The third time is the charm for American Idol alum William Hung as he celebrates his first anniversary with his third wife, Hannah Du, whom he married last May. Hung, who won over hearts 20 years ago when his Idol audition went viral, shared a heartfelt anniversary message on his Instagram page on Monday, May 6, where he said he is “so grateful” he found the woman of his dreams. “Wow! I can’t believe today is my 1st wedding anniversary with Hannah!” Hung wrote alongside a slideshow of photos and videos of the couple in Yunnan, China. He continued, “What an amazing first year we had together. I am so grateful to find her. We went through our ups and downs, but I am now ready to thrive together.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by William Hung (@williamhungofficial) Hung, 41, who now works as a statistical analyst for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,...
- 5/8/2024
- TV Insider
In my earliest years, the evening didn’t end until Vanna White said good night.
I was in one of the parts of America where “Wheel of Fortune” comes on after “Jeopardy!”. And I’d insist on staying up past the last ad break to hear the chat between White and “Wheel” host Pat Sajak for 45 seconds or so, wrapping on a sincere-sounding sendoff that gave me the all-clear to trundle up the stairs.
Why did I have to wait for the last moments with Vanna? Well, part of it was a child’s literalism: she hadn’t said good night, so it wasn’t yet that time. But part, too, was an attempt to wring out every last moment of White’s particular charm from “Wheel’s” half-hour. White — perhaps even more than Sajak, a consummate emcee of the old school — seemed to represent in one person what “Wheel” was all about.
I was in one of the parts of America where “Wheel of Fortune” comes on after “Jeopardy!”. And I’d insist on staying up past the last ad break to hear the chat between White and “Wheel” host Pat Sajak for 45 seconds or so, wrapping on a sincere-sounding sendoff that gave me the all-clear to trundle up the stairs.
Why did I have to wait for the last moments with Vanna? Well, part of it was a child’s literalism: she hadn’t said good night, so it wasn’t yet that time. But part, too, was an attempt to wring out every last moment of White’s particular charm from “Wheel’s” half-hour. White — perhaps even more than Sajak, a consummate emcee of the old school — seemed to represent in one person what “Wheel” was all about.
- 7/10/2023
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
As host Ryan Seacrest noted, William Hung went viral as an “American Idol” contestant long before viral videos were a thing, and so it was fitting Hung returned for the show’s 20th anniversary celebration Monday night.
Hung performed the very song he auditioned with back in Season 3, way back in 2004 — “She Bangs” by Ricky Martin — looking much the same as he did almost two decades ago.
Turns out, Hung is now a motivational speaker. So, Seacrest asked what he tells those who attend his talks.
“I tell people I believe everyone has a right to try something new without being judged or ridiculed,” Hung said to cheers. (You can watch his performance and interview below.)
Hung wasn’t the only face from the “Idol” archives who visited Monday night’s broadcast.
Previous winners Ruben Studdard (Season 2) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6) performed a duet together.
An all-grown-up David Archuleta came...
Hung performed the very song he auditioned with back in Season 3, way back in 2004 — “She Bangs” by Ricky Martin — looking much the same as he did almost two decades ago.
Turns out, Hung is now a motivational speaker. So, Seacrest asked what he tells those who attend his talks.
“I tell people I believe everyone has a right to try something new without being judged or ridiculed,” Hung said to cheers. (You can watch his performance and interview below.)
Hung wasn’t the only face from the “Idol” archives who visited Monday night’s broadcast.
Previous winners Ruben Studdard (Season 2) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6) performed a duet together.
An all-grown-up David Archuleta came...
- 5/3/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
“American Idol” marked its 20th birthday on Monday night with “The Great Idol Reunion,” a one-hour special featuring past “Idol” contestants and judges and celebrating the show’s history, both during its years on Fox and its current home on ABC.
“Tonight we are opening the Idol yearbook,” said host Ryan Seacrest as he revealed the “Idol” VIP area, which included such familiar faces as Tamyra Gray, Pia Toscano, Anthony Federov, Brooke White, Justin Guarini, William Hung, and Seacrest’s unforgettable frosted hair.
Wasting no time getting to Hung, whose name is “synonymous with ‘American Idol,'” noted Seacrest, he returned to the stage to reprise his epic Ricky Martin performance of “She Bangs” as former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson felt right at home alongside the current panel of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
In classic Abdul form, she kicked into Paula-speak, which fans surely fondly remember.
“Tonight we are opening the Idol yearbook,” said host Ryan Seacrest as he revealed the “Idol” VIP area, which included such familiar faces as Tamyra Gray, Pia Toscano, Anthony Federov, Brooke White, Justin Guarini, William Hung, and Seacrest’s unforgettable frosted hair.
Wasting no time getting to Hung, whose name is “synonymous with ‘American Idol,'” noted Seacrest, he returned to the stage to reprise his epic Ricky Martin performance of “She Bangs” as former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson felt right at home alongside the current panel of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
In classic Abdul form, she kicked into Paula-speak, which fans surely fondly remember.
- 5/3/2022
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- Variety Film + TV
In celebration of the milestone 20th season, “American Idol” greats Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Willie Spence, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Grace Kinstler, Laci Kaye Booth and additional surprise guests will reunite on the “Idol” stage for a night of unforgettable performances.
Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will have some guests as well when OGs Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul return to the judging panel. “American Idol” airs Monday, May 2 (8:00-9:01 p.m. Edt), on ABC and is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
See Meet the Top 7 finalists competing for America’s vote [Photos]
Below, follow our live blog for “American Idol” Season 20 Episode 17 recap: The Great Idol Reunion. Timestamps are Eastern Standard Time. Hit refresh to see the most up-to-date thoughts on this 20th season reunion special!
8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol,” the Top...
Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will have some guests as well when OGs Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul return to the judging panel. “American Idol” airs Monday, May 2 (8:00-9:01 p.m. Edt), on ABC and is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
See Meet the Top 7 finalists competing for America’s vote [Photos]
Below, follow our live blog for “American Idol” Season 20 Episode 17 recap: The Great Idol Reunion. Timestamps are Eastern Standard Time. Hit refresh to see the most up-to-date thoughts on this 20th season reunion special!
8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol,” the Top...
- 5/3/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
It was a homecoming on American Idol as familiar faces from over the show’s last 20 seasons returned to sing on “The Great Idol Reunion.” The VIP Idol Alumni Lounge was also teeming with past contestants. Og judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson joined the current panel of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. And they weren’t the only surprises: The screaming girls who went viral in 2008 for their emotional reaction to David Archuleta not winning Idol actually met him in 2022. Host Ryan Seacrest sort of brought back the blond tips when introducing the first season’s runner-up, Justin Guarini. We even got a little “She Bangs” from William Hung, who is now a motivational speaker. The current competition took a break for a fun trip down a musical memory lane. Twelve alums came back for six duets to celebrate the Idol milestone: two decades of creating singing superstars.
- 5/3/2022
- TV Insider
“American Idol” auditions continued with the fourth episode of Season 20 on Sunday, March 20. This installment of the ABC reality TV competition definitely delivered on talent and judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were left inspired and, at times, in tears.
So who was the best of the night? And did these aspiring stars choose the right songs? Below I rank each hopeful from the least impressive (but with room to grow) to a possible Season 20 frontrunner. I also throw in a song suggestion or artist I’d love to hear them cover.
See Everything to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 20
Below are my rankings for all 10 Hollywood-bound singers from worst to best:
10. Thomas Patrick Moran: With no lack of personality and enthusiasm, he swept the “Idol” audition room up like a force of nature. Vocally, Thomas left a bit to be desired. My initial gut feeling is that...
So who was the best of the night? And did these aspiring stars choose the right songs? Below I rank each hopeful from the least impressive (but with room to grow) to a possible Season 20 frontrunner. I also throw in a song suggestion or artist I’d love to hear them cover.
See Everything to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 20
Below are my rankings for all 10 Hollywood-bound singers from worst to best:
10. Thomas Patrick Moran: With no lack of personality and enthusiasm, he swept the “Idol” audition room up like a force of nature. Vocally, Thomas left a bit to be desired. My initial gut feeling is that...
- 3/21/2022
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
You know that sweet spot during a vacation when you finally let go and forget what day it is? That’s pretty much where we are with American Idol right now, as we enter the seventh hour of Season 20 auditions.
And since we’ve already lost all concept of time, let’s begin this week’s recap with 21-year-old Zaréh, a fashion stylist whose mother happens to be Nadia Turner, one of the Top 8 finalists from Idol‘s fourth season. More than 15 years after her mother’s Idol journey, Zaréh surprised Turner by bringing her to the audition in a blindfold.
And since we’ve already lost all concept of time, let’s begin this week’s recap with 21-year-old Zaréh, a fashion stylist whose mother happens to be Nadia Turner, one of the Top 8 finalists from Idol‘s fourth season. More than 15 years after her mother’s Idol journey, Zaréh surprised Turner by bringing her to the audition in a blindfold.
- 3/21/2022
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Who is Todrick Hall? The American entertainer rose to fame in 2010 thanks to his stint on the ninth season of “American Idol,” in which he made it to the Top 16. He parlayed that success into his YouTube channel, where millions of fans watched his music performances and comedy videos. MTV then produced a reality TV series titled “Todrick” in 2015 that chronicled his work in the industry and his desire to be a role model for other queer people of color. A year later, Hall joined up with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” where he became a choreographer and judge. More recently, he has found success as a singer-songwriter for four studio albums and as a contestant on “The Masked Singer” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Read on for seven fun facts about Todrick Hall.
1. A Broadway beginning
Hall’s big break came in 2008 when he joined the Broadway ensemble of “The Color Purple,...
1. A Broadway beginning
Hall’s big break came in 2008 when he joined the Broadway ensemble of “The Color Purple,...
- 2/24/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The Black List, the buzzy compendium of the year’s most-liked unproduced Hollywood screenplays, revealed its 2021 titles Monday, with Daniel Jackson’s comedy script Cauliflower topping the 17th annual list, which ran the gamut from biopics on Kanye West, William Hung, Michael Bay, Shania Twain, Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan among others to comedies, music-based and youth-centered plots.
This year’s list was presented by Black Lady Sketch Show‘s Ashley Nicole Black and Gabrielle Dennis, who showcased a total of 73 screenplays and 71 writers/writing teams that were selected from votes by more than 375 film finance and production executives.
Cauliflower led the pack with 32 total votes. The plot: Under the cruel guidance of a mysterious coach, an ambitious high school wrestler struggles to become a state champion while battling a bizarre infection in his ear that both makes him dominant in his sport and threatens his sanity. UTA and Bellevue Management rep Jackson,...
This year’s list was presented by Black Lady Sketch Show‘s Ashley Nicole Black and Gabrielle Dennis, who showcased a total of 73 screenplays and 71 writers/writing teams that were selected from votes by more than 375 film finance and production executives.
Cauliflower led the pack with 32 total votes. The plot: Under the cruel guidance of a mysterious coach, an ambitious high school wrestler struggles to become a state champion while battling a bizarre infection in his ear that both makes him dominant in his sport and threatens his sanity. UTA and Bellevue Management rep Jackson,...
