Tuesday February 21, 2006
Catching up with William
It has been a wild ride for American Idol reject William Hung. After auditioning for the televised talent contest with an ear-splitting rendition of Ricky Martin’s She Bangs, he was catapulted into a worldwide spotlight.
The Hong Kong native and UC Berkeley civil engineering student has travelled all over the world, making headlines and gaining armloads of fans with his comical dance moves and earnest attitude.
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William Hung is working on his fourth album. |
Hung has also appeared on CNN Headline News, Today Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, staged concerts in Asia and lent his voice to a handful of professional sporting events.
Not content with just singing, Hung has even ventured into acting, with the Hong Kong action-musical-comedy Where Is Mama’s Boy, bit parts in a Spanish movie, an English one starring Lorenzo Lamas, Olivia Hussey, Coolio and Ernest Borgnine, plus a guest role in the critically-acclaimed TV comedy Arrested Development. He’s also the only American Idol contestant to have inspired a documentary Hangin’ with Hung.
Here is Hung’s recent interview with Star World:
What have you been up to lately?
Right now I’m working on my fourth album. I don’t know what’s the title, it’s still in the development stage. It’s going to be a mini album, with five to six songs.
Why do you still want to roll out another album when your last one was not a success?
Oh, it’s okay, we can always try harder. Right now I’m taking time off school. It’ll be for a while. (Note: University of Berkley gave him indefinite dispensation and he can resume his studies anytime. He has been away from college for two years now).
Lately, you seemed to have a lower profile, almost disappearing from the entertainment scene. Do you think this would affect your popularity?
I understand that stars have points in their lives where they are popular and not so popular.
What are some of the projects that you’ve worked on?
I’ve been cast in cellphone and cars advertisements. I’m also looking at a script for another (Hollywood) production.
Another movie? Which actors would you like to work with?
Oh, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey ?
What about the female leads? Who would you like to share a kissing scene with?
Ha, ha, ha? Drew Barrymore, Kelly Chen.
Would you rehearse the kissing scenes with your girlfriend? Do you have a girlfriend?
I do not have a girlfriend. A lot of girls are chasing me. Some of them want to marry me.
Are there fewer girls chasing you now?
I can’t say for sure.
Why was your movie not successful at the box office?
There are many reasons why movies are not successful. I need to be more careful about the scripts that I choose.
What if a script requires you to act in the nude? Would you do it?
It depends on how provocative the scene is. I will have to consider.
Does your mummy follow you when you perform?
Oh, yes! My mum is my manager. She accompanies me around.
Do you consider yourself to be a mama’s boy?
I not only consider myself to be a mama’s boy, I consider myself to be a good mama’s boy.
So when was the last time you quarrelled with your mum?
I quarrelled with my mum not too long ago. I guess when you’re with a person all the time, you’re bound to quarrel more often.
Do you think you’re good?
I’ll let my fans be the judge of that.
Simon Cowell said that because of you, people are now trying out for American Idol, hoping to be so bad to get noticed. What do you think of this?
Well, for such competitions there are very good performers and there are not so good performers, but I think it’s still good to encourage people to try. Overall, it’s a good thing.
Do you get paid a lot for your projects and starring roles?
It’s confidential, but you can say that I’m better off than before. I’m saving up for my future education.
What’s the most extravagant thing you’ve bought for yourself since making all that money?
Probably a van.
Why a van and not a car?
I like it because it’s more convenient, it can carry more people. I’m a practical person.
What kind of girl would you like?
A girl with a good heart, and who likes me for who I am. I don’t have a girlfriend yet because I’m focusing on my entertainment career.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I’m listening to mostly pop music. Mostly American music like Elton John.
Star World broadcasts American Idol Season 5 live every Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm, with repeats at 8pm and 11.30pm.
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