Ex-American Idol contestant William Hung reveals the three words he'd tell Simon Cowell - 20 years after music mogul SLAMMED his audition as 'grotesque' in withering on-air review

• The aspiring star auditioned for the popular reality TV competition back in 2004 
• But William, then 20, was met with fierce disapproval from Simon Cowell
• The now 41-year-old said that he would like to tell the music mogul: ‘I made it’

Former American Idol contestant William Hung has revealed the three words he has for Simon Cowell 20 years after his brutal audition.

The aspiring star, who had been studying civil engineering at the University of California, auditioned for the reality TV competition back in 2004, then in its third season, with a rendition of Ricky Martin’s She Bangs.

William, then 20, was met with fierce disapproval as Simon dished: ‘It’s one of the worst auditions we’ve had this year if I’m being honest. Seriously. I mean everything about it was grotesque.’

But, despite the music mogul’s criticism, William, now 41, shared with The Mirror that two decades later he would like to tell Simon: ‘I made it.’

Former American Idol contestant William Hung has revealed the three words he has for Simon Cowell 20 years after his brutal audition

The aspiring star, who had been studying civil engineering at the University of California, auditioned for the reality TV competition back in 2004, then in its third season, with a rendition of Ricky Martin’s She Bangs

William had taken two days off school to appear at the auditions – much to the disappointment of his parents.

In throwback footage, the keen singer puts his all into delivering an enthusiastic performance complete with a whole host of unique dance moves.

But Simon did not hold back with his feedback.

‘You can’t sing. You can’t dance, so what do you want me to say?’ the TV personality said.

William managed to stay optimistic as he asserted: ‘I already gave my best and I have no regrets at all.’

Simon’s fellow judges Randy Jackson, now 67, and Paula Abdul, now 61, seemed more positive about his outlook but Simon added: ‘William, go and do some homework.’

The pair continued back and forth with their verbal sparring but William did not ultimately progress to the next round.

Nevertheless, William still credits his appearance as helping to propel him to stardom.

William, then 20, was met with fierce disapproval as Simon dished: ‘It’s one of the worst auditions we’ve had this year if I’m being honest. Seriously. I mean everything about it was grotesque’

William later uploaded his American Idol audition tape to his YouTube channel alongside a caption that read: ‘I tried to stay positive so I can walk away with my head held high. Little did I know, this was my life defining moment.’

The singing hopeful also took to Instagram to share that he went on to land a ‘$25,000 record contract’ with his website reaching ‘over eight million hits in less than a month’ after his audition.

Now, 20 years later William revealed his honest thoughts behind his ‘unique interaction’ with Simon with The Mirror.

‘Whether you want to believe it or not, I made my own way. I will continue to reinvent myself as needed, but I feel like I got there.

‘Simon is known to be the mean guy so it wasn’t surprising, but he was very mean saying “worst audition ever” and everything was “grotesque.”‘

‘He made his brutal, honest comments and then I responded in a positive way.’

William also shared his advice for others looking to reality contests as a potential career pathway.

‘I think it’s different now, because they want the good singers, but they still want that special story.

‘It’s not just about the talent now, it’s about whether they can market you.

‘You can only focus on what you can control. If you try to give your best effort and that doesn’t work out for you, there are always other paths you can take in life.’

In November, William posted a picture that featured his birthday cake and captioned it: ‘I can’t believe I am already 41! Big changes this year’

In November, William posted a picture that featured his birthday cake and captioned it: ‘I can’t believe I am already 41! Big changes this year.

‘I got married, I got a new job, and I experienced more emotional ups and downs, but I am grateful to have the chance to grow.

‘Whenever I think about other people who are more successful than me, I need to think about who I need to become to earn the success.

‘Thank you everyone for the continued support.’

William, who landed a job as a statistical analyst role at the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles, continues to delight fans with live performances and Cameo videos.

He has also become a public speaker who provides motivational speeches and has spoken at TED X Chula Vista.

The star proudly concluded: ‘I feel good about where I’m at.’

Read more