- 12/13/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
A mother’s love can move mountains. It must in the case of Paul Dood (Tom Meeten) since he doesn’t really have anything else propelling him forward. Did he aspire to be a superstar? No. He merely asked his mom (June Watson’s Julie) if she thought he had what it took while watching an episode of Britain’s Got Talent. She of course said yes. She said he was “better than anyone else on that show.” Love is blind, though, and unwittingly creates lies—Paul is hardly a Susan Boyle with talent to spare if someone would simply give him a chance. He’s not even a William Hung earning views for second-hand embarrassment. He’s lucky to get three viewers per stream: Mum, Clemmie (Katherine Parkinson), and Bruce (Jarred Christmas).
Director Nick Gillespie and co-writers Matthew White and Brook Driver nevertheless introduce their lead with extreme confidence as...
Director Nick Gillespie and co-writers Matthew White and Brook Driver nevertheless introduce their lead with extreme confidence as...
- 8/5/2021
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
2019 selection Nathalie Álvarez Mesén’s Clara Sola plays in Directors’ Fortnight.
Breaking Through The Lens (Bttl), the year-round programme to promote projects by female and non-binary international filmmakers, has unveiled the 10 finalists in this year’s virtual pitching event at the Marché.
They include: Dina Amer’s Cain And Abel (Egypt-France-us) about two French-born Muslims caught on either side of the 2015 Charlie Hedbo attack; Nihaarika Negi’s horror Feral (US) about the arrival of a shaman on a colonial estate in 1950s India; Tricia Lee’s Idol (US), a musical biopic about the celebrated American Idol contestant William Hung; Celine Cotran...
Breaking Through The Lens (Bttl), the year-round programme to promote projects by female and non-binary international filmmakers, has unveiled the 10 finalists in this year’s virtual pitching event at the Marché.
They include: Dina Amer’s Cain And Abel (Egypt-France-us) about two French-born Muslims caught on either side of the 2015 Charlie Hedbo attack; Nihaarika Negi’s horror Feral (US) about the arrival of a shaman on a colonial estate in 1950s India; Tricia Lee’s Idol (US), a musical biopic about the celebrated American Idol contestant William Hung; Celine Cotran...
- 7/10/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
This service, Cameo, is more or less a service that offers personalized videos that are performed by a person’s favorite celebrities and can run anywhere from $22.50, for William Hung who will sing “She Bangs” to well into the thousands, as Caitlyn Jenner appears to be charging the most, because as we all know the Jenner/Kardashian clan needs the money. Yes, that was entirely sarcastic, and so is saying that this is the greatest idea ever since the fact that people are paying for this, to hear a personalized video from a favorite actor, is about as around the bend
Brian Baumgartner Has Made Over $1 Million on Cameo in 2020...
Brian Baumgartner Has Made Over $1 Million on Cameo in 2020...
- 12/16/2020
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
It was the bang heard around the world. On this day 20 years ago, Ricky Martin released “She Bangs,” the first single from his album “Sound Loaded.” Written by Desmond Child, Walter Afanasieff, Robi Draco Rosa and Glenn Monroig, the infectious dance hit peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Martin his second-most successful single behind “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and earning the Puerto Rican star a Grammy nomination in 2001.
The song was an extension of the Latin explosion which arrived on the eve of the millenium but it would return four years later when an impressionable 20-year-old civil engineering student auditioned with “She Bangs” on “American Idol” and truly made it his own. In that one moment, with then-judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson looking on bewildered, William Hung became an instant phenomenon.
Hung asserted his desire to make a living in the music industry, bravely performing...
The song was an extension of the Latin explosion which arrived on the eve of the millenium but it would return four years later when an impressionable 20-year-old civil engineering student auditioned with “She Bangs” on “American Idol” and truly made it his own. In that one moment, with then-judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson looking on bewildered, William Hung became an instant phenomenon.
Hung asserted his desire to make a living in the music industry, bravely performing...
- 9/22/2020
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- Variety Film + TV
After a so-so revival last year when ABC took over “American Idol,” most fans are in agreement that the talent on display on Season 17 is a giant leap for singing kind. The show overall seems to be more entertaining. Yes, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are never going to be as scathingly funny as Simon Cowell in his snide heyday. But their personalities and musical knowledge complement each other and all three seem quite genuine in their quest to help the contestants to up their games.
Very early in this current edition of the show, the words “best season ever” were uttered. It is all subjective, of course, but with just one more episode and the three-hour finale left, No. 17 could go down in “Idol’ ‘history talent-wise once a winner is crowned. Of course, factoring into that assessment will be the winner’s post-show success as well.
Very early in this current edition of the show, the words “best season ever” were uttered. It is all subjective, of course, but with just one more episode and the three-hour finale left, No. 17 could go down in “Idol’ ‘history talent-wise once a winner is crowned. Of course, factoring into that assessment will be the winner’s post-show success as well.
- 5/11/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
“There is only one resemblance you have to Mariah Carey and that is your hair. You have one of the worst voices I’ve ever heard truthfully. It is absolutely terrible you can’t sing.”
“If I were you, I’d phone up the War Department and volunteer your services because you just invented a new form of torture.”
“Are you taking singing lessons? Who is your teacher? Do you have a lawyer? Get a lawyer and sue her.”
Sigh. Anyone who watched “American Idol” in its early glory days will recall the explosive reactions when Simon Cowell would throw verbal napalm on delusional so-called singers who thought they were the second coming of Whitney Houston or Marvin Gaye. Randy Jackson would say “dawg” a lot and Paula Adbul would mumble some random words that added up to a “no.” But Cowell scathingly came through loud and clear.
A truly...
“If I were you, I’d phone up the War Department and volunteer your services because you just invented a new form of torture.”
“Are you taking singing lessons? Who is your teacher? Do you have a lawyer? Get a lawyer and sue her.”
