web posting exponentially easier, and the proliferation of reality TV shows, has turned rejection and ridicule into a show-business staple.

The first season of "Survivor" generated notoriety for virtually every losing contestant, setting the pattern for every reality show since. Most recently, the Donald Trump workplace derby "The Apprentice" made a household name of the fast-talking-but-failed Sam Solovey, who was eventually fired by Trump.

After Hung's performance, online postings compared his act not only to those of his fellow contestants, but also to a 1996 Internet icon, a Canadian boy whose filmed romp with a pretend light saber became a widely debated bootleg download known as "Star Wars Kid."

Warwick of "American Idol" said such backhanded fame has become part of the reality show formula. "It's the nature of the programs," he said. "There are always a number of people who become minor celebrities during the show, who are there for all the wrong reasons but somehow it works."

Warwick said he knew as soon as he saw Hung that "anti-celebrity" would find him. "You knew when you met him — he was so honest and open and straight and 'get-out-there-and-give-it-a-go' in his demeanor. "When he told the judges, 'I gave my best,' he was right. It's a commendable philosophy and not many people have it. I love him! It's just a shame he was no good!"

But celebrity, Hung said, was the last thing he sought when he heard a news report about the auditions across the bay in San Francisco last autumn and impulsively decided to try out. Sitting in a campus dining commons, his bright yellow backpack and matching rain jacket on the seat beside him, he said he didn't even tell his parents about the audition, which was inspired when some fellow students heard him sing and pushed him to enter a dormitory talent contest. He won first prize.

"It was just going to be kept to myself, and nobody know about it," said the student, who moved with his family to Van Nuys when he was 11 and graduated from high school in Sun Valley. "I have sung karaoke since I was 10 or 11 years old, and I just wanted to see, you know, where am I at?"

The tryouts took two days, he said, far longer than he'd expected. "I sang 'Two Worlds' from 'Tarzan' by Phil Collins, but then I had to sing two songs. I was thinking maybe it would be Elton John's 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' but then a producer told me I might have better luck with 'She Bangs,' "

"I know I am just a beginner," he said, adding that he was only "a little" angry when the notorious Simon Cowell cut him off, declaring, "You can't sing, you can't dance, so what are you going to say?" Hung said it came from the heart when he replied: "I already gave my best and I have no regrets at all."

It wasn't until months later, when he saw his clip anchoring an "American Idol" promotion that what he had done began to sink in.

"I was just, 'Wow. That's me right there.' Shocked," Hung said, blushing. "I didn't even have emotions until I saw the audition, and then I felt, 'Oh. I'm definitely not ready to go to Hollywood.' "

Then the e-mails started arriving from strangers, and Hung, curious, punched his name into a search engine. Up came the blogs and the websites, the downloads and remixes.

"All these people," Hung marveled, "and a lot saying I was very courageous and that I did great on 'American Idol.' And some didn't have so much respect for me. Some were kind of mean, actually."

Since then, he said, he hasn't been sure whether to distance himself from his moment or embrace it. Chin has offered to be his manager and do a merchandising deal, but Hung has resisted, both said.

Returning to normalcy hasn't been easy. A radio station called the other day at 4:30 a.m., and he gets stopped on campus now by autograph seekers. In the dining room, he sat at an isolated corner table as fellow students rubbernecked and pointed. Members of his Bible study group admonished him for creating too much of a distraction, and he said he hasn't been back since.

"One good thing is that I am meeting more girls than usual," Hung said, brightening. "I don't know who they are, but they are much more friendly with me, so oh well."

Notwithstanding the online campaign to get him back on "American Idol," if only as a guest commentator, Hung said he would be reluctant to be seen on television any time soon. He has, however, been taking voice lessons, he said, and a music teacher has told him that with work, he could acquire a more American accent.

"I still plan to continue singing," Hung said, grinning, and as it turns out, he already has a couple of gigs lined up in smaller venues.

"I have been asked to perform after the Cal men's volleyball game later this month," he noted. And his old dormitory has invited him back to open-mike night next week.


http://images.latimes.com/media/thumbnails/photo/2004-02/11294795.jpg

If anyone wants to see a repeat of his video you can see it here:

http://www.williamhung.net

thank you mystic. i think will is slowly overtaking keith for my favorite 'anti-celebrity'.

