NEW YORK, NY – After a surprise offer from Fuse Music Network and KOCH Records, William Hung has accepted a recording contract and video production deal with the two companies. Hung will release a full-length record, tentatively titled “The True Idol,” on KOCH/FUSE Records on April 6th. Known for his now-famous rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” at the Fox “American Idol” season auditions, Hung – a Hong Kong-born UC Berkeley civil engineering student – has become an overnight pop culture phenomenon. His website receives millions of hits per day, and he has become one of the most sought-after performers in the country.
The anticipated release will include Hung’s signature rendition of “She Bangs,” as well as another Ricky Martin hit, “Shake Your Bon Bon” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man.” The initial run of the CD will include an exclusive 40-minute DVD bonus featuring behind-the-scenes of Hung’s studio recording sessions, scenes from a “day in the life” with William and fan question and answer commentary.
Fuse has signed on to exclusively air the music video for the first single – “She Bangs” – as part of the network’s regular video rotation schedule.
General Manager and Executive Vice President of KOCH Records Alan Grunblatt states “William is the perfect artist for our culturally diverse society. He is the new Elvis!”
“Fuse is thrilled that the network’s first exclusive music video will be for William Hung’s ‘She Bangs’ single,” states Marc Juris, President of FUSE. “He may not be the next American Idol, but he is definitely a star and inspiration to everyone who sings in the shower. Fuse sees itself in William – except he dances better.”
In addition, Hung will perform “She Bangs,” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Thursday, April 8th.
About KOCH Records
KOCH Records is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOCH Entertainment, the leading and fastest-growing music company in the U.S. KOCH’S operations encompass record labels, music publishing companies and distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independents in both the U.S. and Canada and its record labels had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents from 2001 – 2003.
About Fuse
Fuse, a network of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, is the nation’s only all-music, viewer-influenced television network, featuring music videos, exclusive artist interviews, live concerts and specials — all rooted in the music experience. Fuse reflects the rapidly changing interests and attitudes of its 12-34 year-old audience by uniting the media platforms that are at the center of their communication and entertainment – TV, online, and interactive games – and by incorporating their opinions and suggestions into its on-air and online programming. More information about Fuse is available at www.fuse.tv.