My take
Race certainly is a factor in this. The stereotypes separated him from other "Idol" rejects. However, most of his fame is because people like his willingness to go on national TV and attempt to achieve his goal, despite the extremely long odds he knows he faced.
He is not a DJ right now but he definately has potential to mature into one. The fact that he went on national TV with no talent indicates that he likely is supremely confident. He also is very intelligent.
With respect to that alleged post from someone who knows him, I suspect it is a hoax.
Hung is getting laid like crazy right now I bet. Read the following from his site:
When I saw the previews for the next show in which William Hung was to perform, I could not wait. From the moment I saw that preview, I was truly on edge. I knew it was going to be a hit, and I just could not contain myself. When he performed that night, finally, I smiled, like I haven't smiled in years. I thought he was so darling, and he was a total sweetheart. When you get those on American Idol that cannot sing or dance, and they leave upset and mad, it is not good. When you get someone like William, in which he gave it his best shot, and still came out victorious, it really makes my smile wider. He has touched me in so many ways. He is a sweetheart. What I have to offer is my full heart to him. I fell in love with him from the moment I first set eyes on him. They say that you can fall in love at first site, and I really did. I downloaded a video of his audition, and I play it at least 50 times a day. I sing and dance like he did, and I even ordered a shirt with him on it. I know that I would be perfect for him. I would give him my whole heart, and we would be a perfect match. He is a sweetheart like me, and he cares for things like I do. He is the true American Idol. William Hung, if you pick me, you will truly have your life, as well as mine, fulfilled with love and happiness, and a lot of singing and dancing.
Pick me William.
Jennifer Whalen, from New Jersey
You're an absolutely amazing person. If only everyone had the courage you possess, the world would be a better place. You're truly an American Idol, William. Not only did you not let Simon's ridiculous comments get the best of you, you used it to push yourself forward. You truly felt 100% confident in yourself, so in turn, you succeeded. Congratulations, William. You deserve the best.
Michelle
Before i heard you sing, i never thought i'd fall in love with somebody i never met. But i remember watching you on American Idol, when asked how music changed your life, your reply was that it allowed you "to reach out and touch more people's hearts". You certainly touched mine. And with that, i realized that i've been waiting for you all my life. I cried when you didn't make it to the final on American Idol. But after the show, i was obsessed. I hope i am not scaring you when i said that. I couldn't get enough of you. I searched the net for hours, reading on updates and news about you. I have your pic as the wallpaper and as a cursor on my laptop. You are the most charismatic man i've ever laid eyes on. Seeing you performing live on your triumphant return to the show, i wish i were one of the backup dancers . Though i never had any professional training, but i hope you'd give me a chance to prove myself.
Trang
What are my reasons for loving Will? Well, there are too many to list in one paragraph! He's fun loving and sweet, intelligent and halarious! I am fully convinced that William Jung is the perfect man, not to mention my American Idol!
KatieMD
Dear William, I would love to marry you, the only problem I see is that I am old enough to be your mother....and I am madly inlove with my husband. However....YOU are the man! My 10 year old son LOVES you!
Julia
Will, I just wanted to tell you I wish I knew more people with your heart, your spunk and your good attitude. The music world could use folks like you. She bangs, Will, but you rock. Truly.
Christina in Columbia, SC
Will, I may not be a civil engineer, but I'm smart enough to know a catch when I see one. If only I had half the courage and singing talent as you. I see in you passion, dedication, romance, generosity, and a kind heart (not to mention a little bit of saucyness) all things required to make a great husband! If I'm not the lucky girl someday, I hope whom ever is treats you with the sweetness and dignity you deserve! I love you! <3 Love Always,
~Jessa Jeffries College Park, MD
Hey! I'd just like to say... I LOVE WILL!
He is so cute and adorable and his performance is unforgettable!!
Im in year 11 at school and so many people talk about Will non stop!! Including Me! I'd just like to congratulate William on his achievements and for touching the hearts of the people from down under. Melbourne, Australia that is! Thanks Will! You're a superstar in the making!!!!!
Love always, Alyssa xoxo
Alyssa Wright, Chirnside Park, VIC, Australia
When I first saw William on American Idol he took my breath away, he seems to be the most charming man alive. I know that if I had the opportunity to meet him we would go great together, and I could make him smile all the time. He seems like a carefree guy who knows exactly how to have a good time and treats a woman right. Not only that but I could treat him like he has never been treated before. I am very athletic, and like to sing just like him. I wrote this in behalf of my feeling to William....
Wonderful---Intelligent---Loving---Lots of fun---Interesting---Astonishing---Made for me
Kelsey Andrews, 19, Texas
William. I watch you every time you are on television. I love you Will. You are everything I want in a guy. Smart, funny, sincere, and adorable. I think we are very compatible. I want to go out on a date with you Will! I love your voice. You are the cutest guy I have ever seen. You deserve the best, and I think I can contribute to that. Our personalities would go well together. I just want to be in your presence! I am looking forward to our date!
Jenna
Hello, I'm Heather. I'm 18 years old. I think William is a sweet and very intellegent guy. To have the guts to try something new instead of taking the easy road and going with the things you already know how to do, shows courage and strength. Even though Simon and the others didn't think you were American Idol Material, You shrugged it off and did your own thing. You are truely a man with a sweet and strong heart. I hope you succeed in everything you do. I'd just really love to sit down and talk to you about computers and find out what you really want to do in life. I'd also like to share some of my art with you. You seem like a go-getter! If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
Heather in Cincinnati, Ohio
There are so few people in the world who have a kind heart and love for life and Will seems to have both. I love music and Will brings me to a smile everytime I see him on screen singing his heart out and showing the world how wonderful he is. I can only dream of meeting him one day and telling him how his sweet smile has touched my heart. He's given me the courage to go out into the world knowing that being beautiful inside sometimes pays off. Thank you so much Will.
Samantha in San Gabriel, CA
Ever since I first saw your beautiful face on that fateful night on American Idol, I new I was destined to be your soul mate. I cant stop thinking about you. Everytime you are on t.v. I melt inside. When you sang "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" I could just feel that you were signing to me. Every night I close my eyes I see your face, and I picture you beside me. William you are the one for me. Please William, email me back, I love you. Enclosed is a picture of me.
Lauren
We love William so much. We think he's so lovable. Since the first time we saw him in his audition it was love at first site. We think he is has a friendly and appealing ora to him, and with his courageous presence he lit up the audition room. Once he said "I tried my best and I have no regrets" we were deeply moved and it inspired us to be confident and give the unlikely a try, and maybe we will come out with a new experience.
Kelsey, Sharron and Emma
Will you are definitely the man! When I first saw you I knew you were the next American Idol and you still are. You are the cutest and most adorable person I have ever seen. Your the man! You make me smile no matter what mood I am. When i saw you on American Idol i was like oh my god, he has to move on to the next round. I was so depressed when you didn't. I am in love with you. You are amazing and adorable and most definetaly talented. Even if you don't sing the best, you make people happy, you have a gift and you are very talented. Any girl would be so lucky to be with you. I love you.
Danielle in Florida
http://www.williamhung.net/marry.cfm
Note: I am "Asian" too.
