William Hung - American Idol 'She Bangs' extended audition - season 3 2004

[@MarketingMelodie]

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

[@WilliamHungOfficial]

Thanks Melodie!

[@bryanferguson4927]

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

[@sovietonion72]

@@WilliamHungOfficial It's a yes from me 🤣

[@miamijefe7793]

Maybe y'all should go out on a date?

[@RyantheCanuckpirate]

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

[@artemioolivas5689]

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

[@samwrought5650]

💯

[@Captain_Neckbeard]

That's a great mindset.

[@leeknievel748]

Uhhhh, yeahhh he's not

[@dimitrijames00001]

​@leeknievel748 you're here aren't you

[@bud385]

And I have NO Pwofessional training.

[@BlameTheMedia]

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

[@BreGrateful]

Kelly Clarkson 👀

[@holdem5180]

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]

@@BreGrateful Who? lol jk

[@alexanderwright5248]

Carrie Underwhere??

[@DisneyWorldFix]

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.

[@dwnrange7812]

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

[@clementwang7097]

He made millions of dollars.

[@thomasbhofsocal5324]

Good Point!

[@courtneyward7149]

Facts!

[@jerryp7721]

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

[@andrewvanwechel2426]

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

[@itsKWhile]

Funny thing is I think he makes music now. Lots are never heard of again

[@jlacson74]

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

[@fonzieskatesurf]

Smash ❣️

[@j-tenn226]

@@fonzieskatesurfsmash what?

[@tacomaamocat4309]

And then she used Mexican labor workers as chairs ; )

[@danielchala1621]

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

[@hypr1]

@@danielchala1621 Lol yeah she was talking to him like her son after he handed her his art project

[@lesihei6869]

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!

[@mrog5481]

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

[@BreGrateful]

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]

I know right!!

[@coleusmc1979]

I feel the same way, so crazy

[@hannahroberts673]

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

[@jak3140]

I’m with y’all he did his best

[@charlenealberto84]

So true! He was on key!

[@carmenascheid144]

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

[@marlonmendoza2882]

- I gave my best and i have no regrets at all- William Hung Press like if you agree that we all can learn from it.

[@MrYoumitube]

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.

[@ChipDouglas10]

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]

He low key won that years American Idol

[@shawnroney7449]

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

[@marianne3802]

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

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

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]

I look back an simon hasnt aged...

[@aveirenses]

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

[@limkientiong]

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

[@aveirenses]

@@anjr6282 look him up on Wikipedia

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

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

[@yomiwilliams4368]

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

[@sipwhitemocha]

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

[@Crey-yk5yy]

And didn't give a F about surgeries like maybe more than half of East Asians with blurry or missing 4yo pics. William is honest to goodness.

[@RTU130]

👍

[@hanyello2056]

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

[@Kagekivx]

Inflated confidence and self-esteem leading to delusion. He is still famous for being a terrible singer.

[@dttra566]

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.

[@Emy-fv5ny]

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

[@94XJ]

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]

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

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

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

[@francismonroe969]

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]

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

[@Beebzinthehouse]

@@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

[@weirdalpopovich]

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

[@Tgogators]

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

[@amihan99]

​@@Tgogatorswho are the contestants like those?

[@MayLily]

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

[@Tgogators]

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

[@ghambino1]

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.

[@bvabildtrup]

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

[@katharsis3754]

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

[@burnyizland]

Grotesque: "strange and unpleasant, especially in a silly or slightly frightening way." ~Cambridge Dictionary Seems pretty bang on to me.

[@dytr-kHRM.tv-221.25bm]

@@katharsis3754 he said that after he called it grotesque dumbass

[@michaelnotigan7796]

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.

[@jacktorrance2633]

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!

[@mbrow]

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]

Smile ? I love him , he makes me lol

[@aliceinwonderland3229]

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.

[@theunhingedjournee]

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.

[@NeonKC]

William Hung was a national sensation. Absolute legend

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

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]

😂

[@tonypastor705]

chaja95- yeah, we believe you 😅

[@aarondavid5866]

for being a joke

[@brandonsmith2299]

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!

[@lightyearpig12]

He didn't even make it to the actual show, but he still had the time of his life.

[@Channelofages]

He got a small record deal from the publicity lol. He also covers I believe I can fly, on it.

[@Faith.is.Awake.notwoke]

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

[@fonzieskatesurf]

for Smash

[@katharsis3754]

What's to "love"? Lmao

[@dougb4835]

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]

Shouldn"t you be out on a ledge somewhere?

[@dougb4835]

@@holdem5180 you’re trying too hard.

[@SilverHammer1969]

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.❤️🌎☮️🎸🌀👀

[@anthonyzamudio7741]

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

[@zhinningenge1754]

This audition always puts a smile on my face. I can't imagine anyone else singing it.

[@EonSlumber]

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

[@nube1302]

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

[@uk7900]

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

[@aim6613]

And thus a star was born

[@raynadark118]

It takes guts to sing in front of people, especially after hearing what Simon said. He was very blunt about it. Take it and shine!

[@brocklee1996]

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

[@jrssww]

Resonates*

[@andrewferguson8032]

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

[@jrssww]

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

[@andrewferguson8032]

@@jrssww I know. I was joking

[@skgord1]

After this audition, they made a TV show months later ,it was called American idol rejects. William Hung and few other contestants appeared on the show. Then William Hung got an album and made millions. He did better than most of the contestants that audition that year.

