Even crooning clowns can use character

The touting of a dissembling, no-talent and self-hating singer wannabe is a disgrace to the spirit of grassroots creativity.

Can someone who sings off-key become a pop singer? William Hung proved the trick could be pulled off if you gain a large enough following. It does not matter, it seems, if a crowd is there to cheer you for your chutzpah or jeer at you for singing badly.

Hung, a Chinese American originally from Hong Kong, found his notoriety after he appeared in a 2004 audition performance of the hit series American Idol, butchering Ricky Martin's song She Bangs. He later secured a record contract and made appearances in Hong Kong movies. Because of his obvious lack of musical talent, his "success" was perceived by some as perpetuating racial stereotypes against Asians.