Sigh. Anyone who watched “American Idol” in its early glory days will recall the explosive reactions when Simon Cowell would throw verbal napalm on delusional so-called singers who thought they were the second coming of Whitney Houston or Marvin Gaye. Randy Jackson would say “dawg” a lot and Paula Adbul would mumble some random words that added up to a “no.” But Cowell scathingly came through loud and clear.
A truly...
- 3/11/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
In case you didn’t remember, Mariah Carey was a judge during “American Idol”s 12th season and didn’t have the greatest time sitting next to Keith Urban, Randy Jackson and Nicki Minaj. In fact, she now calls it a rather “bleak experience.”
That stint was so horrible for her that when the singer stopped by “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to promote her new Las Vegas show, Jimmy Kimmel asked her if she had warned her friend and former touring partner Lionel Richie about signing on for ABC’s reboot.
“Is it true that you told him not to do ‘American Idol’ when he was thinking about whether or not he should judge it?” he asked Carey.
Also Read: William Hung, Sanjaya and Other 'American Idol' Alums Parody 'We Are the World' (Video)
“If I didn’t, I should have,” Carey she responded to laughter from the audience.
That stint was so horrible for her that when the singer stopped by “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to promote her new Las Vegas show, Jimmy Kimmel asked her if she had warned her friend and former touring partner Lionel Richie about signing on for ABC’s reboot.
“Is it true that you told him not to do ‘American Idol’ when he was thinking about whether or not he should judge it?” he asked Carey.
Also Read: William Hung, Sanjaya and Other 'American Idol' Alums Parody 'We Are the World' (Video)
“If I didn’t, I should have,” Carey she responded to laughter from the audience.
- 6/7/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Jimmy Kimmel has got to get a better lock on his bedroom door. Or a wife who isn’t so willing to allow singers to sneak into their home late at night to give him a horrifying wakeup call.
Seriously, the late-night host has suffered through this problem three times now, thanks to his wife Molly McNearney’s willingness to plan pranks with Rihanna, Britney Spears and now Miley Cyrus.
On Monday’s episode of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” viewers were treated to a pre-taped clip that showed Cyrus coming into Kimmel’s bedroom around 1 a.m. like a “wrecking ball.” Now, it was actually a sledgehammer that Cyrus was hitting Kimmel’s bed with, but she did end up throwing some fake rubble on him and a person dressed as a wrecking ball.
Also Read: William Hung, Sanjaya and Other 'American Idol' Alums Parody 'We Are the...
Seriously, the late-night host has suffered through this problem three times now, thanks to his wife Molly McNearney’s willingness to plan pranks with Rihanna, Britney Spears and now Miley Cyrus.
On Monday’s episode of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” viewers were treated to a pre-taped clip that showed Cyrus coming into Kimmel’s bedroom around 1 a.m. like a “wrecking ball.” Now, it was actually a sledgehammer that Cyrus was hitting Kimmel’s bed with, but she did end up throwing some fake rubble on him and a person dressed as a wrecking ball.
Also Read: William Hung, Sanjaya and Other 'American Idol' Alums Parody 'We Are the...
- 5/22/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
(Spoiler alert: Please don’t read on if you haven’t watched Monday’s season finale of “American Idol”)
Sorry, ABC’s inaugural “American Idol” winner Maddie Poppe — you’ve already been outshined. On Monday, Jimmy Kimmel brought together a bunch of forgotten “Idol” alums like William Hung, Sanjaya Malakar, Chewbacca Girl, and the “Pants on the Ground” guy, “General” Larry Platt, for an all-star parody performance of “We Are the World.”
With all due respect to Sanjaya, there were also some actual good singers in the mix — even winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard showed up for the gag.
Also Read: 'American Idol' Finale: ABC Reboot Names First Winner
Antonella Barba, Kevin Covais, Haley Reinhart, Scott MacIntyre, and Reynaldo Lapuz also participated in the pre-taped sketch. Be honest, reader: How many of them do you actually remember?
Anyway, the entire premise was one big “Where are they now?...
Sorry, ABC’s inaugural “American Idol” winner Maddie Poppe — you’ve already been outshined. On Monday, Jimmy Kimmel brought together a bunch of forgotten “Idol” alums like William Hung, Sanjaya Malakar, Chewbacca Girl, and the “Pants on the Ground” guy, “General” Larry Platt, for an all-star parody performance of “We Are the World.”
With all due respect to Sanjaya, there were also some actual good singers in the mix — even winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard showed up for the gag.
Also Read: 'American Idol' Finale: ABC Reboot Names First Winner
Antonella Barba, Kevin Covais, Haley Reinhart, Scott MacIntyre, and Reynaldo Lapuz also participated in the pre-taped sketch. Be honest, reader: How many of them do you actually remember?
Anyway, the entire premise was one big “Where are they now?...
- 5/22/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Hear What William Hung, Ruben Studdard and More American Idol Alums Are Up to in This Hilarious Song
Maddie Poppe was crowned the winner of American Idol on Monday. While the 19-year-old singer is the show's first champion since its revival on ABC, there were a lot of contestants who came before her over its 15 seasons at Fox. Jimmy Kimmel reunited a few memorable alumni on Monday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and had the past contestants sing about their lives since the show in a song called "Where Are They Now?" The late-night host brought back William Hung, who became famous for singing Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" during his season three audition. He also brought back season six's Sanjaya Malakar, who's remembered for his hair as well as his voice, and Antonella...
- 5/22/2018
- E! Online
Jimmy Kimmel reunited a number of familiar faces from American Idol on Monday night's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The ABC host welcomed past stars such as Sanjaya Malakar, Scott MacIntyre, Kevin Covais, Antonella Barba and tone-deaf fan favorite William Hung for a special "Where are They Now" musical segment.
The former Idol-ers came together in studio to record a song akin to 1985's megastar mashup "We Are the World," that had each singer explaining what they've been up to since their season of the popular singing show. Such doings included being a notary public "right here in ...