Thanks for the link Mystic. Now I can erase the video tape of it and use the tape for something else.

I can't stop watching it, it makes me laugh so hard. I love that guy. He should get his own sitcom. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/dancefool.gif

I think that William is a doll. Like I said in another thread... he was interviewed by my radio station that I listen to in the mornings. He was the sweetest guy... and knew that he wouldn't get through the initial audition, but he really wanted to try.

reading that he is taking singing lessons and his teacher is trying to get him a more american accent!? Please don't do that William Hung. If you do you will just be another idol wannabe.

Funny thing is... even though he can't dance... when he started loosening up he wasn't a bad singer! In a few years, with voice lessons... Who knows?! You know he's not going to be nervous in front of a crowd.

What am I talking about, he's already a celebrity.

God Bless him. He is such a sweet guy. Hopefully he can turn his 15 minutes of fame into some cash for college.

O.K. my husband showed me the site and played all the different versions of She Bang. Well, my son loves the song and now it is stuck in my head!

Sherry... what a great thought, that he could get a little money for college.

Songs stuck, eh? Well, I guess that its better than "Lonely Jew at Christmas" that Grant put in your head.

No it is not. I hate that song. Grant at least knows what I can handle without going insane. Now it is She Bang.

Well, I'm having a good chuckle over here, thinking about you walking around the house today, singing "She Bang" over and over... and Damon will help you, and do those cute and adorable dance moves of Hungs.

Well we all loved William from the beginning, didn't we and laughed with him in a fun way.

Now pretty soon he'll be so popular he'll have a spotlight forum of his own and we called it

I kind of agree that he would be a fun occasional guest commentator -- maybe consoling the ones who are eliminated -- or a guest judge:

" Well [insert contestant's name ], you gave it your best and should have no regrets " ...

would work for either

Hey, that would be great. He could comment on the loosers next season.

Haung to contestant: You have no professional training in singing or dancing. You go home now!

Then he would turn and say "was that right Simon?".

Did anyone else catch the William Hung audition parody skit on Saturday Night Live a little while ago? Jimmy Fallon nailed the role perfectly!

Watch for the real Hung to start making guest appearances. I wouldn't be surprised to see him on Leno before long.

BTW, Clay Aiken performed on SNL tonight, while Ruben Studdard performed on Mad TV. Thanks to Picture In Picture, I caught both performances. Neither one gave a truly superlative performance, IMO, but both were okay. Whoever was responsible for doing the soundchecks for Ruben really blew it. His accompanying band was much too loud versus his voice. Clay's song came off much better.

Darn it! I was watching it last night and left after the poker skit. I will have to watch out for in re-runs this summer. Unless someone can find a link to a clip?

Sorry, Whidden, I didn't tape it.

It wasn't in any of the show's promos that I saw but I'm wondering if a clip might be available on the SNL website?

It was a very quick thing, inserted into the "News Broadcast" segment with Jimmy and Tina.

Old Scout

I tried the snl wesite part of Nbc.com, but they did not have it yet. I might check back later in the week.

Haung does need to get some guest shots on some shows. That guy is just too happy!
http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/Sing.gif

I did indeed catch SNL last night !

I actually thought Clay did a great job with both songs. I have seen him perform when he seemed nervous and the performance suffered. Last night he just seemed VERY comfortable and at ease. Maybe some of those delightfully irreverant nutbags on SNL helped. ?

The comment re JJ was also funny:

"Groundhog Day was this week. Janet Jackson's boob popped out of it's hole and saw it's shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of over-reaction"

Back to topic ...

Fallon's parody of the Hung audition during the Weekend Update segment was right on and absolutely hilarious !

Interesting that it took Clay a year to get to SNL as a musical guest ... and they'll probably have Hung hosting before long !

I saw this posted as a clip of Fallon's spoof but

disclaimer I myself cannot download this so cannot attest in any way to it's accuracy or quality:

http://members.cox.net/laurachin/fallonasHung2.wmv

Hope it's good and fun for the rest of you.

Hey, thanks Oldbutafan, it worked and I got to see it. So funny!

OBAF ..........

It worked! Thanks for the link. Hilarious!

Thank you , thank you, thank you!!!

