
MANILA, Philippines – Season 3’s viral audition star William Hung has reacted to the news of American Idol’s cancellation.
In an interview with People, he said, “I feel sad because American Idol is such a big icon, not just in America, but across the entire world.”
William rose to fame when he sang Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” as his audition song during the show’s 3rd season. He didn’t make it, but he went on to release 3 albums (one album even included his Ricky Martin cover) before ending his brief musical career to pursue something else.
Watch his audition video below:
Other reactions
Former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson shared their reactions on the show’s cancelation.
“I’m very fortunate to have been [on ‘Idol’] from day one. I left the show at the top, after I left, my presence, it felt different, and then a year later Simon left, and it feels different and many years later Randy left, but the judges are fantastic, they’re brilliant at what they do and they’re fun to watch, the chemistry between J.Lo and Harry and Keith, they’re wonderful, but I think that a certain point maybe everything comes to a close, maybe it’s run its course, but it’s a show that changed people’s lives, changed my life too, really legitimate super stars came out of the show, and people’s dreams have come true and they’re living it,” said Paula, in an interview with Extra.
Randy took to Twitter to air his sentiments:
Many have tried to imitate it but there will never be anything like #idol Thanks fans & talent Yall made it possible. Lets b bout the future
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) May 11, 2015
Simon Cowell spoke up about the show ending, saying that he had a blast while he was on it. Read what he said here.
Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since day one, shared his sentiments on Twitter:
yes next year will be our final season of @AmericanIdol 🙁 this show's been a big part of my life for so long… hard to imagine it w/out it
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015
The alumni of Idol also weighed in on the news.
Some of them spoke to Billboard and here’s what they said. Head on over there to see what a whole bunch ofIdol alums are saying.
Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks: ”Idol was groundbreaking television. I am very fortunate to have won the show at the time. Idol changed my life and I am thankful. Looking forward to an entertaining final season.”
Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert: ”They had a great run. And thank you, Idol, because I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery: ”American Idol changed my life. It was a great way for me to pursue my dreams of being a country music singer and introduce myself to the nation. I am so thankful to the show, the producers, the judges, and the audience for everything they did for me. American Idol has been a dominant force in our pop culture for almost a decade and a half, but all good things must come to an end. I wish everyone involved with the show my best and know they will all continue to do great things.”
Others took to Twitter to air their messages:
Kris Allen, season 8 winner
Changed the game and changed my life. Thanks @AmericanIdol
— Kris Allen (@KrisAllen) May 11, 2015
Blake Lewis, season 5 runner-up
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night. @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol http://t.co/o1iG9P31cl
— Blake Lewis (@BlakeLewis) May 11, 2015
Season 5 winner Jordin Sparks spoke to Meredith Vieira about the show: “It’s definitely bittersweet, the show really gave me my start. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if it hadn’t been for that show. For me, I love that it gave every day people a chance to live out their dreams. I am all for that so I’m sad to see that go because it’s the end of an era. What are we going to watch now?”
Brian Dunkleman, who hosted the show with Ryan during the first season, had this to say:
I knew American Idol would never last without me #CANCELLED
— brian dunkleman (@briandunkleman) May 11, 2015
Are you sad to see the show go? Sound off in the comments! – Rappler.com
William Hung stock photo from Shutterstock
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