I love that this audition has lived on for so many years to continue inspiring people around the world.

@WilliamHungOfficial

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Melodie!

@bryanferguson4927

Жыл бұрын

Yes and ironically, still one of the best known and loved performers, ever on American Idol.

@sovietonion72

Жыл бұрын

@@WilliamHungOfficial It's a yes from me 🤣

@miamijefe7793

Жыл бұрын

Maybe y'all should go out on a date?

@RyantheCanuckpirate

Жыл бұрын

I watched this as a kid. I was born in 1991, so this pure nostalgia for me. I didn't even watch the show a ton, just the first few seasons This guy seems cool, hope he's doing really good these days

I can't name anyone who actually won this show, but I always remember William Hung.

@BreGrateful

9 ай бұрын

Kelly Clarkson 👀

@holdem5180

8 ай бұрын

Yes it is great for a laugh , he was a joke ,and i am not saying anything bad about him , i also remember Carrie and her farm animal chores.....

@lostchild06

8 ай бұрын

@@BreGrateful Who? lol jk

@alexanderwright5248

8 ай бұрын

Carrie Underwhere??

@DisneyWorldFix

7 ай бұрын

You can’t name Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, or Chris Daughtry? Well, Chris didn’t win, but he is one of the most successful non-winners.

“I already gave my best and have no regrets at all” What a response. William is an absolute legend.

@samwrought5650

4 ай бұрын

💯

@Captain_Neckbeard

4 ай бұрын

That's a great mindset.

@leeknievel748

2 ай бұрын

Uhhhh, yeahhh he's not

@dimitrijames00001

Ай бұрын

​@leeknievel748 you're here aren't you

Paula Abdul handled all this with pure class. Good on her.

@fonzieskatesurf

4 ай бұрын

Smash ❣️

@j-tenn226

4 ай бұрын

@@fonzieskatesurfsmash what?

@tacomaamocat4309

3 ай бұрын

And then she used Mexican labor workers as chairs ; )

@danielchala1621

Ай бұрын

Yeah she did. That was her womanly mothering instincts though.

For a 'failed' audition, WH has had more success than most Idol winners

@clementwang7097

9 күн бұрын

He made millions of dollars.

William Hung is literally one of the top 5 all-time Idol stars. More famous than most winners.

@andrewvanwechel2426

3 ай бұрын

There's like 2 winners I can remember. William is a beast

When I was a kid this was hilarious but as a adult he wasn’t that bad. He just was a little awkward like most college kids and I love how he came to America and chased his dreams even if it was taking a risk. He’s actually inspiring.

@ExplorationB

8 ай бұрын

I know right!!

@coleusmc1979

8 ай бұрын

I feel the same way, so crazy

@hannahroberts673

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, he obviously wasn't a great singer, but he was far from the worst that ever auditioned on this show.

@jak3140

4 ай бұрын

I’m with y’all he did his best

@charlenealberto84

4 ай бұрын

So true! He was on key!

William Hung was a national sensation. Absolute legend

@worsethanhitlerpt.2539

Жыл бұрын

Hes an interesting guy he said he never got depressed from being on AI but he was depressed when he could not be a teacher because the kids didnt take him seriously

@all_powerful_elmo

Жыл бұрын

😂

@tonypastor705

Жыл бұрын

chaja95- yeah, we believe you 😅

@aarondavid5866

4 ай бұрын

for being a joke

@brandonsmith2299

4 ай бұрын

He still is. And I hope he’s doing good! That level of determination is lost today. But if you got that. Nothing in life can stop you. And the fun fact of all this.. he did it for fun… he knew he didn’t really have a chance… and he made millions and millions of people laugh. So for that Will thank you!

Coming back almost 20 years later...he's really not that bad. He hits and holds most notes and even has a little vibrato. I've worked with worse in the studio!

@elitetrucker5150

Жыл бұрын

You are the type that’s will take someone’s money and say they are getting better

@worsethanhitlerpt.2539

Жыл бұрын

She Bangs is not really a bad song for him. The slow Ballads really kill him his voice sounds hella awkward

@francismonroe969

Жыл бұрын

Yeah his delivery is choppy as hell but he actually hits the notes which is better than most and shows innate musical ability. If someone helped him flesh out the dynamics he could be good.