The ABC host welcomed past stars such as Sanjaya Malakar, Scott MacIntyre, Kevin Covais, Antonella Barba and tone-deaf fan favorite William Hung for a special "Where are They Now" musical segment.
The former Idol-ers came together in studio to record a song akin to 1985's megastar mashup "We Are the World," that had each singer explaining what they've been up to since their season of the popular singing show. Such doings included being a notary public "right here in ...
- 5/22/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Get ready American Idol fans because the singing competition is returning to ABC on March 11, and there is already one potential breakout star everyone should have on their radar. His name is Will Supple and part of his audition is already going for viral — although it's not because of anything he sang. American Idol judge Katy Perry asked Will if he had any special talents to which he admitted he can quote the entire Mean Girls movie from start to finish. Katy then proceeded to show him her own secret talent which mainly consisted of puffing out part of her neck so she looked like a giant bullfrog. (Photo Credit: ABC) Judging by Will's face, it's safe to say he was impressed. But, there is a lot more to know about Will than just his love for Mean Girls. Keep scrolling and find out more about American Idol contestant! (Photo...
- 3/10/2018
- by Alex Riccardi
- Life and Style
[[tmz:video id="0_g0zjxt89"]] "American Idol" producers are making a Huge mistake by cutting bad auditions from the new version of the show ... so says the king of bad auditions, William Hung! We spoke to Hung shortly after news dropped of the new format ... to go with the all-new judges panel of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. While producers feel those ear-splitting, glass-cutting attempts at singing make the show seem fake ... William says it's AI's calling card.
- 1/10/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Despite being one of the worst singers to ever audition for “American Idol”, William Hung continues to hang onto the fame/notoriety he achieved from his hilariously awkward, tunelessly tone-deaf rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” back in 2004. While Hung’s season-three audition remains a classic moment from “Idol” thanks to its unforgettable awfulness, he delighted […]...
- 8/21/2017
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
[[tmz:video id="0_tps8rd91"]] "American Idol" alum William Hung can still pack a full house, which is exactly what happened on Saturday night at a bar in Arizona. Will -- who went viral for his attempt at Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" on 'A.I.' in 2004 -- played at the Third Base bar in Chandler. We're told the bar booked him for $1k and paid for his airfare and travel just so he could perform there, and Will...
- 8/21/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_34vy5a78"]] William Hung doesn't think Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson betrayed "American Idol" by joining its arch rival, "The Voice" ... and even has a (long shot) plan B for producers. Hung, who's a professional public speaker now, tells us he doesn't begrudge J-Hud and Kelly's decision to jump ship because it's been so long since they were 'Idol' contestants. Even though they, along with Hung, appeared on the big series finale last year on Fox.
- 5/14/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It's American Idol vs. The Voice all over again.
With 12 seasons already under its belt in just six years, The Voice has proven itself a force to be reckoned with in the reality singing competition world, giving stalwart American Idol a run for its money. Now, as Idol prepares for a return to the airwaves on ABC, an epic battle already appears to be brewing.
Watch: Kelly Clarkson Joining 'The Voice' as Season 14 Coach
Idol favorites Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson have each signed on as coaches for The Voice's upcoming 13th and 14th seasons, respectively, essentially nixing any possibility to return to the show that made them famous. This just days after reports surfaced that Idol producers were interested in wooing Clarkson to serve as a judge on its reboot.
"I always thought if they could get Kelly it would be a big deal," Simon Cowell said, indulging his urge...
With 12 seasons already under its belt in just six years, The Voice has proven itself a force to be reckoned with in the reality singing competition world, giving stalwart American Idol a run for its money. Now, as Idol prepares for a return to the airwaves on ABC, an epic battle already appears to be brewing.
Watch: Kelly Clarkson Joining 'The Voice' as Season 14 Coach
Idol favorites Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson have each signed on as coaches for The Voice's upcoming 13th and 14th seasons, respectively, essentially nixing any possibility to return to the show that made them famous. This just days after reports surfaced that Idol producers were interested in wooing Clarkson to serve as a judge on its reboot.
"I always thought if they could get Kelly it would be a big deal," Simon Cowell said, indulging his urge...
- 5/12/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
The internet tends to reward those who aren’t just bad, but bad in a way that’s so incredibly bad that it’s entertaining. Remember how popular William Hung from American Idol was? The “she bangs” guy? How about Rebecca Black? Name sound familiar? These are people who left a mark on us that was so great we just Had to watch them. Enter Ashwin Ramdas. This is a guy who has a Youtube cooking channel that’s got over 20,000 subscribers. Sounds pretty good right? I mean that amount of subscribers is solid. However, he doesn’t have this count because of his
Ashwin’s Hip Foods Considered the Worst Cooking Show On All of Youtube...
Ashwin’s Hip Foods Considered the Worst Cooking Show On All of Youtube...
- 3/30/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
Let's take a look back on all the things that came to an end in 2016.
From celebrities deleting their Instagram accounts to our favorite athletes retiring from the game, Et's rounded up all the TV shows, apps, cute couple names and more that bid their farewell this year.
Watch: 17 Best Red Carpet Looks of 2016: Blake Lively, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Garner and More!
1. Kobe Bryant's NBA Career
Bryant ended his legendary 20-year career with the NBA on April 13 (dubbed by Nike as "Mamba Day"), stepping off the court as the third-highest scorer in the history of professional basketball and five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he played with for the entirety of his professional career. And although many fans shed a few tears watching No. 24 play in his final game, he certainly went out with a bang!
The 38-year-old athlete scored a remarkable 60 points in his last game -- the most points ever made...
From celebrities deleting their Instagram accounts to our favorite athletes retiring from the game, Et's rounded up all the TV shows, apps, cute couple names and more that bid their farewell this year.
