William Hung Update: Berkeley’s most famous engineer released his new album on April 6

One’s got to wonder how CEE junior William Hung has time for homework these days with an album release, constant media attention, and multiple singing appearances for crowds of thousands.

Hung’s new album Inspiration was released April 6 and features covers of Ricky Martin’s Shake Your Bon Bon and She Bangs, Elton John’s Rocket Man, R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly and Free, a song that was written especially for him. The disc includes a 40-minute DVD with behind-the-scenes footage of studio recording sessions along with fan questions and answers.

Hung has told reporters that his new career has forced him to cut back on his college workload. After tasting fame, a career in engineering might not be in Hung’s future. He’s currently taking professional voice and dance classes.

Hung’s fame has lasted longer than many one-hit-wonder bands. He’s become an Internet destination with many Web sites dedicated to him. One site depicts Hung’s dance moves named The Hung Chop, The William Wave and The Swivel Engineer (www.madblast.com/view.cfm?type=FunFlash&display=2969).

Hung, affectionately dubbed the “Hong Kong” Ricky Martin by his fans, rose to fame after American Idol judge Simon Cowell called him the worst singer he has ever heard.

Hung’s humble response was that he had no formal music training and had tried his best, and therefore had no regrets. Now however, he has much more confidence.

“I am not the worst singer and I am going to get better,” he told AP radio recently in Los Angeles.

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