@zaragozamarketing

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. He’s way better then a lot of people. Notes are pretty good

@Beebzinthehouse

11 ай бұрын

@@worsethanhitlerpt.2539oh stop it. His pitch is amazing, the delivery needs work. This is a case of a person who actually CAN be trained to be great. Tone deaf people just can’t, and he very clearly displayed (even with those minor notes) that he has musical talent in him. Just needs help w the delivery

I was a young man when I first saw this. I'm now almost 45 and I recognize this moment as a nostalgic era of my life. Thank you William Hung.

@DemonicGoddess

Жыл бұрын

I look back an simon hasnt aged...

@aveirenses

11 ай бұрын

Bro I looked this up and apparently this guy is related to Confucius… how wild is that

@limkientiong

10 ай бұрын

43 here. Uni days when I came across him. 😂

@aveirenses

9 ай бұрын

@@anjr6282 look him up on Wikipedia

@JoeyArmstrong2800

8 ай бұрын

​@@limkientiongI can't believe this was almost 20 years ago.

Even though he didn't make it he is remembered almost by everyone who watched Idols and in a positive way. What a legend

@Nightowl7982

10 ай бұрын

He low key won that years American Idol

@shawnroney7449

9 ай бұрын

He’s totally toured and made albums. He’s made it to me. Even been on David letterman and that’s no easy task

@abcdefg-oj5wn

8 ай бұрын

I come back to this video year after year, not just cause it makes me laugh but his authenticity and courage inspires me.

the "i have no professional training" line at the end was so perfect, took guts to do this

@Tgogators

Жыл бұрын

Ironic enough, Idol has quietly dismissed contestants for having “too much professional background”

@amihan99

Жыл бұрын

​@@Tgogatorswho are the contestants like those?

@MayLily

10 ай бұрын

@@Tgogators I've always wondered about those individuals with a lot of professional training and experience that still wanted to audition.

@Tgogators

10 ай бұрын

@@amihan99 you’d never know because they don’t make tv. They usually don’t make it to the tv taping audition.

"grotesque" is such a ridiculous overstatement for someone not sounding like a professional singer.

@katharsis3754

2 ай бұрын

Well, let me remind you of what Simon said --> 3:55. "What do you want me to say?"

I love how Paula was just dancing along- straight up 😂😂😂😂

I love how Paula told Simon to be quiet at the end when he questioned you if you were serious. Because you truly were serious. And you gave a great answer in regards to you sacrificing your time and effort to be there to audition. What a wonderful spirit you have William! God bless you!

Funny thing is that he's the only contestant that still resignates with me from all the seasons of American Idol

@jrssww

6 ай бұрын

Resonates*

@andrewferguson8032

5 ай бұрын

@@jrsswwI believe “resignates “ would be the appropriate word in this context

@jrssww

5 ай бұрын

@andrewferguson8032 no it isn't. Resignate basically means forcing an employee to resign

@andrewferguson8032

5 ай бұрын

@@jrssww I know. I was joking

Took it like a man. William you have bigger balls than most. Respect!

this guy came and was just himself, probably an escape from the hardwork he goes through outside, got more confidence and self esteem than ALOT of people already

Dude got a record deal, made a few albums and guest starred on a few TV shows. Pretty sweet for not making it past the first round!

I saw William’s audition when it originally aired. First let me say that he is an absolute sweetheart with a lovely personality. He’s a genuinely good guy who does not have the laughably inflated ego as so many other contestants do. He’s also a highly intelligent guy-civil engineering is not a subject for the faint-hearted. Having said that, most of the comments here are missing the point entirely! American Idol is not about being “okay,” “decent,” “not bad,” “it was his dancing, not his voice,” etc etc. And it’s not just about the ability to hit the right notes-it’s also about style and delivery, being able to perform in a way that doesn’t make your audience anxious. One of the main reason why so many people remember William’s performance is not because it was so good but because it was so bad, and I say that not to be mean but to state a fact. Another is that despite not being cut out to be a singer who could succeed in the business (which is cutthroat and would eat him alive), he intends to continue doing something he loves despite the criticism and being made fun of. For that I say: William, you are a true champ! You may not have achieved recognition for your singing abilities, but you have gone on to inspire so many people to continue doing what they love despite their dreams not coming true. THAT is very special indeed!