Watch: 17 Best Red Carpet Looks of 2016: Blake Lively, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Garner and More!
1. Kobe Bryant's NBA Career
Bryant ended his legendary 20-year career with the NBA on April 13 (dubbed by Nike as "Mamba Day"), stepping off the court as the third-highest scorer in the history of professional basketball and five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he played with for the entirety of his professional career. And although many fans shed a few tears watching No. 24 play in his final game, he certainly went out with a bang!
The 38-year-old athlete scored a remarkable 60 points in his last game -- the most points ever made...
- 12/29/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
Before William Hung became a national sensation for one hot minute, there was "Florence Foster Jenkins." It's a true story of a socialite, who had dreams just as big as the "American Idol" star, and just as much talent. And while we have yet to get the William Hung biopic, Florence Foster Jenkins' story is coming to the big screen. Read More: Watch: First Trailer For 'Florence Foster Jenkins' Starring Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, and Simon Helberg Meryl Streep takes the title role of the enthusiastic opera singer with zero talent, with Hugh Grant as her devoted, enabling butler/manager/"husband," and Simon Helberg as the man tasked with accompanying Florence on piano. Here's the official synopsis: Set in 1940s New York, Florence Foster Jenkins is the true story of the legendary New York heiress and socialite (Meryl Streep) who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a great singer.
- 4/27/2016
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
William Hung returned to the American Idol, this time on stage, on the iconic show’s last night, donning purple ruffles and singing the cover that made him famous, Ricky Martin‘s “She Bangs.” It has been a decade since Hung appeared on Idol’s joke reel for auditions, with Simon Cowell scathingly telling him, “You can’t sing, you can’t dance, so what […]
The post William Hung Sings ‘She Bangs’ On ‘American Idol’ For Finale appeared first on uInterview.
The post William Hung Sings ‘She Bangs’ On ‘American Idol’ For Finale appeared first on uInterview.
- 4/9/2016
- by Jenny C Lu
- Uinterview
William Hung, one of “American Idol’s” earliest viral sensations, made his return to the stage for the show’s series finale on Thursday night. Hung performed Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs,” which is the song that originally made him an Internet star. The Hong Kong born singer rose to prominence in Season 3 of the show when he auditioned by singing an incredibly off key version of the song. Despite not even making it past the audition round, Hung became a viral star off of the performance and signed a record deal shortly thereafter. He released two studio albums: “Inspiration” in 2004, which.
- 4/8/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
American Idol has a lot in common with the country it's named after — a swift rise, fueled by lofty populist ideals and naked aggression, world conquest, such giddy heights, then the tragic skid into despair and and it's all somehow Fox's fault. The end of the Idol empire should have been a much bigger deal. It should have been an event. But instead, last night's farewell episode just kind of dribbled away, like the final season overall. "Let's do a Bowie tribute, except instead of Adam Lambert or Fantasia, we'll...
- 4/8/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Kieran, turn out the lights.
Our American Idol “journey” has come to an end, but let us not weep for what’s been cancelled, let us instead go to iTunes and download the Season 15 winner’s new single. Hey, from a songwriting vantage point, it may not be “Home,” but it definitely ranks above “No Boundaries” and “Inside Your Heaven” — and we bought those, too. And if this show can produce one more bona fide radio/touring superstar, maybe the inevitable reboot will happen sooner than expected, no?
RelatedFarewell for Now, American Idol, and Thanks for All the Memories...
Our American Idol “journey” has come to an end, but let us not weep for what’s been cancelled, let us instead go to iTunes and download the Season 15 winner’s new single. Hey, from a songwriting vantage point, it may not be “Home,” but it definitely ranks above “No Boundaries” and “Inside Your Heaven” — and we bought those, too. And if this show can produce one more bona fide radio/touring superstar, maybe the inevitable reboot will happen sooner than expected, no?
RelatedFarewell for Now, American Idol, and Thanks for All the Memories...
- 4/8/2016
- TVLine.com
The American Idol vocal competition series has been a huge piece of our pop-culture puzzle for the past 15 seasons, beaming into our living rooms to introduce us to Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, as well as William Hung, the Bikini Girl and Paula Abdul's space cadet side. From Kelly Clarkson being crowned the inaugural winner way back in the summer of 2002 to Adam Lambert being robbed in Season 8 to this year's farewell season reminding us just how much the onetime ratings juggernaut has fallen, the reality singing competition...
- 4/7/2016
- Rollingstone.com
"Raise your hand if you were born after June 22, 2002," shouts comedian Jay Flats as he warms up the American Idol audience. If you were, he notes, than American Idol is older than you.
It's a not-so-subtle reminder that the vocal competition has been a mainstay of popular culture for 14 years, beaming into our living rooms to introduce us to Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson and, yes, William Hung.
This is the final day on the CBS Television City lot in West Hollywood, California, the show's home for all 15 seasons.
It's a not-so-subtle reminder that the vocal competition has been a mainstay of popular culture for 14 years, beaming into our living rooms to introduce us to Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson and, yes, William Hung.
This is the final day on the CBS Television City lot in West Hollywood, California, the show's home for all 15 seasons.
- 4/7/2016
- Rollingstone.com
It's the end of an era on American Idol, as the audition process draws to its conclusion for the final time.
From the highs (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) to the lows (Kenneth Briggs, Jonathan Jayne, damn right you sent them to the Super Bowl), the viral (William Hung, Larry Platt) to the Cowell-panned split decisions (Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry), all the way down to the vote-for-the-worst crowd that stuck around way too long (Sanjaya Malakar, Kevin Covais, Tim Urban), Idol auditions have been ingrained in pop culture for the past decade and a half.
