For many television viewers, William Hung will forever be remembered for his memorable audition on American Idol. Known for his enthusiastic performance on one of America’s most popular singing competitions, Hung experienced brief but intense fame. However, when the spotlight faded, his search for that same excitement led him down an unexpected path into professional poker—and ultimately to a gambling addiction that would cost him his marriage and financial stability.
In a candid interview with People magazine, the former American Idol contestant opened up about his struggles with gambling addiction and the life-changing consequences that followed.
The High Stakes: Marriage and Money Lost to Gambling
Despite earning a college degree and securing steady employment with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Hung found himself drawn to poker after experiencing some early success at the tables. His initial wins convinced him that he could make more money as a professional poker player than in his day job.
However, success in poker led to overconfidence in other forms of gambling. In his interview with People magazine, as reported by Gillian Telling, Hung admitted that his poker winnings made him believe he could conquer sports betting as well. This decision proved costly when his second wife discovered his gambling activities, ultimately leading to their divorce and his complete withdrawal from all forms of gambling.
According to Hung’s Hendon Mob tournament record, his poker career showed mixed results. Since 2014, he has cashed in forty poker tournaments, with his best performance being a Rio Daily Deepstack event in 2015 that earned him just over $17,000. He also achieved a notable 85th place finish at the 2021 World Poker Tour Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open in Hollywood, Florida.
However, his recent tournament performance tells a different story. In the last three years, Hung earned only slightly more than $30,000 of his total career tournament winnings of $108,295, suggesting his focus had shifted away from competitive poker.
From American Idol Sensation to Pop Culture Icon
William Hung’s rise to fame began over two decades ago with a single television appearance that would define his public persona. After emigrating from Hong Kong at age ten, Hung grew up in California where he developed a passion for singing.
In 2003, the then-21-year-old auditioned for the third season of American Idol, the singing competition that launched careers for stars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. His rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” was widely criticized by judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell, and his dancing received similar reviews.
Despite the judges’ harsh critique, American audiences embraced Hung’s cheerful attitude and positive response to rejection. This unexpected popularity led to:
- Multiple guest appearances on major talk shows
- A recording contract and album release
- His debut album Inspiration reaching #1 on the Billboard Independent charts in 2004
- Two additional albums and an EP
However, his music career’s momentum eventually slowed, prompting Hung to return to college to complete his degree and later join the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
Finding Stability After Gambling Addiction
After years of chasing the excitement he once felt during his brief fame, Hung’s gambling addiction ultimately led him to rock bottom. The loss of his marriage and the financial consequences of his sports betting served as a wake-up call.
Today, Hung reports that he has found peace in his steady career with the LASD and has completely stepped away from poker tables and gambling. His journey from American Idol contestant to gambling addiction recovery serves as a reminder that fame’s fleeting nature can sometimes lead people to seek that same high through dangerous alternatives.
While his path included significant personal and financial losses, Hung’s willingness to speak openly about his gambling addiction may help others recognize similar patterns in their own lives and seek help before reaching their own rock bottom.