William Hung - American Idol 'She Bangs' extended audition - season 3 2004 

I love that this audition has lived on for so many years to continue inspiring people around the world.

“I already gave my best and have no regrets at all” What a response. William is an absolute legend.

I can't name anyone who actually won this show, but I always remember William Hung.

For a 'failed' audition, WH has had more success than most Idol winners

Paula Abdul handled all this with pure class. Good on her.

William Hung is literally one of the top 5 all-time Idol stars. More famous than most winners.

When I was a kid this was hilarious but as a adult he wasn’t that bad. He just was a little awkward like most college kids and I love how he came to America and chased his dreams even if it was taking a risk. He’s actually inspiring.

Coming back almost 20 years later...he's really not that bad. He hits and holds most notes and even has a little vibrato. I've worked with worse in the studio!

William Hung was a national sensation. Absolute legend

- I gave my best and i have no regrets at all- William Hung Press like if you agree that we all can learn from it.

Even though he didn't make it he is remembered almost by everyone who watched Idols and in a positive way. What a legend

I was a young man when I first saw this. I'm now almost 45 and I recognize this moment as a nostalgic era of my life. Thank you William Hung.

As Asian immigrant to America, you're my inspriational William. It was rough learning English with accent growing up and adopting here, and the fact that this guy didn't give a F on a national television was more gangster than any rappers i heard about

the "i have no professional training" line at the end was so perfect, took guts to do this

There is something so innocent, and sweet about William. For ever an iconic audition. No one really remembers the others, but we all remember William

I love how Paula told Simon to be quiet at the end when he questioned you if you were serious. Because you truly were serious. And you gave a great answer in regards to you sacrificing your time and effort to be there to audition. What a wonderful spirit you have William! God bless you!

Paula Abdul is such a great sport. She knows he doesn't sing well but instead of making fun of him or being put off by it, she still chooses to listen to him, give him the time of the day and respect him for his efforts. Good for her! She's got such a great personality. Love the positive attitude of William Hung.

Took it like a man. William you have bigger balls than most. Respect!

"grotesque" is such a ridiculous overstatement for someone not sounding like a professional singer.

this guy came and was just himself, probably an escape from the hardwork he goes through outside, got more confidence and self esteem than ALOT of people already

Thank you William hung. You are a national treasure brother.

Dude got a record deal, made a few albums and guest starred on a few TV shows. Pretty sweet for not making it past the first round!

Paula is the absolute sweetest. I just love her compassion n sweetness and how she doesnt want to destroy someones hopes n dreams like Simon does. Shes so adoreable.

Funny thing is that he's the only contestant that still resignates with me from all the seasons of American Idol

I love how Paula was just dancing along- straight up 😂😂😂😂

This man is a legend and what a wonderful example for the rest of us when people try to take us down with their negativity.

And thus a star was born

William Hung is a legend.

He didn't even make it to the actual show, but he still had the time of his life.

How can you not love William Hung? ❤❤❤ Paula is so sweet. 😘

All joking aside, he wasn't horrible. Relative to his potential ceiling, he's probably gotten closer to it than most of us have to our own potential. I can tell he has worked very hard on his performance. And that's to be respected. You go William!

William is a legend and is probably remembered by more than 90% of the winners of American Idol. He had fun and he entertained us. Thank you.

The Legendary Willam hung. He's more popular that the other winners

Amazing story. A clear example of courage and giving it your best in life!

It takes guts to sing in front of people, especially after hearing what Simon said. He was very blunt about it. Take it and shine!