From the highs (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) to the lows (Kenneth Briggs, Jonathan Jayne, damn right you sent them to the Super Bowl), the viral (William Hung, Larry Platt) to the Cowell-panned split decisions (Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry), all the way down to the vote-for-the-worst crowd that stuck around way too long (Sanjaya Malakar, Kevin Covais, Tim Urban), Idol auditions have been ingrained in pop culture for the past decade and a half.
- 1/21/2016
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Now, we’re not saying Kanye West is a gold digger… but how else would you explain him agreeing to “audition” for American Idol?
RelatedAmerican Idol‘s Season 15 Poster Takes Us Back… Way Back
I’mma let the presidential hopeful finish, but first we should tell you that he appears for only a brief moment in this latest farewell season promo, alongside a montage of prior “all-stars” including William Hung and Sanjaya Malakar.
Watch Yeezy’s arrival above, then let us know: Does the rapper’s appearance make you any more or less excited for Season 15?
Related storiesMinority Report...
RelatedAmerican Idol‘s Season 15 Poster Takes Us Back… Way Back
I’mma let the presidential hopeful finish, but first we should tell you that he appears for only a brief moment in this latest farewell season promo, alongside a montage of prior “all-stars” including William Hung and Sanjaya Malakar.
Watch Yeezy’s arrival above, then let us know: Does the rapper’s appearance make you any more or less excited for Season 15?
Related storiesMinority Report...
- 11/30/2015
- TVLine.com
When major moments in history occur, you always remember the exact location of where you were when the news broke. Naturally, the same goes for breakout milestones in reality TV competition shows. That time when Tyra Banks dealt the explosive "We were all rooting for you!" tirade on America's Next Top Model contestant Tiffany? Check. What about when Juan Pablo admitted he just wasn't that into Nikki Ferrell on The Bachelor finale, but gave her the final rose anyway? You better believe it. Or that hilariously embarrassing rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" by tone deaf American Idol reject William Hung? How could we forget! Read: Vote for TV's breakout stars...
- 6/24/2015
- E! Online
In the 14 seasons of American Idol, very few auditions have been as memorable as William Hung's.
The season 3 contestant was deemed one of the worst singers by Simon Cowell for his off-key performance of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs."
Despite the negative comments he received on the show, Hung, 32, still has a sincere appreciation for the reality singing competition, which Fox announced would not be returning after next season.
"I feel sad because American Idol is such a big icon, not just in America, but across the entire world," he tells People.
Related: Chill Out! Watch J.Lo Get the 'Goosies' Again,...
The season 3 contestant was deemed one of the worst singers by Simon Cowell for his off-key performance of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs."
Despite the negative comments he received on the show, Hung, 32, still has a sincere appreciation for the reality singing competition, which Fox announced would not be returning after next season.
"I feel sad because American Idol is such a big icon, not just in America, but across the entire world," he tells People.
Related: Chill Out! Watch J.Lo Get the 'Goosies' Again,...
- 5/12/2015
- by Gabrielle Olya, @GabyOlya
- People.com - TV Watch
At its peak, the reality juggernaut American Idol seemed like a perfectly scripted high drama occasionally soundtracked with Bee Gees songs. At its lows, it was also that, but with worse singing.
We're all going to miss the chills-inducing performances and heartwarming stories of personal triumph, yes, but more important, we're going to miss the train-wreck auditions that gave Simon Cowell a chance to wild out on some misguided people and made us all feel a little bit better about ourselves.
And because we're all familiar with William Hung, General Larry Platt, Keith Beukelaer and the inimitable James Lewis (not...
We're all going to miss the chills-inducing performances and heartwarming stories of personal triumph, yes, but more important, we're going to miss the train-wreck auditions that gave Simon Cowell a chance to wild out on some misguided people and made us all feel a little bit better about ourselves.
And because we're all familiar with William Hung, General Larry Platt, Keith Beukelaer and the inimitable James Lewis (not...
- 5/12/2015
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- People.com - TV Watch
American Idol? That’s the show with William Hung, right? I haven’t watched the show with any regularity for nearly 10 years. I saw 10 minutes of Idol the other night and I felt relieved that I’ve missed absolutely nothing in that span. American Idol is a dead TV show that keeps walking somehow. It hasn’t produced a major superstar since Carrie Underwood in 2005, and it stopped being culturally relevant when Simon Cowell left. It set off a chain of events that somehow led to Clay Aiken running for public office. Fox can keep propping AI contestants up to sing … Continue reading →
The post TCA: American Idol is a zombie TV show appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post TCA: American Idol is a zombie TV show appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 1/18/2015
- by Ryan Berenz
- ChannelGuideMag
Please tell us he sang "She Bangs" at the wedding!
Please tell us he sang "She Bangs" at the wedding!
William Hung won our hearts but not our ears in 2003 when he was torn apart by Simon Cowell while auditioning for season three of American Idol, and now he's a married man!
Pics: Top-Earning 'American Idol' Alums
People reports that Hung, 31 married Jian Teng in Alhambra, Calif. on June 18.
After his audition, Simon Cowell called Hung one of the worst singers he'd ever seen, but he was so beloved by audiences that he landing a record deal anyway, and stayed with music for some time before bowing out a few years later. He has since hung up the mic and is an an administrative assistant for the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Watch: Top 5 'American Idol' Finale Performances
Watch below to relive Hung's legendary Idol audition.
Someone who's music...
Please tell us he sang "She Bangs" at the wedding!
William Hung won our hearts but not our ears in 2003 when he was torn apart by Simon Cowell while auditioning for season three of American Idol, and now he's a married man!
Pics: Top-Earning 'American Idol' Alums
People reports that Hung, 31 married Jian Teng in Alhambra, Calif. on June 18.
