10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Where is American Idol's Hong Kong star William Hung now? After finding fame with an off-key version of Ricky Martin's She Bangs, he beat addiction, married again and is now an LA crime analyst
As American Idol prepares to return for its 23rd season, it's easy to forget just how many careers the show has launched since 2002. Superstars including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and
Adam Lambert got their start on the programme – all born performers who, looking back, seemed destined to be famous.
But the fame of one contestant from those early days wasn't so assured – that of pop lover William Hung.
As a 21-year-old, his singing failed to win over the judges so spectacularly that
Simon Cowell called his performance 'grotesque'. Yet he's managed to turn his appearance into a singing career and widespread fame and affection regardless.
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Here's what you need to know about Hung's showbiz journey and where he is now.
William Hung rose to fame with a Ricky Martin song
William Hung was studying civil engineering at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, when he decided to take two days off in 2004 to audition for American Idol. But when he let rip on his favourite song –
Ricky Martin's 'She Bangs' – his off-key rendition became an instant classic for all the wrong reasons.
'You can't sing, you can't dance, so what do you want me to say?' Cowell remarked cruelly afterwards. 'I gave my best so I have no regrets at all,' was Hung's endearing response.
He had a musical career – albeit an ironic one
William Hung made his name singing a karaoke classic. Photo: @williamhungofficial/Instagram
As noted by NBC last year, Hung's brief appearance and post-performance poise was enough to rocket him to stardom. Not only was he parodied on Saturday Night Live, he also sang on several talk shows and at sports events. He even signed a recording deal with Fuse Music Network and Koch Records.