William Hung is a legend.

How can you not love William Hung? ❤❤❤ Paula is so sweet. 😘

@fonzieskatesurf

4 ай бұрын

for Smash

@katharsis3754

2 ай бұрын

What's to "love"? Lmao

This man is a legend and what a wonderful example for the rest of us when people try to take us down with their negativity.

Paula is the absolute sweetest. I just love her compassion n sweetness and how she doesnt want to destroy someones hopes n dreams like Simon does. Shes so adoreable.

@thepainfuljournee

5 ай бұрын

I met Paula Abdul in real life back in 2018, she's one of the most humble and down-to-earth humans have ever been in contact with. She's been my role model since I was nine years old, I'm 30 now.

William is a legend and is probably remembered by more than 90% of the winners of American Idol. He had fun and he entertained us. Thank you.

The Legendary Willam hung. He's more popular that the other winners

Thank you William hung. You are a national treasure brother.

As Asian immigrant to America, you're my inspriational William. It was rough learning English with accent growing up and adopting here, and the fact that this guy didn't give a F on a national television was more gangster than any rappers i heard about

All joking aside, he wasn't horrible. Relative to his potential ceiling, he's probably gotten closer to it than most of us have to our own potential. I can tell he has worked very hard on his performance. And that's to be respected. You go William!

@holdem5180

8 ай бұрын

Shouldn"t you be out on a ledge somewhere?

@dougb4835

8 ай бұрын

@@holdem5180 you’re trying too hard.

He did his very best. What a sparkly gift of positivity he’s got! 🎉 BRAVO

Mr. Hung, we remember you and that audition. Your positive attitude about doing your best inspired everyone so much. You are likely the most successful idol who never actually made it past auditions, and we bet that whenever people think of your appearance, they smile! We wish that more people in the world were just like you, and hope that your life now is filled with joy and songs. Thank you!

@holdem5180

8 ай бұрын

Smile ? I love him , he makes me lol

Paula Abdul is such a great sport. She knows he doesn't sing well but instead of making fun of him or being put off by it, she still chooses to listen to him, give him the time of the day and respect him for his efforts. Good for her! She's got such a great personality. Love the positive attitude of William Hung.

There is something so innocent, and sweet about William. For ever an iconic audition. No one really remembers the others, but we all remember William

I remember seeing this when it aired on TV when I was a kid and I loved it. I think it was so charming because he was so genuine and quirky. Love this audition lol

Amazing story. A clear example of courage and giving it your best in life!

@WereWolf2583

Жыл бұрын

William Hung is The Best & Most Awesome #1 American Idol ever! William Hung will Always be Destined for Greatness! #WILLIAMHUNGISTHEBESTEVER!

@WilliamHungOfficial

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate your support!

@WereWolf2583

Жыл бұрын

I Really Wished Paula had Slapped The Heck Out of Simon Cowell for Being So Rude & HeartLess! Simon Cowell is The Rudest, Dumbest, & Pickiest Idiot ever! He Refused to Recognize Greatness Standing & Singing Before Him!

@bryanferguson4927

Жыл бұрын

@@WereWolf2583 I disagree in this instance. The fact that Simon was so rude, gave better publicity, and showed the true resilience and courage of William. In spite of Simon's brusqueness, William was as cool as the other side of the pillow. And his legend grew...

@odoroussmegma2191

Жыл бұрын

​@@WilliamHungOfficiali love you like son will I am.

Still, in 2024, I have to say, even though @William Hung isn't a singer, and I have been in the industry since I was eight. I worked with Paula. I admire Willan so much because he admitted he put his best into it, and he is true, not fake. I laugh, and god knows we all need to laugh, so I thank him for even making me laugh in a world that is so cruel. It is not hard to be kind, so thank you @William Hung. Willam truly is an American Idol. Look how many of us still watch him just to smile. That's a William Hung - American Idol to all of us.

Randy's chuckle and glance over at Simon when William spelt his last name out 😂

This was actually better than most music now days.

@IvnValmont

11 ай бұрын

This was a good day for china and the fourth fucking depression for America

@herculesbrofister265

11 ай бұрын

Sigh

@SmeagolTheGreat

10 ай бұрын

Better rapping than those mumble rappers 😂

@areanaangel8964

9 ай бұрын

I came here from the Oh My God performance on My Teenage Girl survival show and William was 100x better. Wow. It's not even as bad as I remember it. It was kind of good actually

@markpreston6930

4 ай бұрын

You are a fool. There are thousands of kick ass current bands. Led Zeppelin sucks.