THAT WAS HILARIOUS!!!!!!

OMG!! He did that perfectly!

I have to save that to my computer!

Truly classic!

I love that guy! Each time they put his audition on TV I just want to put him in my pocket and carry him around.

He seems like such a cool guy, and I think he showed a lot of heart.

Here's another great article about William that compares him to Clay ... in a nice way.
......................


Presenting Clay Aiken's Alter Ego – William Hung
by Rosanne Simunovic -- 02/07/2004

William Hung didn't make it to the Top 117, but he has already drawn a large fan base. ...

When American Idol 3 premiered in January, I promised myself that I wouldn't write an article or submit my personal opinions of any of the contestants until the Top 32 shows were aired on Fox. However, nothing or no one could have prepared me for the auspicious appearance of William Hung – a sweet, genuine young singer who did not advance to the Top 117.


What a remarkable American Idol discovery! In a nutshell, if you turned Clay Aiken inside out, you would discover William. He embodies all the spiritual and genuine charismatic qualities of Clay – his pure and sincere soul, his intelligence, his drive, his ambition and his ability of always striving to achieve one's best – as William himself said after the judges sent him packing.

William Hung is Clay Aiken – perhaps not vocally, at least not yet – but certainly spiritually, morally, and ethically. Like Clay, William has already attracted an enviable fan base; in fact, he and AI3 Top 32 singer John Stevens (another personal favorite as luck would have it!) already have fan listings over on the SirLinksalot website. He is a force to be reckoned with and I want to see what the producers of American Idol have in store for him over the next few months.

So, until this happens, here's an idea and, remember, you read it here first...: How about a William Hung makeover? Over the course of televised time, we have already witnessed numerous home makeovers, fashion makeovers, hair makeovers, cosmetic makeovers, and often the end result is quite spectacular. Well, then, I propose an America Idol Makeover for William – vocal training, stage technique, repertoire changes, fashion transformation – in fact, the works! The right song, correct technique, ditch the dancing and he could still be William, but with a really good voice and musical presence. The producers may even think of extending this idea to some of the other dismissed contestants; I know I would be curious to see the transformation.

It was reported on the JAM website that William Hung is already moving in this direction – he has joined a campus choir and has started to train his voice privately.
The young man is certainly determined and has a superlative work ethic.
However, William, please do not – I repeat – do not tamper with or revise your exemplary manners, positive spirit, enthusiasm, and humility – all the wonderful attributes that appear to be missing in the majority of those who made it to the Top 117. Yes, American Idol is about the voice – but do we need to endure the disrespectful, rude and arrogant attitude of some of these talented singers? I mean – do we not have enough of these adorable (cough) qualities already in many of our greatest singing stars?

Give me William Hung any day. I would embrace and applaud his determination and genuine attitude in my vocal studio, as I have discovered that, over time, these are the qualities that will measure a person's success in life. In my mind and I know in the mind of thousands of American Idol viewers, William Hung is already their personal Idol.

I can only hope that his stellar personality and willingness to move ahead in the face of adversity will continue to be applauded and cherished by not only the American Idol viewers but also everyone associated with the American Idol series.

....................
Rosanne Simunovic is the Voice Instructor and Conductor for the Timmins Youth Singers.

William is going to be on Entertainment tonight.......Today. The show is syndicated, so it will be on at different times in different areas.

It comes on in one hour at 6:30 here in Tulsa.

William is supposed to sing a song and do some interviews.

William Hung "ambushed" Simon on the Ryan Seacrest ON AIR program this afternoon. See my note on the separate thread for details.

The audience gave Hung lots of applause when he walked out to surprise Simon.

O.K., I saw the E.T. bit, it was pretty neat. It looks like he is a hero on the Berkley campus.


William: I wanted to make a career of SING GING.