[@PleatherGirl]

William Hung is a legend.

[@rickimhotep1236]

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

[@chinesejohn812]

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

[@onmas909]

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]

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

[@Beebzinthehouse]

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!

[@margob6203]

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!

[@youknow2849]

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!

[@sydneykochan2388]

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]

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

[@kylesykrebs]

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

[@LindaBlake10]

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

[@coastaltherapist]

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!!!❤❤

[@ukulele_cheri]

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.

[@this_is_NOT_a_test]

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

[@Bubba603]

He’s worth a half million

[@13nikedunks]

What’s your point?

[@DW-op7ly]

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

[@megstasy]

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 🙏🏻

[@sharp.x]

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

[@failureguypodcast3551]

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

[@FoigTCG]

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 :)

[@tbonemaloneknowsitall]

THIS IS THE GREATEST AUDITION OF ALL TIME. IT LAUNCHED WILLIAM INTO THE STRATOSPHERE!!! HE'S HUGE IN ASIA !!!

[@sashlipinski7034]

If only every human was this genuine.

[@tooruoikawa8985]

Let’s be real, that was actually great for someone who wasn’t a professional singer. That really was nowhere near the worst audition they had. People envy those who are confident and want to snuff the light that burns within them with envy. William gave it his all and most people don’t try at anything!

[@gioiaferrante]

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.

[@mekenna6214]

i can absolutely feel that he sings from the heart, i can’t hear him sing without doing a lil dance

[@bryanferguson4927]

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

[@WereWolf2583]

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

[@WilliamHungOfficial]

Appreciate your support!

[@WereWolf2583]

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]

@@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]

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

[@EmilyElizabethxox]

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

[@JJLewis-so1iq]

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

[@aig1111]

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

[@charlie-zc6bj]

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

[@rc....]

Most unforgettable audition ever 😂❤

[@judilynn9569]

Thing is...he actually sang the song RIGHT. He had the correct rhythm and was in tune. He just sang it with an accent and can't dance. I think he wound up putting out a CD.

[@josephlewis9237]

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]

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

[@indigomoon777]

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

[@missld6856]

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

[@michaelvibritannia]

Guys got more balls than most people in this world. Chased his dreams. Even tho he failed, he doesn’t have to live with the “what if” question in the back of his mind the rest of his life. Great effort William!!

[@nataliecavalli331]

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

[@oscarandrade2780]

Seriously though!

[@AdamStacey]

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?

[@jessicamadere]

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

[@ピロ式-i2m]

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。

[@philipgallo8779]

The 2 days of school emphasis on how big a sacrifice that it was had me dying. Asian culture don’t mess around with education 😂

[@jimbooo1365]

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

[@atomatopia1]

He sounds like he would do really well with some light professional training. Dude’s got pitch, rhythm and motivation down, all that’s really left is improving vocal strength, accuracy, flexibility, and developing a good tone. It sounds like a lot, but I think developing an ear for pitch and rhythm and motivation to consistently practice is by far the hardest part of becoming a strong singer, with accuracy being the next closest, imo

[@robertjonez5]

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

[@kiaoraaa]

The reaction of Simon 2:22 after he asked what William is going to sing “fantastic” 😂

[@idonthaveone50]

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

[@JEP-Tech]

I revisited this after hearing that Raygun might make millions after her terrible performance at the 2024 Olympics with her break dancing. She is officially the William Hung of the Olympics and oh how "she bangs". She gave it her best shot and it will inspire millions of people to break dance, because you don't need talent to take risks and put yourself out there.

[@cadebecker2486]

This was actually better than most music now days.

[@herculesbrofister265]

Sigh

[@SmeagolTheGreat]

Better rapping than those mumble rappers 😂

[@areanaangel8964]

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]

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

[@dunkirito8308]

Bro knows nothing about music 💀

[@mikey6538]

paula.. she is so kind and a great person

[@djnoy842]

She is so nice!

[@sadem1045]

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

[@RelateGREAT]

Dude, you are a class act! You are 100% right--you put your whole self in and did your best. That may not count for winning American Idol, but that kind of attitude counts in winning life. You are so likable, sincere, genuine, and pleasant. What a great human. I haven't watched this performance in years, but I was just watching Arrested Development again and was reminded you are play as The Hung Jury! Ha ha! Awesome! Well-deserved that you got a part... all because you put yourself out there. Well done, good sir.

[@Sabi1234567890Asdf]

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

[@jessickalush3305]

Sir William. I just wanted to say that youve been sn inspiration to me. Your spirit is powerful. Sending you love from Charlotte Michigan.

[@jacintonegro]

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

[@slimshead8100]

It’s unreal how much nicer Simon has been to everyone for a few years now. He isn’t remotely as mean as he used to be, no matter how bad someone may be.

[@sarahlee2121]

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

[@gtd9536]

"William, you're the best." Is what I remember most. The gesture by Paula is so sweet.

[@pfloydsux]

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

[@derrickbronson3099]

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 ✌🏾

[@corporatepresident]

I prefer William Hung for being a natural, as compared with many others with tendency of putting up a mask to pretend someone they are not.

[@lancomedic]

I actually searched for this because it was so memorable.

[@Chaplin1219]

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

[@schuncke]

He made a video of this song that was legit . Had a job on Bay Area tv hosting a show . He did more with this audition than 95% of people who went on to Hollywood .

[@lonniecruel3]

Looking back on this... William did his thing. Good sport, positive attitude, and was genuine.