William Hung

William Hing Cheung Hung, born on November 10, 1982, is a Hong Kong-born American known for his multifaceted career as a motivational speaker, professional poker player, and former singer. He gained fame in 2004 after his memorable audition on American Idol, where his off-key rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" captured the public's attention and led to a cult following. At the time, he was a civil engineering student at the University of California, Berkeley, but he left school to pursue a music career, releasing several albums that, while critically panned, achieved commercial success.12

In the years following his music career, Hung transitioned into poker. He initially found success in the poker world but later faced significant challenges, including a gambling addiction that contributed to the end of his marriage. He has since acknowledged these struggles and is reportedly working on rebuilding his life and career, returning to his previous role as a crime analyst for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department while still engaging in poker and motivational speaking.245

Hung's journey reflects a blend of resilience and reinvention, as he continues to navigate the complexities of his public persona and personal challenges, leveraging his past experiences to inspire others.36