I liked this article...it was cute...AG posted it and I didnt want it lost...so I copied it for here:

This just in from Entertainment Today - Gopher Central

LOS ANGELES, -- A botched "American Idol" audition has turn-
ed William Hung into an anti-celebrity with Web sites, fan
club and a Top 10 radio hit in his honor. Hung, who was rude-
ly dismissed by the "American Idol" judges during his Chinese-
inflected performance of "She Bang" by Ricky Martin, is the
latest in a surprising by-product of reality shows, the anti-
celebrity, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. Ken Warwick,
the executive producer of "American Idol," who coined the
phrase, said the making of anti-celebrities is becoming fre-
quent. "Bless him, William will be inundated with offers,"
Warwick said. Indeed, three Web sites about Hung went up in
the days following the Jan. 27 airing of his audition, with
one generating 4 million hits in four days, causing a temp-
orary shut down of the site. Chicago's WKSC-FM has played a
remix of Hung's performance that has made it into the
station's Top 10 request list. The attention has bewildered
the 21-year-old University of California at Berkeley civil
engineering major. "There is fame and there is infamy," said
Hung, who moved to California from China when he was 11. "I
don't know if this is bad or good."

And here's a link to the ON AIR w/Ryan Seacrest thread which has more info about our Sweet William who shared the ON Air spotlight with Simon Cowell ...

Hmmmmm .... methinks maybe William STOLE the spotlight :



Here's the link:

http://www.inreview.com/showthread....6339&forumid=24

I was surfing the Idol Fan site last night (there is A LOT of stuff over there) and I noticed that someone has loaded THREE new Hung videos. They are amateur videos of Hung performing Live on the Berkley campus.

I began to download them but they are HUGE files. My MS Media software estimated the download time at over 6 hrs (!) through my dial-up 46 kbps connection. I gave up. But, if you have a DSL, you might want to give them a look.

Here is a link to the site:

http://www.idolfan.org/

Just scroll down the page and you will find the three new videos plus a lot of other stuff about William Hung, including some She Bangs remixes and also Jimmy Fallon's SNL spoof.

This is a huge site and there's enough American Idol stuff on there to give you a case of information overload.

Old Scout

Tonight at 10:30 on Fox Sports West 2 William will be performing at the halftime show at the UC Berkley and UCLA mens basketball game.

I dont know if anyone has that channel...but if you do..he will be on.

At least thats what I heard on the radio this morning....

Yes, "Bang-ettes". That's what they were called on Access Hollywood this evening. They are a group of cheerleaders / dancers that Hung was preparing to back up his appearance tonight for the halftime show at a UC Berkley basketball game.

Access Hollywood devoted about 3 minutes to Hung tonight and said that they were going to be there to report on Hung's performance at the game tonight. They also hinted that Hung was going to get some kind of a surprise at his halftime show. (Do you think that Simon Cowell might show up?)

In any case, we can tune in tomorrow evening and get the full report. Access Hollywood is broadcast at 6:30 pm MST on NBC here in New Mexico. Check your local listings for time and station.

Old Scout

People keep dropping the hint that he could be brought back as a wild card. Lord I hope not. He was funny and sweet, but does not deserve that.

Oh, dear lord. He's a total doll. Sweet. But he's NOT a singer.

Well, it seems to be true -- William has got himself a contract! The presentation was made last night at a Berkley volleyball, not basketball, game.

Over at the williamhung.net site, they have all the details, plus photos of the presentation and William's performance with "The Bang-ettes" at last night's event.

I can't really blame the guy for cashing in on his 15 minutes of fame. Money comes in handy when you're in college and all the attention from the coeds isn't bad either. Fame and fortune are ellusive and fleeting opportunities. William knows that he has to grab all he can right now.

Anyone heard from Kato Kaylin recently?

It was a volleyball game?

They announced it wrong on the radio.....I even checked to make sure that there was a basketball game that night and there was....

Oh well...

I guess Im gonna have to check out that site...

So he signed a contract? With what recording company?

Yeah, they just said something on this mornings news about it. He did sign a contract.

Seacrest just said (don't worry, no spoilers) that William will be on the show Monday to do a special performance.

http://idolonfox.com/home.htm

It says HE BANGS MONDAY. So, he will do it I think. Can't wait!

I saw him for the first time at the try outs then on Entertainment Tonight. He's getting some face and voice time on TV! Can you believe it? Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken who were former guests On Air with Ryan Seacrest was talking about how William Hung actually does manage to sing on key? You agree! These video clips are a must check out! They're hilarious.

http://ryanonair.tv/shows/william_h...am_hung_112.wmv
http://ryanonair.tv/shows/william_h...iam_hung_56.wmv

Take a look and reply a post. Can't wait to hear them.

