Episode Details

How do you handle situations that feel like massive setbacks? How do you react when you're told, "it can't be done," "you're not good enough," or "you're destined to be a failure?"

William Hung has received that harsh feedback many times. The most memorable was when he was laughed off the stage by American Idol judges for his rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs".

Those that laughed, judged + critiqued missed what was actually happening: the power of an individual believing in his dreams.

Today's conversation is truly heart-warming. William shares about taking chances, the courage to fail forward, and rising above cynics to become a champion by choice and smiling every step of the way.

SHOW NOTES:

• William's mother was very supportive + encouraged him to do his best in a school.
• During high school, William excelled in math and science but struggled academically while studying civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
• William won a talent show at UC Berkeley singing Ricky Martin's "She Bangs", giving him the confidence to audition for American Idol days later.
• Recalling the 2004 American Idol audition, William knew he wouldn't advance to the next round because of Randy Jackson's immediate reaction.
• "I already gave my best. I have no regrets at all.": William's response after Simon Cowell's comment, "You can't sing. You can't dance. What do you want me to say?"
• The primary motivations for continuing with his singing career was not money but defending who he is and counteract others making things up about him.
• William remembers watching other auditions from his season and seeing contestants getting so angry they'd throw water bottles. He understood that the judges were just playing their roles + doing their job and it was no reason to get upset.
• During a UC Berkeley volleyball game, a record company presented William a $25,000 check to record a record album. It went on to hit #1 on the independent charts.
• "It doesn't matter if you have the most talent. It matters if you can bring happiness with your entertainment."
• "You are already unique. You are already special. Keep believing in that truth. Do not give up and you will succeed."
• "I'm infamous, and some people think, a joke. That doesn't make me feel good because I am a genuine person. I don't let it get to me because I am who I am."
• "It's not what they say. It's what you choose to hear."
• "Looking back on my American Idol experience, I realize Randy was smiling. Paula was smiling. Even Simon was smiling. I realize when people saw me, I freed them to smile."
• Today, William is a professional motivational speaker + hopes his audiences choose to be happy in their lives
• "I don't feel the need to justify my value."
• Watch William Hung's American Idol audition here.
• Listen to William Hung's TEDx Talk here.
• William Hung's latest book Champion by Choice inspires others to choose to be happy by rising above the haters. Get a copy here.

If you enjoyed hearing William Hung's story, you'll love my conversation with Lizzie Velasquez. Lizzie shares her positivity, her life's work at spreading kindness, and how she's standing up to bullies. Listen on ep. 71.

WILLIAM HUNG'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read?

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