16-1-2024 (SAN FRANCISCO) William Hung, the former American Idol contestant who gained viral fame for his off-key rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs,” has revealed the dark struggles he faced after his rise to stardom. Hung, now 41 years old, spoke to PEOPLE about his battle with gambling addiction and how it ultimately led to the end of his marriage.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey to fame, Hung expressed his surprise at becoming a household name following his American Idol audition in 2004. At the time, he was a 20-year-old engineering student at UC Berkeley, originally from Hong Kong. Hung’s childlike innocence and passion for singing captured the attention of viewers and judges alike.
Although Hung’s audition was memorable, it did not propel him to musical stardom. Judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell couldn’t contain their laughter as Hung sang off-pitch and showcased his quirky dance moves. Cowell, known for his sharp criticism, bluntly described the audition as “grotesque.”
Despite the criticism, Hung remained unfazed and maintained his positive attitude. He believes it was his optimistic outlook that resonated with people and contributed to his viral fame. Following his American Idol moment, Hung briefly pursued a musical career and released his first album, “Inspiration,” which topped the independent charts.
However, the fleeting nature of viral fame soon became apparent, prompting Hung to reevaluate his path. He decided to return to school, complete his degree, and seek a stable job. Hung’s resilience led him to work as a statistical analyst at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, utilizing his mathematical skills and passion for data.
But Hung’s story took an unfortunate turn when he fell into the grips of a gambling addiction. Initially excelling as a professional poker player, he became consumed by greed and expanded into sports betting. The addiction took its toll, resulting in the collapse of his marriage. Hung realized the need to reassess his choices and prioritize smarter risks.
Around a year ago, Hung publicly acknowledged his addiction on his LinkedIn profile, signaling a turning point in his life. Determined to overcome his struggles, he took steps to address his gambling problem. Through resilience and self-reflection, he managed to rebuild his life once again.
Hung recently remarried, finding love and stability with his third wife, Hannah. He returned to his former job as a data analyst while pursuing entertainment endeavors on the side. Hung’s positive attitude remains a driving force in his life, and he continues to inspire others through motivational speaking engagements.