After his audition, Simon Cowell called Hung one of the worst singers he'd ever seen, but he was so beloved by audiences that he landing a record deal anyway, and stayed with music for some time before bowing out a few years later. He has since hung up the mic and is an an administrative assistant for the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Watch: Top 5 'American Idol' Finale Performances
Watch below to relive Hung's legendary Idol audition.
Someone who's music...
- 8/21/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
One lucky lady now has William Hung committed to serenading her for life. The memorable American Idol cast-off married Jian Teng on June 18 in Alhambra, California, he confirms to People. "She's a fantastic wife and I'm glad to have somebody to support me," Hung, 31, tells People of his bride, also 31 and a licensed vocational nurse. Hung, who now works as an administrative assistant for the L.A. County Department of Public Health, rocketed to reality-star infamy when his off-key version of "She Bangs" got him quickly booted from the third season of Idol, in 2004. Judge Simon Cowell deemed the Hong...
- 8/21/2014
- by Kathy Ehrich Dowd, @kathyehrichdowd
- PEOPLE.com
One lucky lady now has William Hung committed to serenading her for life. The memorable American Idol cast-off married Jian Teng on June 18 in Alhambra, California, he confirms to People. "She's a fantastic wife and I'm glad to have somebody to support me," Hung, 31, tells People of his bride, also 31 and a licensed vocational nurse. Hung, who now works as an administrative assistant for the L.A. County Department of Public Health, rocketed to reality-star infamy when his off-key version of "She Bangs" got him quickly booted from the third season of Idol, in 2004. Judge Simon Cowell deemed the Hong...
- 8/21/2014
- by Kathy Ehrich Dowd, @kathyehrichdowd
- PEOPLE.com
Willam Hung was infamously rejected on American Idol back in 2003, but he got someone to accept his marriage proposal! The 31-year-old, whose rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" was ripped apart by Simon Cowell during season three auditions, got married on June 18, his rep told E! News Thursday. According to RumorFix, who was first to report the wedding news, Hung now works as an administrative assistant for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Back in 2012, he told RumorFix he had a "pretty cool" new job with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Crime Analysis Program. "I enjoy what I do—pretty much everything," he said at the time....
- 8/21/2014
- E! Online
American Idol returned on Wednesday with Caleb Johnson, Jena Irene and Alex Preston battling it out for a spot in the finals next week, while celebrating the singing competition’s 500th episode.
American Idol Recap
Before the Idol hopefuls took the stage, the program featured a montage of some of the show’s greatest moments over the season, which included flashbacks to Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and even William Hung. Past winners Phillip Phillips, David Cook, Kris Allen, Candice Glover, Lee DeWyze, Fantasia Barrino, Scotty McCreery, and Jordin Sparks all offered their thanks via taped video messages.
Singing “Never Tear Us Apart” by Inxs, chosen by Randy Jackson, Caleb Johnson powered through despite a case of bronchitis and “small vocal cord” hemorrhage. All of the judges agreed that the mentor had selected a good song for Johnson and that despite the setbacks, the singer did a more than commendable job.
American Idol Recap
Before the Idol hopefuls took the stage, the program featured a montage of some of the show’s greatest moments over the season, which included flashbacks to Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and even William Hung. Past winners Phillip Phillips, David Cook, Kris Allen, Candice Glover, Lee DeWyze, Fantasia Barrino, Scotty McCreery, and Jordin Sparks all offered their thanks via taped video messages.
Singing “Never Tear Us Apart” by Inxs, chosen by Randy Jackson, Caleb Johnson powered through despite a case of bronchitis and “small vocal cord” hemorrhage. All of the judges agreed that the mentor had selected a good song for Johnson and that despite the setbacks, the singer did a more than commendable job.
- 5/15/2014
- Uinterview
It looks like “American Idol” will be back for another season. Fox has released a string of audition dates for “American Idol Xiv,” in a not-quite announcement that the singing competition will be back, despite a ratings slide in the last few seasons. Also read: ‘American Idol’ Ratings Woes: A Season-by-Season Timeline of the Decline Auditions kick off June 18 in Minneapolis, and auditioners can submit online at americanidol.com beginning Wednesday. If you're in the area and think you have what it takes to be the next Idol — or at least the next William Hung — check out the audition dates and.
- 5/8/2014
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
There have been a lot of awful auditions over the past 13 seasons of American Idol, but there was one so bad Wednesday night that it might even top William Hung's infamous performance.
And it was from "contestant" Harry Connick Jr.
When Jennifer Lopez left the room, Connick decided to audition for Keith Urban, and launched into an off-key version of the "Star Spangled Banner."
"They're not laughing at you, they're laughing near you," Urban told him. "It's a no from me."
Though Connick didn't receive a golden ticket, 40 singers did, showing why Detroit is Hitsville U.S.A.
"You...
And it was from "contestant" Harry Connick Jr.
When Jennifer Lopez left the room, Connick decided to audition for Keith Urban, and launched into an off-key version of the "Star Spangled Banner."
"They're not laughing at you, they're laughing near you," Urban told him. "It's a no from me."
Though Connick didn't receive a golden ticket, 40 singers did, showing why Detroit is Hitsville U.S.A.
"You...
- 1/23/2014
- by Wade Rouse
- People.com - TV Watch
There have been a lot of awful auditions over the past 13 seasons of American Idol, but there was one so bad Wednesday night that it might even top William Hung's infamous performance. And it was from "contestant" Harry Connick Jr. When Jennifer Lopez left the room, Connick decided to audition for Keith Urban, and launched into an off-key version of the "Star Spangled Banner." "They're not laughing at you, they're laughing near you," Urban told him. "It's a no from me." Though Connick didn't receive a golden ticket, 40 singers did, showing why Detroit is Hitsville U.S.A. "You...
- 1/23/2014
- by Wade Rouse
- PEOPLE.com
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