A weird thought just occurred to me. Well, to be honest, a lot of weird thoughts occur to me all the time. I just don't bother to share all of them with you, a fact for which you should all be very grateful. But anyway, here's the one that just popped into the old melon a little while ago . . .

William Hung's performance of Ricky Martin's "She Bang" has probably now been seen by more people around the world than have ever seen Ricky Martin perform the same song.

One more superfluous example of the power of the Internet.

Old Scout

I found this article about Hung on a LaToya London fansite (of all places). There wasn't a date on it but it must have been within the last week because of the things that are mentioned in the interview. I thought other Hung fans might like to see it, so . . .


Willam Hung: Singing The Boos

(CBS) For William Hung, it was a homecoming with his own back-up dancers. It was the engineering student's first performance on his University of California at Berkeley campus since he burst to fame on the TV show “American Idol” singing “She Bangs.” National Correspondent Hattie Kauffman reports.

Despite judge Simon Cowell's predictable disdain, Hung won America's hearts with his simple enthusiasm. On the show Hung admitted to Simon, “You know, I have no professional training of singing.” To which Simon ironically remarked, “No.”

Asked then what is the reason Hung is so popular, he says, “Because I believe it’s my personality and attitude toward life.”

Some people say that they love him because he is so honest. Hung agrees, “I'm genuine, yes,” he says.

The new-found fame has been quite hard to believe, Hung says, “I'm surprised, definitely, but I just got to do my best and go with it.”

You know you're famous when you're parodied on “Saturday Night Live.“ After watching a skit about himself, Hung says with a laugh, “I have to say it’s funny.”

On a fan Web site more than 70,000 people have written to say they want him back on “American Idol.” And Wednesday night, he got some more good news.

Marc Juris, president of Fuse Music Television announced, “We're here tonight, Fuse and Kotch Entertainment. to offer William a real-life, no-kidding-around record contract.”

Hung is still thinking about the offer and is undecided. He says, “Until I review the details, not yet.”

To further his career, he's taking singing lessons and says he is not afraid of losing his fans once his performance gets polished. On the contrary, he says, “I think I'll fare better because the fans already like me; then I should deal with the critics.”

Who knows whether people will actually buy his album? But he can definitely draw a crowd. Wednesday night's volleyball game has a bigger turnout than normal. It's all because of Hung.

He sang “She Bangs" for the crowd and received huge applause.

Kauffman asks the crowd about what they think of Hung and one man says, “He's the next American icon, bigger than Jimi Hendrix was in his day.”

A woman notes, “I love the way he came back at Simon. It’s about dignity.” No matter whether he can sing or not, “That doesn't matter, it’s about dignity,” she says.

And the back-up dancers say they would be happy to sing on his album. “We'll be your back-up dancers anytime. We'll go on tour with him,” they say.

Girls even brought banners with “We love you William!" written on them.

Hung, who also sang an unprecedented four songs on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” sang a few bars of “She Bangs” for The Early Show.

There's a chance that William Hung might still have a shot at being the next "American Idol," if fans are offered the opportunity to choose him as a "wild card" pick. Well, we can't wait to hear what Simon says.

Good article!

I'd vote for William a couple of times for fun, but then when it got serious, would have to vote for the best singer.

Someone should pick him up to 'judge' each week. I realize they wouldn't make him a "real" guest judge on the show ( or would they ? )

It would be fun to hear his comments about each contestant and his picks each week. Maybe Seacrest should have him on every Tuesday.

"She bangs and has dignity, dawg !"

He could hang on American Idol if all he gave was praise. (You gave your Best! etc.)

But the second William told someone they were no good in the sing ging department, the contestant would verbally abuse the little guy. (How can you judge me when you can't sing?)


I think the Ryan Seacrest program would be a perfect place for him. Good idea!

He could do the commentary without fear of the contestants giving him some lip.

Don't worry, Obaf.

I am a merciless "sniper" when bidding on eBay, but not here.

are you sure he's an engineer major? he appears to be a dolt. my lord, the guy can scare the dead awake and whiling making them croak again from a heart attack.

and his moves.. oh goodness. no rythmn. no coordination. so dreadful i had to laugh at the absurdity of his fame and at the fascination with people's socalled one-hit talentless wonders.

he's either a real idiot or has matador ballz to sing in AI. I'm sure he'll have hotties flocking to him everyday now. no more being a nerd but a full-time superstud as William [well]-hung.

hehe

[FONT=times new roman] I have a hard time understanding that everyone thinks this poor kid who has been led on because he is so bad,is not just the brunt of Jokes.

