By Melissa Hank
2008-04-22
William Hung, math teacher?
Ever wonder what happened to William Hung? You know, the “She Bangs” guy? Turns out the former American Idol contestant is now banging out a math degree at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
According to the university’s online paper, the Daily Sundial, the 24-year-old has switched from civil engineering to a double major in math and education with hopes of teaching kids arithmetic someday.
“I think teaching is more exciting. I get to learn and teach something new everyday,” said Hung. “I enjoy helping young children succeed. I enjoy tutoring. I just really enjoy the experience of teaching.”
During the third season of American Idol, Hung was shuttled into infamy for his off-key yet endearingly enthusiastic rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”.
“Going to the audition was close to a last-minute decision, actually,” Hung said. "I heard on the news that there was going to be an audition. It was literally only a few days before that I found out about it.”
After his appearance on Idol, Hung landed a record deal with New York-based record company Koch Records.
"I’ve been performing everywhere around the world and I've gotten a record contract with a New York record company. We worked together and produced three records," he said.
“I was thrilled to be offered something like a record contract. I really didn't expect it and I was really grateful for the opportunity.”
He also was in high demand on the talk-show circuit. “The same night after the audition I received over a 150 emails for appearance opportunities.”
Hung guested on everything from Entertainment Tonight to The Ryan Seacrest Show. He even stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
“She is a very nice lady,” he said. “I still remember I didn’t know the song ‘Rocket Man’ by Elton John very well, and we sang the song together by the end of the show. It was really a lot of fun ‘cause everyone was into it.”
Now that his 15 minutes are up, Hung remains the champion of the underdog. “Whatever you believe in, and if you keep trying, you can eventually succeed,” he says.
tvguide.ca
