About
As a losing contestant on American Idol, William Hung won the hearts of millions with his spirited if ugly performance. As Hung himself puts it on his album: "I may not be the best singer in the world, but I sing from my heartÂ…I enjoy what I do -- not for money, not for fame, I just enjoy singing." It's that message of belief in oneself that has translated to the general public and undoubtedly fueled his surprising popularity. Imagine your least talented but funniest friend taking on such pop radio hits as "She Bangs" and "Hotel California" at a karaoke bar -- that's the gist of Hung's 2004 debut, Inspiration. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into a karaoke bar, Hung unveiled the holiday album, Hung for the Holidays. Here, Christmas standards were interspersed with Hung's strangely loveable snippets of inspiration, which climaxed with an over-the-top version of Queen's "We Are the Champions" included as a hidden track. Just after 2005's American Idol was crowned, Hung's Miracle: Happy Summer From William Hung was released. This third, logic-defying album included standards such as "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" and "Surfin' U.S.A.," as well as "Achy Break Heart," a song that, arguably, need never be recorded ever again.
- Linda Ryan
