William Hung

William Hung (Traditional Chinese: 孔慶翔, Simplified Chinese: 孔庆翔) (born January 13, 1983) is a Chinese American college student who gained fame and notoriety in early 2004 as a result of his audition performance of Ricky Martin's hit song "She Bangs" on the television series American Idol, Season 3.

Initial fame

While a civil engineering student at the university, Hung was inspired to audition for the third season of the reality talent search program in San Francisco during September 2003 after winning a talent contest at his dormitory. Producers never told him that his audition would be broadcast, and he only found out about it when it aired four months later. His audition was the final one on the January 27, 2004 installation, the coup de grâce of an hour-long episode that showcased other would-be pop stars, mostly lacking in talent.

Related Topics:
Civil engineering - San Francisco - 2003 - January 27 - 2004

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As judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul tried to hold back their laughter, judge Simon Cowell dismissed Hung's performance outright: "You can't sing, you can't dance, so what do you want me to say?" Hung defended himself, stating "I already gave my best, and I have no regrets at all." Jackson and Abdul applauded his positive response, and Abdul said, "That's the best attitude yet." Hung's response to Cowell's criticism was in stark contrast to earlier contestants' often angry, confrontational rejoinders. Hung also remarked, "I have no professional training," eliciting a response of mock surprise from Simon Cowell, saying that it was "the surprise of the century". Hung was obviously not admitted to the next round of auditions.

Related Topics:
Randy Jackson - Paula Abdul - Simon Cowell

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