With the new season of American Idol, the Pittsburg auditions hosted a seemingly awkward 22 year-old Heejun Han, an Asian (Korean) guy with a thick accent and even thicker framed glasses. No American Idol audition would be complete without some Asian guy making a huge fool of himself on American television right?
Great. I raised an eyebrow and thought to myself “Oh no… please don’t let this be another mockery of Asian talented singers… not another William Hung!â€
However, I was totally vested after I heard the best commentary ever to come from someone speaking to how they felt going into the audition: “I was nervous before… but I think I drank plenty of teas and stuff… so I’m OK†said Han. My reaction: I can’t believe you said that man. I like you.
When Steven Tyler asked him what he likes to sing, he said “Soul and R&B†and I they all politely laughed inside their heads I bet. Check it out:
Jennifer Lopez looking surprised, said “he sings niceâ€â€¦ well what did you expect J.Lo?! .. That every Asian guy that auditions will come out singing “She bangs†like Willam Hung?!
“Surprisingly… I was shocked†said the Randy Jackson. Naw ‘Dawg’.. really?!
Promising Asian American male Idol contestants over the years included Paul Kim, John Park, and Jose “Sway†Penala to name a few. Let’s see how far Heejun Han gets. Best part of this video is at the end: “Hollywoooooooooooood. I’m coming.†WHAO. I’m totally rooting for this guy.
Fast forward to last night’s final judgement episode and Heejun Han makes it to the top 24 Â — along with Jessica Sanchez!!
