The brand new album of William Hung may debut in the top 20. Sources at the record label report that the first-day sales of “Inspiration” were “huge.”
If the Internet is any indicator, Hung is a huge hit: 1,300,000 people logged on to stream the album and buy it electronically its first day of availability. That breaks the record for a first day previously held by somebody named Britney Spears by about 200,000.
Hung is a hit, and not just financially. “The Hollywood Reporter” quoted a music pro with a vested interest in Hung‘s repertoire as saying, “He‘s the greatest thing since Tiny Tim.” The man who said that wrote the lyrics to “She Bangs.” Desmond Child ads, “I want him to sing ‘She Bangs‘ at my wedding.”
Maybe right after he appears on “The Tonight Show” Thursday night, and live in the plaza on “The Today Show” Friday morning.
Below is MSNBC host Keith Olbermann's interview with William on the day of his album's release:
KEITH OLBERMANN, MSNBC HOST: An album, a video, a special. Do you ever get the feeling that this is just a really great dream?
WILLIAM HUNG, RECORDING STAR: Yes. And hopefully it doesn’t end here.
OLBERMANN: But at this point, what’s left? I mean, the Grammys? Is that the only thing left now?
HUNG: Well, there are suddenly more albums possible in the future, if this album does well.
OLBERMANN: So, about the one that has been released today, are you happy with it? Have you read any of the reviews? Will you not read the reviews? How are you going to handle this?
HUNG: Well, I haven’t had a chance to look at the reviews and everything yet.
OLBERMANN: How was the experience of making a video?
HUNG: Oh, it was the greatest experience ever. I get to work with so many different people, with so many different looks, different styles, clothing.
OLBERMANN: But, your mother was on set for the video. Did that cramp your style at all? Did she sort of box you in there, as it were?
HUNG: No, no, no, because I thought that my mom, by being there, she actually gave advice to the director that was making the video. And overall, it really made it more professional.
OLBERMANN: In the video, you’ve got groups of dancers, real pros. They are obviously moving so fast that if you’re not in step with them, they could run you over. Were the dancers intimidating?
HUNG: Oh, yes, they were great. They must have rehearsed a long time.
OLBERMANN: You’ve been kind enough every time that you’ve come on the show, William, to give us a performance. But the one song that we have not heard that is on the new album, the classic hit from the Village People, “YMCA.” Can you favor us with a rendition of “YMCA” now?
HUNG: All right, here we go. (singing): Young men, there’s no need to feel down. I say, young man, pick yourself off the ground. I say, young man, because you’re in a new town, there’s no need to be unhappy…
airs weeknights, 8 p.m. ET on MSNBC.