William Hung
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William Hung is a Hong Kong-born American singer who gained fame for his memorable appearance on the television series American Idol. Born on January 13, 1983, in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, Hung moved to the United States during his youth and later became known for his enthusiastic performances, particularly his rendition of Ricky Martin's hit song "She Bangs.”
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 13 Jan, 1983
- Age
- 37 yrs
- Occupations
- Actor
Singer
Poker player
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- United States of America
- Birth Place
- Sha Tin
- Education
- University of California, Berkeley
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- American singer
- Net Worth 2021
- 600 thousand
People Mentioned in This Biography
Early Life and Education
Hung attended John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California, before enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. He initially studied civil engineering but left the university to pursue a career in music after gaining nationwide attention from his American Idol audition.
American Idol Fame
Hung auditioned for American Idol in 2004, where his unpolished yet spirited performance of "She Bangs" quickly turned him into a pop culture sensation. While he did not advance far in the competition, his audition went viral and earned him a passionate fan base due to his positive attitude and unique persona.
Music Career and Album Releases
Following his unexpected rise to fame, Hung signed a record deal with Koch Entertainment in 2004. His debut album, Inspiration, produced by Giuseppe D, was recorded over karaoke tracks. The album sold approximately 200,000 copies and reached the number one spot on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart. He later released two more albums: Hung for the Holidays, which sold about 35,000 copies, and Miracle: Happy Summer from William Hung, which sold around 7,000 copies.