It's been over 10 years and I still remember this moment. It was iconic, ICONIC. UP there with Susan Boyle in Britian's Got Talent. One of the best memories that came out of American Idol

Simon is a wet blanket. I am glad you took his passive message of "do homework" as you will continue to work hard rather than his negative attitude

@shubs3566

4 ай бұрын

Simon is a wannabe alpha male - but just comes across as a piece of turd instead.

Coming from a person who has sang since I was out of the womb, you hit every note and pretty damn well! Even minor notes and with no prior training? I give that an 11/10! Anyway Simon’s opinion doesn’t matter his face is melting off and he is a grumpy old crow. I LOVE YOU WILL YOU ROCK!

And thus a star was born

I like him. He's entertaining, he's got really good attitude, I like the way he spoke to Simon and I think he should have his own show. I think he should either be a stand up comedian or an entertainer. Or maybe even an actor.

@WilliamHungOfficial

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man! I'll be launching my own podcast later this year. Stay tuned!

I don’t even watch American Idol but I know William Hung. What a f*kin legend. 🍻

Most unforgettable audition ever 😂❤

If only every human was this genuine.

I'm so glad this still exists and even had the extended version. I love you William ♥

I was 14 yr old when I saw this audition now I'm 33 and I love it

William’s charm is that he is so sincere and pure. Simon…. not so much!

I'm proud that you took the chance and auditioned. It took great courage and despite not making the cut, I loved it! You're a hero in my book.

I remember a lot of my friends used to make fun of him when this aired, but so many of them weren’t (and still aren’t) able to stay in key, but William does it effortlessly. Glad to know he’s still singing and even making videos for people :)

To be honest, almost every note was spot on. Pretty good:) Perhaps not a professional singer performance - but passionate, entertaining and sweet! 🌞

@oscarandrade2780

10 ай бұрын

Seriously though!

@AdamStacey

8 ай бұрын

Exactly. William hit all the right pitches and the melody was actually pretty challenging. What does it say about Simon and Randy that these judges couldn’t distinguish between someone singing the notes correctly or not?

paula.. she is so kind and a great person

@djnoy842

4 ай бұрын

She is so nice!

I love him he’s so cute

He may not have gotten through, but with his enthusiasm, attitude and smile he's making the world smile 20 years later.

The way this guy had a chokehold on all of us in 2004

The fact that William HIMSELF is the one who posted the video makes me so happy. Mad respect, you’re a legend in a super cool shirt! 👕 You poured out your heart that day and I hope you put that same heart into designing bridges for good citizens, as a civil engineer 🫡👏🏻 Forever in out hearts 🙏🏻

Believe that an Asian is SERIOUS about something when he misses 2 DAYS of school for it!!!

@Bubba603

11 ай бұрын

He’s worth a half million

@13nikedunks

10 ай бұрын

What’s your point?

@DW-op7ly

10 ай бұрын

Well it was make fun of the Asian guy. But then he did make money off of it all. And got his 15 minutes. There are actors we see all the time in movies we couldn't name

After all these years, still the best. The most sincere, down to earth contestant to come along. With his head properly grounded, too (missing 2 days of classes to attend this audition was a big deal for William as he was seeing the bigger picture in life). As so many said here, William is probably the most remembered of all the contestants.......and the reason as to why is cause in William, we see much of ourselves up there.

Actually, it’s the song choice. William actually sings ok. I am grateful for William Hung as a cultural phenomenon.

You've had such an impressive career. I think Paula, Randy and even Simon would be proud of all you've accomplished.

Oh William! You look so handsome and grown up! Hope you are being successful. You were honestly my favorite audition that didn't make it through

William, you are loved by the entirety of America and the rest of the world. An international treasure truly. I don’t even know the original song, your version always comes to mind and makes me happy!! We love you!!! Thank you for always inspiring us and putting a smile on our faces!!!❤

@CrazyLocoInsane1

5 ай бұрын

This guy definitely has courage and that’s all that matters.

