Keli Holiday Opens Up About Being Refused Entry Into The US

Aussie musician Keli Holiday, the solo project of Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde, has opened up about the moment he was detained and turned back from the US during his international tour.

In early May, Keli was forced to cancel the final show of his overseas tour after he was detained and refused entry into the US following a short stint in Canada.

“Unfortunately, I’m not going to make it to tonight’s show at Baby’s All Right in NYC,” the Aussie muso wrote on his Instagram Story.

“I have spent all day detained at the Canadian border and denied entry back into the US despite having the proper visa documentation in place. I’m still trying to get clarity on the situation myself.”

The “Dancing2” singer went on to say he was “gutted” by the incident and acknowledged that fans had made plans to see him perform.

“I hate letting people down, and to be honest [I] really wanted to party with you all,” he continued before thanking his fans for the support.

Speaking to Triple M’s Mick in the Morning on Wednesday, Keli touched on the fiasco, revealing he’d planned a surprise set at Andy Lee‘s NYC pub, Old Mates.

“I was meant to go to Old Mates. I was going to do a set, like a surprise set there and have a bunch of fun with a bunch of people,” Keli began.

“And I’m not at liberty to discuss such matters fully at this time, but what I will say is I love the United States, and I’m gutted that I couldn’t do the New York City show and the Old Mates.”

Despite being detained, Keli voiced his hopes to return to the US to deliver a show for his fans.

“We’ll see what happens at the moment, it’s uh, we’ll see,” Keli shared.

Why was Keli Holiday denied entry into the US?

A spokesperson for the US’ Customs and Border Protection told the Daily Mail that he was refused entry into the country due to “national security concerns”.

“Adam Hyde was not deported,” the spokesperson told the publication.

“The Trump Administration is enforcing immigration laws… All persons arriving at a port of entry to the US are subject to inspection on a case-by-case basis.”

The spokesperson added that authorities determine whether a visitor can enter the country on “60 grounds of inadmissibility” and that travellers can be “subject to detention or removal” if they’re violated.

“A visa is a privilege, not a right, and only those who respect our laws and follow the proper procedures will be welcomed,” the spokesperson said. They didn’t specify if Keli or his partner, Abbie Chatfield‘s, social media activity was the cause of the singer’s detention at the Canadian border.

Alongside his brief detention at the US-Canadian border, Keli also touched on a potential appearance on the Eurovision stage. ICYMI, in this year’s music contest, Delta Goodrem represented Australia, slotting us into fourth place.

However, during his appearance on the brekky radio show, Mick Molloy claimed he had a “fever dream” of Keli bringing the title home. In response, the singer confirmed he was keen on a Eurovision gig.

“I would give it a crack! We could do it,” he exclaimed.

Honestly, I can see the bloke winning the shebang. Especially if Abbie Chatfield runs on in for a cheeky cameo!