http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/03/26/news/community/3_25_0422_32_43.txt
ESCONDIDO ---- North County was swept up "Hung Mania" on Thursday night as eliminated American Idol hopeful William Hung and his security entourage invaded Westfield Shoppingtown North County.
Thousands of people, mostly teens with parents in tow, packed the three levels of the Escondido mall. Carrying signs that read "Hung is a Hunk" and "We Love William," the boisterous crowd began lining up in the afternoon for Hung's 7:30 p.m. performance, sponsored by Star 100.7 radio station.
"He's just so genuine," gushed Luynh Pham, 21, of San Diego. "He was still able to stand up to the judges and he's so sincere. He was shut down but he's still going. And I don't think he's a bad singer. He could be better but singing is all about appeal."
Judging by the size of the crowd, Hung has plenty of appeal. He mounted the stage to chants of "William, William", and opened with his American Idol audition song, Ricky Martin's "She Bangs."
Boisterous teens packed the mall escalator, probably much to the chagrin of fire officials. Chairs were dragged from the food court so kids could get a better view of the UC Berkeley engineering major, and cell phones were held up so listeners on the other end could hear the performance. Future photojournalists leaned over mall railings to snap pictures of Hung with their digital and cell phone cameras.
Lindsay Saavedra, 27, of San Diego left work early to drive to the mall to see Hung. Saavedra attends UC Berkeley and said she is proud that Hung, a native of Hong Kong, attends the same school.
"We came just for a laugh," Saavedra said while her friend declined to be interviewed because she was "embarrassed."
"He's extremely cute," Saavedra said. "He's not talented, but I admire his tenacity and self-confidence. He thinks he could have been the next American Idol and that's impressive."
Paul Vanostaeyen of Escondido was dragged to the event by his children, Megan, 13, and Jake, 11. Vanostaeyen said the kids called him all day at work and begged him to take them to see Hung.
"I am happy for him," Vanostaeyen said. "It's good to see he's doing this and taking advantage of publicity that went his way."
Megan, on the other hand, said she wanted to see Hung because everyone talked about him at school.
"I think he's funny," she said.
Debbie Kagay of Carlsbad brought her 11-year-old sister, Rachel, to the concert. Kagay said that Hung proved anyone can achieve anything. Rachel said she would definitely buy Hung's CD, which is due to be released next month by Fuse Music Network and Koch Records, which jumped on the Hung craze.
And she thought the American Idol judges foolishly underestimated the appeal of Hung's awkward shimmy and tune-defying voice.
"Simon and Randy made fun of him but he, like, became famous," Rachel said. "I think he's talented."
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It looks like fun, Hung! .H.
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