He did his very best. What a sparkly gift of positivity he’s got! 🎉 BRAVO

I saw William’s audition when it originally aired. First let me say that he is an absolute sweetheart with a lovely personality. He’s a genuinely good guy who does not have the laughably inflated ego as so many other contestants do. He’s also a highly intelligent guy-civil engineering is not a subject for the faint-hearted. Having said that, most of the comments here are missing the point entirely! American Idol is not about being “okay,” “decent,” “not bad,” “it was his dancing, not his voice,” etc etc. And it’s not just about the ability to hit the right notes-it’s also about style and delivery, being able to perform in a way that doesn’t make your audience anxious. One of the main reason why so many people remember William’s performance is not because it was so good but because it was so bad, and I say that not to be mean but to state a fact. Another is that despite not being cut out to be a singer who could succeed in the business (which is cutthroat and would eat him alive), he intends to continue doing something he loves despite the criticism and being made fun of. For that I say: William, you are a true champ! You may not have achieved recognition for your singing abilities, but you have gone on to inspire so many people to continue doing what they love despite their dreams not coming true. THAT is very special indeed!

Mr. Hung, we remember you and that audition. Your positive attitude about doing your best inspired everyone so much. You are likely the most successful idol who never actually made it past auditions, and we bet that whenever people think of your appearance, they smile! We wish that more people in the world were just like you, and hope that your life now is filled with joy and songs. Thank you!

After all these years, still the best. The most sincere, down to earth contestant to come along. With his head properly grounded, too (missing 2 days of classes to attend this audition was a big deal for William as he was seeing the bigger picture in life). As so many said here, William is probably the most remembered of all the contestants.......and the reason as to why is cause in William, we see much of ourselves up there.

If only every human was this genuine.

The fact that William HIMSELF is the one who posted the video makes me so happy. Mad respect, you’re a legend in a super cool shirt! 👕 You poured out your heart that day and I hope you put that same heart into designing bridges for good citizens, as a civil engineer 🫡👏🏻 Forever in out hearts 🙏🏻

This was actually better than most music now days.

I love him he’s so cute

I absolutely LOVE William Hung!❤. He is seems so genuine in his singing! Such an inspiration🥰😍. His audition is my favorite American Idol episode ever!!!❤❤

Simon is a wet blanket. I am glad you took his passive message of "do homework" as you will continue to work hard rather than his negative attitude

Thing is...he actually sang the song RIGHT. He had the correct rhythm and was in tune. He just sang it with an accent and can't dance. I think he wound up putting out a CD.

He may not have gotten through, but with his enthusiasm, attitude and smile he's making the world smile 20 years later.

I remember seeing this when it aired on TV when I was a kid and I loved it. I think it was so charming because he was so genuine and quirky. Love this audition lol

I don’t even watch American Idol but I know William Hung. What a f*kin legend. 🍻

paula.. she is so kind and a great person

Still, in 2024, I have to say, even though @William Hung isn't a singer, and I have been in the industry since I was eight. I worked with Paula. I admire Willan so much because he admitted he put his best into it, and he is true, not fake. I laugh, and god knows we all need to laugh, so I thank him for even making me laugh in a world that is so cruel. It is not hard to be kind, so thank you @William Hung. Willam truly is an American Idol. Look how many of us still watch him just to smile. That's a William Hung - American Idol to all of us.

What a legend and what a response to Simon's shade.

It's been over 10 years and I still remember this moment. It was iconic, ICONIC. UP there with Susan Boyle in Britian's Got Talent. One of the best memories that came out of American Idol

I like him. He's entertaining, he's got really good attitude, I like the way he spoke to Simon and I think he should have his own show. I think he should either be a stand up comedian or an entertainer. Or maybe even an actor.

Believe that an Asian is SERIOUS about something when he misses 2 DAYS of school for it!!!

“William, go do some homework” from Simon is crazyyyyy

I was 14 yr old when I saw this audition now I'm 33 and I love it

Oh William! You look so handsome and grown up! Hope you are being successful. You were honestly my favorite audition that didn't make it through

I'm so glad this still exists and even had the extended version. I love you William ♥

Most unforgettable audition ever 😂❤

Badass from the heart. All smiles. Bet he sleeps better everynight than those judges.

Say whatever you want about William Hung… there’s plenty. But he was actually on key, he gave it his all and had no regrets. Positive until the very end and he actually built something from this. That’s the American Dream.

