William Hung Postscript
 

NEW YORK (AP) -- Who needs "American Idol"? William Hung doesn't -- he already has a recording contract.

The singer, who became a fan favorite -- but not a judges' favorite -- during open auditions for the Fox series with his spirited version of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs," has signed a deal with Fuse Music Network and Koch Records.

His debut album, tentatively titled "The True Idol," is scheduled for release April 6, it was announced Monday. It will contain "She Bangs," along with another Martin hit, "Shake Your Bon Bon," and a cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man," which Hung sang recently on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

And for those of you hankering for more Hung, the disc will include a 40-minute DVD with behind-the-scenes footage from his studio recording sessions and fan questions and answers.

"He may not be the next American Idol, but he is definitely a star and inspiration to everyone who sings in the shower," said Marc Juris, president of Fuse, which will exclusively air his "She Bangs" video.

Koch Records general manager Alan Grunblatt was even more effusive: "He is the new Elvis!"

Hung, a 21-year-old Hong Kong native and civil engineering student at the University of California, Berkeley, has inspired fan clubs and Web sites that sing his praises.

Meanwhile, back at "American Idol," eight of the 12 finalists have been chosen. The remaining four will be announced this week when "wild card" singers -- those who didn't get enough votes the first time -- come back for a second chance.

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Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The joke has now officially gone too far.

Someday, somewhere, somehow, this is going to be the most embarrassing album someone owns.

Go William!!!!!!

Is it just me or do other people think he might be mentally retarded?

This isn't even a photoshop...this is from his site!

Good Lord...

Edit: well, it is a photoshop, but a Hung-sanctioned one. Kinda takes the fun out of making fun of him, when he's doing it himself.

Good for him. The kid is completely honest about everything, and seems to enjoy himself. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

He is a civil-engineering student at Cal...so I am guessing "no"...

He's just gloriously naive about the world, which makes him sound like a 6 year old stuck in the body of a 14 year old, posing as a 20-something college student.

I am ashamed to work in the music industry.

The novelty will wear off quickly. The "She Bangs" performance is still entertaining, but on American Idol, he sang another song (I can't remember what it was, but it was a ballad) that was God-awful to listen to. It wasn't entertaining, it was just painful.

If you were this guy, how could you sign a contract without a clause in there specifying that the title of your first (ok, so we all know it will be only) album has to be "I'm Hung"?

Maybe now he can afford some braces?

I'm gonna buy one as soon as it comes out.

This guy's 15 minutes shows what a joke reality television is, so I support that.

I also would much rather this guy get a little cut of my money than all the assfaces in Hollywood. So I'll buy one. And probably never listen to it. :D

Funny thing I saw last night. Simon's forray into Movies, From Justin to Kelly, was selling for 5.50 in the "big walmart dvd bin." Almost picked it up.

Actual, as a side note, Simon had nothing to do with that. He's been on record saying it was a bad idea. I don't believe he has anything to do with the whole Idol touring group or much else after the first album is cut...

I had the misfortune to flip to it...I think, if I remember right, it was "Can you feel the love tonight?"...reached new depths of awfulness. I sat watching, and it was like looking at a terrible car crash.

What is the big thing with this guy? Not very good looking, can't sing or dance, only does cover stuff, minimal personality or much to say about anything of consequence, and not even intriguing in a "nasty" way (like a Britney Spears or such, who can't sing either and doesn't say much interesting, but at least she can dance a little and well....you can look at her). I fail to see the draw. :)

Assume nothing until you've seen the sort of entitlements given out by the California state university system.

so wait - you pondered buying "From Justin, to Kelly?"

You are so angry. Carmen Electra told me you should try a coffee enema...

Make it a hazelnut latte, and you've got a deal.

William Hung may just be the smartest person alive. He's turned a funny audition for American Idol into a business for himself. He's going to make a lot of money (if he hasn't already).

On another note, it's not funny anymore.

I agree. I tried watching some of the other clips...him at college or on Ellen...and it just didn't have the same humor as the original moment on Idol...

No, it didn't. Even his second performance of the same song on American Idol lacked that original spark. Perhaps it was because he didn't stop in mid-song, and in response to Simon's critique, make "that face." In case I haven't said it before, "that face" literally - and I mean literally - made my wife pee her pants.

Further reinforcement for my belief that pop culture absolutely sucks! I pretty much loathe most music that becomes popular because so seldom is there any genuine quality attached to it.