He sings better than me, i dont get why this was so blown out of proportion at the time

Such a classic clip. If you need a genuine smile watch this video. Respect for having the balls to step up. Your the man William!

I like to say he has balls to go on here like that awee🤣💀😍🥰

William Hung inspired many people who can’t sing or has any talent to participate in these talent shows.

Man. I miss these days. American Idol was at the top. EVERYBODY was watching. We still applaud you William.

I remember watching this and almost dying of laughter as a kid.

I remember watching his audition, I was fourteen 😂. He’s still legendary.

Everyone loved this from William hung and no one forgets his amazing genuine attitude!

I appreciated Simon's bluntness 20 years ago, but watching this again today makes me feel bad for the inner pain he must of been masking with his cruelty.

@yeskaitlyn8029

4 ай бұрын

Isn’t it something. Everyone who is “edgy” or cruel ends up being the ones who are struggling the most

3:10 All 3 are bobbing along with him including Simon lol you can't say he wasn't entertaining.

15年前、デトロイトのCDショップで彼のアルバムを見つけて以来、彼の歌声が頭から離れません。

Finally The whole Audition, you are a legend Mister William Hung very cool.

Here is an idea....have an America Civil Engineer Idol and make Simon perform, and then tell him bad things if he fails problem solving...LOL

It’s not Christmas unless I listen to Hung For the Holidays.

Say whatever you want about William Hung… there’s plenty. But he was actually on key, he gave it his all and had no regrets. Positive until the very end and he actually built something from this. That’s the American Dream.

I absolutely LOVE William Hung!❤. He is seems so genuine in his singing! Such an inspiration🥰😍. His audition is my favorite American Idol episode ever!!!❤❤

Paula Is so sweet

Dudes a legend 🙌

Legendary, William🙌 I think missing those 2 days of school was totally worth it for this legendary moment!

God bless this man. I would like to add I am so proud and glad to have been around during the 1960's. Todays music has a lot to be desired.❤️🌎☮️🎸🌀👀

This is still my favorite American Idol audition. I always agreed with Paula. I had a blast watching him have fun.

although he does not fit standards, he is still entertaining and charismatic which made him famous ….. he still brings smile and happiness to people’s faces no matter what the reason ✌🏾

I will never forget this, you sir are a legend

Badass from the heart. All smiles. Bet he sleeps better everynight than those judges.

William Hung, was 21 years old when he auditioned for "American Idol" in January 2004. He became one of the earliest viral sensations in recent history after his enthusiastic, yet off-key, rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs." With this year marking the 20th anniversary of his episode, Hung, now 41, said he’s reflecting on his time in the spotlight with immense pride in his composure while spreading his message. “I feel that everyone has a right to try something new without being judged or ridiculed,” Hung said. “It’s OK for people to enjoy themselves.” Much has changed for Hung. He struggled with a gambling addiction for a while, he said, which friends and family helped him overcome. These days, he’s married and working at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a senior stats analyst. He’s still speaking and performing, and he makes occasional movie or television appearances, he said.

His voice is amazing, and even sounds somewhat like Ricky Martin's! I can't believe Simon said that is was "grotesque," but then again, that's annoying Simon. Loved the performance on Leno!

@Nightowl7982

10 ай бұрын

Yeah he always sucked

Paula is just the sweetest

This was such a sweet and hilarious audition. William you are a legend and an inspiration mate! It was hilarious when Simon said "I didnt'. He was horrible at times but it was funny! This was when AI was at its best with Simon, Paula and Randy. It was never the same when they left the show.

I am the same age as you William and I laughed at you when I first saw this. It's 20 years late but I am sorry; what you did took tremendous guts and you faced it head on without regret amidst heavy criticism and that's something we all can learn and strive to be. You were a badass for doing that.

Back when American Idol was amazing 😂😂

He became an American idol without winning the show.

Oh my gosh, look how young he is! Precious. “I am here to sing to America” ❤ my hearttttt. God bless him. I’m so glad he ended up being such a big success, his fame surpassed almost everyone that was on this show, even the winners

What's funny is I have forgotten over half of the people who made it to the top 12, but I always remember him. What a trooper!

He's actually cute

Paula is such a wonderful person, very very sweet.

What a legend and what a response to Simon's shade.

They should bring him back for a reunion. He was funny.