This poor sincere Kid is taking all this instant popularity to heart.

I think its a shame. He is going to get shafted after American Idol is thru milking the kid for all he is worth.

This is a cruel and un necessary ! He can't sing , he can't dance, he has not a clue as to how he is being used.

Shame on the Producers and public who have instigated this on him and us.
Bad taste. Very bad taste. IMO

D

Here's what I think....

I think if he can make money off of whatever he should go for it.....we all would do it!

I say even if it fades out...why not take advantage of it now??

Mystic, I would get up and do that bad dance for the money.

I never said Hung shouldn't go for it. I am disgusted with the way Fox is treating him. come on this kid is a civil engineer. not a singer. Fox has promoted him just for the hoopla and cash in on his sincere, and I mean sincere person.

It infurriates me that behind his back the Suits are manuvering the public into a frenzy.

I just think its sad, I think its apalling.

This poor kid, will not have people like him as a the truly nice person he is, but his terrible time on AI#3

I hope and have stated that if he makes a lot of money over Fox's Producers, he should take someof it and shove it up their noses.
Just hate to see an Innocent dragged thru the mud like Fox is doing to him.

I don't think William is being used per se. That is William is not being tricked into any of this. He's not stupid. He has been asked how he feels about it.

So he knows people are laughing AT him. BUT people don't talk about William in negative terms. He made people laugh in a good way, he tickled their funny bones and touched their hearts with his sincerity, guilelessness, and belief that anyone can improve with work. He is determined and has plenty of self-esteem. He is a positive force.

Both he and the producers have parlayed his popularity into some money. He is getting PAID for his appearances you know. I hope he uses it to complete his education and get his teeth fixed so he can articulate better. I think he has a bright future and he could do many things with this ... ( maybe a kids' show, fuscia ? )

I think William knows ... Moths and butterflies ... they both have wings and can fly.

I can't belive as astute as you are, that you have been bamboozeld into thinking William really gets what is gong on?

He is a little person with old world thinking family roots.

It reminds me of the last of the Great American Indians who was put into a side show with Buffalo Bill.

The american Indians kept on believing the White man until there was no place to go and no hunting grounds left. Buffalo wiped out by the greed of the Whites.

I just truly feel that Hung is being used and doesn't even know it.
I hope I am wrong but don't think so.

D

If you think William can't succeed in 'the business'.

Ever hear of "Tiny Tim" ?

A 60's cult figure who turned a ukelele and people's laughing at him into a career and is now considered a legend?

Here's his photo:
http://www.cmgww.com/music/tim/photo6.html

Bio:

Best recognized for his wild, dyed red hair, flashy style of dress and his faithful ukulele, Tiny Tim is one of the best-known entertainers from the 1960s.

His most famous song, "Tip Toe Thru the Tulips with Me" was one of the top 40 hits of 1968. In 1968 and 1969, Tiny was a regular in the Johnny Carson show, on which he even got married. That wedding appearance on "The Tonight Show" marked Tiny's most popular moment, with 40 million viewers watching him tie the knot with 17-year-old Miss Vicki (Victoria May Budinger) on the night of December 17, 1969. Several concerts, tours and television appearances followed the wedding broadcast. The couple had one daughter, Tulip, and was later divorced. In recent years, Tiny has appeared in revival specials and the new Johnny Carson video releases. He has also participated in Howard Stern's New Year's Eve pay-per-view beauty pageant, in which he was a judge. He also appeared in the horror movie "Blood Harvest," in which he played a clown.

Tiny remarried in 1984 to Miss Jan, but the couple separated after some time.

In 1985, Tiny joined a circus for 36 weeks. His multiple appearances as a musician, entertainer and celebrity included Ed Sullivan shows, Laugh-In guest, Jackie Gleason shows, Arsenio Hall, several commercials, and an MTV game show. Some of Tiny's little eccentricities include living in hotels, dyeing his hair different colors, and a regime of cleaning and moisturizing that gives his skin its typical youthful look.

