News: 2003-2004

Canadian Idol finalist to perform at 2004 Skate Canada Achievement Awards Gala

(April 26, 2004)

Billy Klippert is gearing up for a performance in his hometown.

Klippert, a top-three finalist in last year’s hit TV series Canadian Idol, will perform at the 2004 Skate Canada Achievement Awards Gala, which will be held June 4 in Calgary.

The Skate Canada Achievement Awards Gala is an annual event that recognizes the tremendous achievements and dedication that are demonstrated by the organization’s volunteers, officials and skaters each year. The awards gala is being held in conjunction with the 2004 Skate Canada Annual Convention and General Meeting, which is taking place June 3-5, 2004.

Klippert became a household name in Canada last summer as a finalist on Canadian Idol. The 25-year-old Calgary native auditioned for the show in his hometown, and was elated when the Canadian Idol judges awarded him a coveted gold ticket to Toronto that put him through to the next round.

Once in Toronto, Klippert impressed both the judges and the viewing audience with his unique talent and powerful voice. After making it to the top-30, he was voted through by the viewers to the finals, which featured talent from across the country. Klippert ultimately sung his way to the top-three, along with the eventual winner Ryan Malcolm and runner-up Gary Beals.

Prior to his success on Canadian Idol, Klippert studied physics and calculus at the University of Calgary and worked teaching guitar lessons and selling instruments at his family’s music store in Calgary. He also kept busy writing songs for his alternative rock band, Kovered in Lies, which he formed with his brother, Benny, and Paul Laframboise.

Following the Canadian Idol competition, Klippert remained in Toronto to play shows, record his debut album, write music, and meet with music industry representatives to chart out a path for his promising music career.

Now living full-time in Toronto, Klippert misses his hometown.

“I always look forward to any opportunity to come back home,” said Klippert. “I miss my hometown and all my friends and family that made it such a nice place to live. I’m definitely looking forward to the show.”

Klippert is also looking forward to the release of his debut album. The self-titled record is set to be released on June 15, just after Klippert’s appearance at the Skate Canada Achievement Awards Gala.

“The album rocks,” said Klippert. “The music is a little lighter than the music I was used to performing before the show (Canadian Idol). I am extremely pleased with the album.”

For more information on the 2004 Skate Canada ACGM, click here.