I'm proud that you took the chance and auditioned. It took great courage and despite not making the cut, I loved it! You're a hero in my book.

Such a classic clip. If you need a genuine smile watch this video. Respect for having the balls to step up. Your the man William!

The reaction of Simon 2:22 after he asked what William is going to sing “fantastic” 😂

Coming from a person who has sang since I was out of the womb, you hit every note and pretty damn well! Even minor notes and with no prior training? I give that an 11/10! Anyway Simon’s opinion doesn’t matter his face is melting off and he is a grumpy old crow. I LOVE YOU WILL YOU ROCK!

To be honest, almost every note was spot on. Pretty good:) Perhaps not a professional singer performance - but passionate, entertaining and sweet! 🌞

I remember a lot of my friends used to make fun of him when this aired, but so many of them weren’t (and still aren’t) able to stay in key, but William does it effortlessly. Glad to know he’s still singing and even making videos for people :)

William Hung inspired many people who can’t sing or has any talent to participate in these talent shows.

That Randy had his face behind the paper but he was legit dancing to the beat 😂

3:10 All 3 are bobbing along with him including Simon lol you can't say he wasn't entertaining.

William, you are loved by the entirety of America and the rest of the world. An international treasure truly. I don’t even know the original song, your version always comes to mind and makes me happy!! We love you!!! Thank you for always inspiring us and putting a smile on our faces!!!❤

Everyone loved this from William hung and no one forgets his amazing genuine attitude!

The way this guy had a chokehold on all of us in 2004

Actually, it’s the song choice. William actually sings ok. I am grateful for William Hung as a cultural phenomenon.

Man. I miss these days. American Idol was at the top. EVERYBODY was watching. We still applaud you William.

William’s charm is that he is so sincere and pure. Simon…. not so much!

Just needed good laugh today so pulled this up! I lost it when he said I didn’t have any professional training and Simon says, No. what a joke!

You've had such an impressive career. I think Paula, Randy and even Simon would be proud of all you've accomplished.

Let’s be real, that was actually great for someone who wasn’t a professional singer. That really was nowhere near the worst audition they had. People envy those who are confident and want to snuff the light that burns within them with envy. William gave it his all and most people don’t try at anything!

15年前、デトロイトのCDショップで彼のアルバムを見つけて以来、彼の歌声が頭から離れません。

Finally The whole Audition, you are a legend Mister William Hung very cool.

Dudes a legend 🙌

I remember watching this and almost dying of laughter as a kid.

I remember watching his audition, I was fourteen 😂. He’s still legendary.

I am the same age as you William and I laughed at you when I first saw this. It's 20 years late but I am sorry; what you did took tremendous guts and you faced it head on without regret amidst heavy criticism and that's something we all can learn and strive to be. You were a badass for doing that.

Paula Is so sweet

Guys got more balls than most people in this world. Chased his dreams. Even tho he failed, he doesn’t have to live with the “what if” question in the back of his mind the rest of his life. Great effort William!!

He sings better than me, i dont get why this was so blown out of proportion at the time

Walked out of that audition like a boss!

It’s not Christmas unless I listen to Hung For the Holidays.

He’s honestly so precious

Legendary, William🙌 I think missing those 2 days of school was totally worth it for this legendary moment!

God bless this man. I would like to add I am so proud and glad to have been around during the 1960's. Todays music has a lot to be desired.❤️🌎☮️🎸🌀👀

Is this William's actual channel? I've always been a huge fan. Helped me a great deal with my depression over the years. Thank you so much.

Will, I loved your spirit. After so many years and so many seasons, this is one of the most memorable moments of the show. It’s those who don’t try who regret, not those who try.

I prefer William Hung for being a natural, as compared with many others with tendency of putting up a mask to pretend someone they are not.

My friend and I used to to the whole version of this song William later recorded every day! We were huge William fans! Still are! Thanks William!

We still love you William, for all the joy and inspiration you brought!

"William, you're the best." Is what I remember most. The gesture by Paula is so sweet.