Tiny found many of the songs he sang at the New York Public Library. Some of these songs go back as far as 1831. He passed away on November 30, 1996. Tiny Tim, with his unique style and characteristic ukulele, has become a symbol of the 1960s. Audiences enjoyed Tiny's charisma, his songs, and extravagant personality, all of which made him a legend.

Web Site:
http://www.cmgww.com/music/tim/

This article was just posted on the Access Hollywood website (they'll probably have a segment about Hung on the show tonight):

Hung 'Bangs' Out Record Deal
Who needs "American Idol"? William Hung doesn't -- he already has a recording contract.

The singer, who became a fan favorite -- but not a judges' favorite -- during open auditions for the Fox series with his spirited version of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs," has signed a deal with Fuse Music Network and Koch Records.

His debut album, tentatively titled "The True Idol," is scheduled for release April 6, it was announced Monday. It will contain "She Bangs," along with another Martin hit, "Shake Your Bon Bon," and a cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man," which Hung sang recently on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

And for those of you hankering for more Hung, the disc will include a 40-minute DVD with behind-the-scenes footage from his studio recording sessions and fan questions and answers.

"He may not be the next American Idol, but he is definitely a star and inspiration to everyone who sings in the shower," said Marc Juris, president of Fuse, which will exclusively air his "She Bangs" video.

Koch Records general manager Alan Grunblatt was even more effusive: "He is the new Elvis!"

Hung, a 21-year-old Hong Kong native and civil engineering student at the University of California, Berkeley, has inspired fan clubs and Web sites that sing his praises.

Meanwhile, back at "American Idol," eight of the 12 finalists have been chosen. The remaining four will be announced this week when "wild card" singers -- those who didn't get enough votes the first time -- come back for a second chance.

END OF ARTICLE

I think we missed this review when it was first posted on the MSNBC website. I grabbed it now so that we'll have it for posterity, right here along with all the other William Hung info:

He's a loser, baby
But William Hung, ‘American Idol’ reject, found fame anyway

William Hung's infamous audition earned no points from the judges, but plenty from fans.
By Jesamyn Go MSNBC

Updated: 4:51 p.m. ET Feb. 26, 2004

The "American Idol" contestants are yet to be whittled down to the final 12, but one contestant already got a record offer — and he didn’t even make it past the first cut.

William Hung’s try-out, a spirited, if tuneless, rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs,” was icily received by the show's three-judge panel.

After suffering through Hung's 90-second tryout, during which he shouted the song's chorus and failed miserably at imitating Ricky Martin’s gyrations,Hung was interrupted by famously acerbic judge Simon Cowell. “You can’t sing, you can’t dance, so what do you want me to say?” asked Cowell.

“I already gave my best, and I have no regrets at all,” Hung replied. His hilarious effort — as well as his earnest response — quickly gained him fans. Although he was bounced from the show, the 21-year-old now has a cult following.

Inadvertent cult hero gets 15 minutes

Soon after his tryout aired on Jan. 27, Hung received about 150 e-mails from resourceful fans who looked him up in a student directory at UC Berkeley, where he is a civil engineering student. The first and most comprehensive of many Web sites spotlighting him, William Hung.net, sprang up and received 4 million hits in the first week.

Video files of his performance were uploaded and forwarded all over the Internet, making William the latest in a line of Web cult heroes, not unlike the “Star Wars Kid,” the Quebec teenager who filmed himself twirling a golf ball retriever like a light saber.

LIVE VOTE:
What do you think of William Hung? * 63424 responses

He's funny! I get a kick out of his awful audition.
71%

He' s horrible! Why is he getting all this attention?
29%

Soon, audio mixes of Hung's singing was arranged to OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” and Howard Dean’s infamous “I have a scream” speech. They’re played all over the Internet and even have garnered play on some California radio stations.

Then came the apex of idolatry: Two weeks ago, Hung was spoofed on Saturday Night Live by Jimmy Fallon.

Now, Hung is basking in his goofy international fame: Enter “William Hung” on eBay and you’ll get over 50 different items that bear Hung's image, from caps and notebooks to T-shirts — and people are bidding. His fan base stretches all the way to Asia, where he was invited to perform at the MTV Asia Awards. Don Chin, manager of William Hung.net says his site, which isn't associated with Hung, gets plenty of fan mail and even love letters meant for the singer. The Web site even has a special section called “Marry Me, Will!”

