Hung-A-Palooza

Yeah, I'm not sure I get the joke anymore either. But "American Idol" reject-turned-pop culture phenomenon William Hung, already on minute 16, has debuted at No. 34 on the Billboard Album Chart with his new quickly-thrown-together CD "Inspiration."

Number 34! I've seen several explanations for Hung's popularity -- some have argued that at the core, it's a mean-spirited poke at his ethnicity; others believe his double-entendre-sounding name is why the joke seems to be lasting this long.

For many, though, it probably comes out of the thrill of being a little subversive and supporting Hung's stardom, as almost a dig at the "American Idol" starmaking machine.

Speaking to MTV.com, Billboard magazine chart director Geoff Mayfield points out that he's simply the latest novelty act in a whole string of best-selling horrible singers throughout rock history -- including Tiny Tim.

MTV also makes note that the L.A. Dodgers have become huge fans:

One place the album will likely not disappear is in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse. The team has a 4-0 record when it listens to Hung's CD while warming up; when the players tried different music before Sunday's game, the boys in blue lost 4-2.
" 'She Bangs' is classic," Shawn Green told reporters. "It's our victory song."

Perhaps you'll see more than a few Dodgers in attendance next Thursday, April 22, when Hung makes an appearance at the Bally's Total Fitness location in Hollywood. Hung will lead an aerobics session beginning at 6:30 p.m., performing songs including his rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs."

And no, I'm not making this up.