Where is American Idol’s Hong Kong star William Hung now? After finding fame with an off-key version of Ricky Martin’s She Bangs, he beat addiction, married again and is now an LA crime analyst

Mar 11 , 2025

William Hung found unlikely fame after his appearance on talent show American Idol. Photo: @williamhungofficial/Instagram

As Carrie Underwood joins Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the 23rd season of American Idol, we find out what happened to one of its earliest – and most unlikely – stars, Hong Kong’s William Hung

As American Idol prepares to return for its 23rd season, it’s easy to forget just how many careers the show has launched since 2002. Superstars including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert got their start on the programme – all born performers who, looking back, seemed destined to be famous.

But the fame of one contestant from those early days wasn’t so assured – that of pop lover William Hung.

As a 21-year-old, his singing failed to win over the judges so spectacularly that Simon Cowell called his performance “grotesque”. Yet he’s managed to turn his appearance into a singing career and widespread fame and affection regardless.

Here’s what you need to know about Hung’s showbiz journey and where he is now.

William Hung rose to fame with a Ricky Martin song

William Hung was studying civil engineering at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, when he decided to take two days off in 2004 to audition for American Idol. But when he let rip on his favourite song – Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” – his off-key rendition became an instant classic for all the wrong reasons.

“You can’t sing, you can’t dance, so what do you want me to say?” Cowell remarked cruelly afterwards. “I gave my best so I have no regrets at all,” was Hung’s endearing response.

He had a musical career – albeit an ironic one

William Hung made his name singing a karaoke classic. Photo: @williamhungofficial/Instagram

As noted by NBC last year, Hung’s brief appearance and post-performance poise was enough to rocket him to stardom. Not only was he parodied on Saturday Night Live, he also sang on several talk shows and at sports events. He even signed a recording deal with Fuse Music Network and Koch Records.

Fame and celebrity

Reality TV

TV shows and streaming video

Hong Kong

Music

Sex and relationships

Sarah Keenlyside

Sarah Keenlyside is a contributing online editor for Style by SCMP, where she covers luxury, travel, pop culture, celebrity, entertainment and trending news. A China/UK based journalist with more than 20 years experience in the travel, fashion and lifestyle industry, she has interviewed everyone from pop star Kylie Minogue to movie star Yao Chen and Burberry's Christopher Bailey. Her work has been featured in publications ranging from The Telegraph to Time Out, LUXE Guides to WWD and the Sunday Times.

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