Hung is now keeping busy on the talk-show circuit.

Entertainment Tonight took him to LA's Fantasy Studios for voice lessons with Eric Veto, voice-coach to stars like the GooGoo Dolls.

On the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Hung had the chance to perform four songs, adding Martin’s “Shake Your Bon Bon” and Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailamos” to his repertoire. DeGeneres even joined him on a duet of Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” helping out when Hung appeared unsure of the lyrics.

Fox is capitalizing on Hung’s popularity as well. Producers announced a special American Idol show “Uncut, Uncensored and Untalented,” scheduled to air March 1, and is using footage of Hung's now-infamous audition to promote the episode.

Ovewhelmed with attention

On Wednesday, Hung performed at UC Berkeley’s men’s volleyball game, where he received a $25,000 check from the Fuse music channel and a record offer from Koch Entertainment. If he accepts, Hung will be in good company, the Koch Entertainment stable of talent includes Ringo Starr, Montell Jordan, and the Bangles. The deal reportedly includes a music video that will air on Fuse.

What is it about Hung that has caught America’s eye? When asked this by MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann, Hung said he thought people responded to his “attitude and charisma,” regardless of the quality of his performance.

Fan site manager Chin thinks it’s Hung's personality that people respond to. “He’s just very real," Chin said. "He doesn’t care whether he’s fashionable or not. He has a really good time performing, and he really gives it his all, just for the love of it. I think his joy is really infectious.”

Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of “American Idol,” told Entertainment Tonight that it was great to see the nation embracing a loser. “That is fantastic to me because not everybody in this life can be a winner,” Lythgoe said. “To celebrate a loser is fantastic!”

But some say Hung is walking a fine line between entertainment and mockery.

“About one percent of the e-mails I get are concerned that people are making fun of William,” said Chin. “But I think he’s happy with who he is, and he likes making people happy with his performance. It’s just such a breath of fresh air how his video clip just makes people smile —young or old.”

For now, Hung is overwhelmed by the attention. School is still his priority, and he has enlisted his father’s help in managing all the media appearances.

Music is still his long-term goal, though. During the audition, Hung said that although his civil engineering studies are “totally not related to music,” he someday aspires to make his living through the craft.

To that end, Hung is taking singing lessons and has joined a university choir. He’s also reading Cowell’s book about becoming a pop star, “I Don’t Mean to Be Rude, But…”

Although his audition has led to all this attention, Hung still would have traded it all for a chance to have advanced through the American Idol finals.

“If I did get to the final and actually get to [perform] to the audience, to America, I think it would probably be more, not less, in terms of fame,” he told MSNBC.

He may get his chance yet — petitions to bring Hung back as a wild card contestant are now at over 70,000 signatures.

.

Delta hangs head in pity for "She Bang" He is gong to be hurt after the Suits
finish having there fun. Then what happens to this poor clueless dupe?

He has nothing but his 15 minuites of fame. To think this guy is taking Singing lessons, makes me want to give same to my cat, at least she is fluffy and cute. She could swish her tale to "She Bangs" and rock the house!!!

Then she would get the record contract, I could retire and handllle her career and on a nd on. Please no one bother to take up for this poor guy to me.
So if he makes money to go to College is one thing, but he is really thinking of Show business as his career? Goodnes Gracious Great Balls of Fire.!!1

Thanks OldSout for the info. I have felt that he was taken advantage of, but see what you are saying now.

Good for him, let him milk the 15 minutes for all he can, because thats the American Way, isn't it.

Talk to you lata,
D

William is getting some good money from that contract of his, and even though people are laughing at him, they seem to love him. They are laughing with him for the most part.


It's off topic Delta, but that Linda Carter/Wonder woman Avatar is sharp. I voted for it in the favorite Avatar thread. I have always been a Linda Carter fan.

I predict this whole thing will die very soon. I just have a feeling. Justin and Kelly are a great example. They became famous and then made that movie... guess what happened I hope Hung doesn’t make that same mistake by making some dumb move and ruin his “career” if its even called a career. I like the guy and it would be sad to see i