Introduction
William Hung is a motivational speaker and former singer, known for his unforgettable audition in the popular singing reality TV show American Idol season 3 in 2004. He may not have the best singing voice, but his enthusiasm and positivity earned him a cult following worldwide. In this article, we will explore the early life of William Hung, his career, personal relationships, and his net worth.
Quick Info
- Name: William Hung
- Born: January 13, 1983, in Hong Kong
- Profession: Motivational speaker, former singer
- Net Worth: $600 thousand
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Profile: Website, Instagram, Facebook
The Early Days of William Hung
William Hung was born on January 13, 1983, in Sha Tin, British Hong Kong. He is the descendant of Confucius. At the age of 11, his family moved to California. Hung studied civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He left college to pursue a career in music but eventually graduated with a degree in mathematics and completed an MBA from Marist College.
Career of William Hung
Hung’s enthusiasm for music made him audition for season 3 of American Idol in September 2003. Though his performance was unsuccessful and he was rejected for his awkward and offbeat singing to Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs,” Hung’s attitude and positive spirit were applauded by the judges. This led to him gaining a cult following and quickly becoming a viral sensation.
After the audition, Hung appeared on several famous TV shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Howard Stern radio show, and the Ellen DeGeneres Show. He was also featured in several national magazines and newspapers. Hung even got invited by MTV to perform at the Asian Awards held in February.
In 2004, Koch Entertainment offered William Hung a deal, and with the label, he released three albums between 2004 and 2005. His first individual album, “Inspiration,” produced by Giuseppe D, sold over 200,000 copies and reached number one in Billboard’s Top Independent Album Chart. He also began his acting career in a low-budget Hong Kong period comedy movie called “Where is Mama’s Boy” in 2004.
In 2011, Hung retired from music and joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a technical crime analyst. He later became a motivational speaker for groups like the Asian Realtors Association of America in 2017.
Personal Relationship
William Hung married Jian Teng on June 18, 2014, after his first marriage ended in divorce. He is currently divorced and single.
Net Worth of William Hung
As of 2023, William Hung’s net worth is around $600,000 thousand. His earnings mainly come from his music career, TV appearances, and motivational speaking engagements.
Trivia
- In 2006, Hung was crowned Artichoke King at the Artichoke Festival in Castroville, California.
- William Hung is a descendant of Confucius.
- Hung was born in Sha Tin District of British Hong Kong.
- At present, Hung is not in any relationship and is single.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Hung’s journey to fame and his subsequent career choices is a testament to the unpredictability of life. Despite not being a gifted singer, his optimism and positive attitude made him a beloved figure in popular culture. Hung may not have achieved the success he originally set out to accomplish in the music industry, but he was able to carve out a successful career as a motivational speaker and public servant. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $600,000, and he continues to be an inspiration to many who admire his resilience and determination.