American Idol Star Wins Poker Tournament

He may have been one of American Idol's worst singers a decade ago, but that did not stop William Hung from landing a record deal and releasing three albums. Three years ago, the off-key singer put down the microphone to pursue a career as a crime analyst with the L.A. County Sheriff.

And now, perhaps a new career as a poker pro is in the cards for the former crooner who bested the field at the Aria in Las Vegas about a week ago to nail down $2,264 after buying in for $125.

One day later, Hung was at it again. He landed at the final table at the Wynn Casino in a $200 entry event and grabbed $1,560 for 8th place, the Hendon Mob DB reported.

Those two cashes followed a 3rd place finish in July at the Aria where the 31-year-old banked $1,004. And the humble Hung has proven he can also earn some cash playing poker on other continents, having won $3,315 for finishing in 7th place at an event in Australia in 2009.

Hung has certainly come a long way since that infamous audition on American Idol in 2004 when acerbic judge Simon Cowell told the Hong Kong native, "You can't sing, you can't dance, so what do you want me to say?"

That critical review followed Hung's rendition of the Ricky Martin hit “She Bangs” that was at least entertaining and deserved high marks for effort. Hung's response to Cowell's stinging criticism was "I already gave my best and I have no regrets at all."

What followed for Hung after that audition belongs in the 'truth is stranger than fiction' category, as his humility and performance were the catalyst for a record deal and appearances on the radio and talk show circuit. Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, Howard Stern, David Letterman, Ryan Seacrest and Entertainment Tonight all came calling, and Hung didn't disappoint.

A petition signed by more than 100,000 fans sought for Hung to be reinstated on American Idol. That petition proved to be effective, but only for an appearance on a special edition of the show that employed the unflattering theme of "Uncut, Uncensored and Untalented."

Hung was not deterred. He embraced his fame and seemingly had fun along the way, although not without controversy regarding his Asian heritage.

Some were offended that the cult following that called themselves fans of the singer were perhaps in reality ridiculing Hung, as he possessed some traits sterotypical of Asians that many of the race were trying to shed. His accent and appearance that some classified as nerdy seemed to portray Asians in a less than flattering light.

While some Asians were bothered by his sudden fame and the reasons behind it, Hung seemed to not be affected in the least by the controversy.

"I believe it's my attitude and charisma, I tell people constantly, media, every where I go, just never give up on your dream," Hung stated, in response to a question regarding his popularity.

Could that dream now include a career on the live poker circuit? If his singing talent was in question, Hung's skills on the poker table certainly are not. That fact is evidenced by his recent propensity to make it to final tables, and even bang his way to victory over a field of 70.