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Keith Lionel Urban[1][2] (né Urbahn; 26 October 1967) is an Australian and American country singer, songwriter and guitarist. Recognised with four Grammy Awards,[3] he has also received 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, including the Jim Reeves International Award,[4] 13 CMA Awards, and six ARIA Music Awards. Urban wrote and performed the song "For You" from the film Act of Valor, which earned him nominations at both the 70th Golden Globe Awards and at the 18th Critics' Choice Awards in the respective Best Original Song categories.[5]

Key Information

Urban has released a total of 12 studio albums (one of which was released only in Australia), as well as one album with his short-lived backing band the Ranch. He has charted 37 singles on the US Hot Country Songs chart, 18 of which went to number one, counting a duet with Brad Paisley ("Start a Band") and the 2008 single "You Look Good in My Shirt". Urban also worked with numerous artists from different music genres, such as Pink, Nelly Furtado, Jason Derulo, Julia Michaels, and Peter Frampton, as well as country artists like Dolly Parton, The Chicks, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Eric Church, and Reba McEntire.

Born in New Zealand, Urban immigrated to Australia as a child. In 1991, he released a self-titled debut album, charting four singles in Australia before moving to the United States the next year. He began a band known as The Ranch, which recorded one studio album on Capitol Nashville and charted two singles on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Still signed to Capitol, Urban made his solo American debut in 1999 with a second eponymous album. Certified platinum in the US by the RIAA, it produced his first number one on the Hot Country Songs chart with "But for the Grace of God". "Somebody Like You", the first single from his second Capitol album Golden Road (2002), was named by Billboard as the biggest country hit of the 2000s decade. The album's fourth single, "You'll Think of Me" featuring his nephew and fellow country artist Rory Gilliatte, earned him his first Grammy Award. 2004's Be Here, his third American album became his highest-selling album, being certified 4× Platinum. Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing was released in 2006, containing "Once in a Lifetime" as well as his second Grammy Award-winning song, "Stupid Boy". A greatest hits package titled Greatest Hits: 18 Kids followed in late 2007. Defying Gravity and Get Closer were released on 31 March 2009 and 16 November 2010, respectively. In September 2013, he released the album Fuse, which produced four more number ones on the Country Airplay chart. "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16" was released in June 2015[6] as the lead single of his eighth American studio album, Ripcord. Later the album produced the Country Airplay chart number-one hits "Break on Me", "Wasted Time", and "Blue Ain't Your Color", with the latter also becoming Urban's longest-reigning number one on the Hot Country Songs chart, spending 12 weeks atop the chart. His tenth album, Graffiti U, was released in 2018 and includes the Top 10 hit "Coming Home". His eleventh album The Speed of Now Part 1 was released in 2020 and includes the global hit "One Too Many" with Pink, in addition to Country Airplay top ten hits "We Were" and "God Whispered Your Name".

Urban was a coach on the Australian version of the singing competition The Voice and a judge on American Idol. In October 2013, he introduced his own signature line of guitars and accessories.

Early life

[edit]

Urban was born on 26 October 1967 in Whangārei, New Zealand.[7] He is the youngest son of Marienne and Robert "Bob" Urbahn.[1] At two years of age, Urban moved with his parents to Caboolture, Queensland, in Australia.[8] Expressing an early interest in music, at four he was given a ukulele, and at six he took up the guitar. From an early age Urban's influences reflected the tastes of his parents, who enjoyed country music.[9] His father owned a convenience store and put an ad for a guitar teacher in his shop window,[10] which led to his taking guitar lessons from Sue McCarthy.[11] He entered local competitions and acted in a local theatre company.[7] Urban has said that his guitar playing was influenced by two rock guitarists, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac).

In 1980, Urban was a contestant on the Australian TV talent show New Faces.[12] A few years later, he began making inroads into the Australian country music scene, with regular appearances on the Reg Lindsay Country Homestead TV programme, Mike McClellan's music programme, and various other TV programmes performing duets with Jenny Wilson, a girl from Brisbane. They won a Golden Guitar award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Urban also performed regularly on stage at the Northern Suburbs Country Music Club in Bald Hills, where he was a member. He was in a band called Kids Country, which performed during school holidays at various venues and made appearances on the Reg Lindsey show and Conway Country.

Musical career

[edit]

1989–1998: early years

[edit]

In November 1989, Urban self-released a promotional extended play seeking a record deal, featuring "Honky Tonk Rock" and "There's a Light On" on the A-side and "Angry Words" and "Future Plans" on the B-side, dubbed Looking for a deal !!.[13]

In 1990, Urban signed with EMI in Australia and released his self-titled debut album.[7] He appeared on the 1990 compilation album Breaking Ground – New Directions in Country Music, which was nominated for the 1991 ARIA Award for Best Country Album.[14] He toured as a backup act to Slim Dusty between 1993 and 1994. In the mid-1990s, both people recorded a re-worked duet of Dusty's classic "Lights on the Hill". Urban appeared for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry backing Dusty.[15] He also sang backing vocals on INXS's 1991 single "Shining Star".[16]

Urban moved to Nashville in 1992. The next year, he appeared in the music video for Alan Jackson's rendition of "Mercury Blues".[17] He and Vernon Rust co-wrote "Jesus Gets Jealous of Santa Claus" on Toby Keith's 1995 album Christmas to Christmas,[18] 4 Runner's 1996 single "That Was Him (This Is Now)",[19] he played guitar on Garth Brooks' album Double Live (Garth Brooks album) and "Tangled Up in Love" on the Raybon Brothers' 1997 self-titled album.[20] In 1995, he formed a band known as The Ranch, which included drummer Peter Clarke and bassist Jerry Flowers. The Ranch released a self-titled album for Capitol Records Nashville in 1997 and charted two singles on the Hot Country Songs charts that year: "Walkin' the Country" and "Just Some Love".[21] Throughout the late 1990s, Urban also played guitar on several other artists' albums, such as Paul Jefferson,[22] Tim Wilson, and Charlie Daniels.

1999–2006: Keith Urban, Golden Road and Be Here

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Urban released his self-titled American debut album in 1999 under the production of session pianist Matt Rollings. It was led by the number 18 single "It's a Love Thing", followed by the number four single "Your Everything", which made him the first male New Zealand performer to reach the Top 10 on the US country charts.[23] Its follow-up, "But for the Grace of God", written by Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Gos, became his first number 1 hit on the charts. The last single, "Where the Blacktop Ends", written by Steve Wariner and Allen Shamblin, went to number three. He won the Top New Male Vocalist Award at the 2001 Academy of Country Music Awards and the 2001 Country Music Association's Horizon Award. Allmusic's Thom Jurek described the first and third singles favorably, and praised the instrumental track "Rollercoaster", saying that Urban was "flat picking his Stratocaster like it was another extremity he was born with." He thought that those songs "balance the slick and sometimes too-soft production on the record".[24]

Urban in 2005

Urban released a second American album, Golden Road, in 2002. Of the 13 songs included on this album, Urban produced seven himself and co-produced the other six with Dann Huff.[25] The album's lead-off single, "Somebody Like You", was released in July 2002 and spent six weeks at number one. The second single was the number three hit "Raining on Sunday" which Radney Foster had previously released as a single from his 1998 album See What You Want to See.[26] The third and fourth singles from the album, "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" and "You'll Think of Me", went to number one, with the latter winning him the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2005.[27] In 2002, Urban posed nude for Playgirl. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he said that he regretted posing nude despite not showing any full frontal nudity.[28]

In 2004, Urban performed "Lights on the Hill" at the Tamworth tribute concert following the death of Australian country singer Slim Dusty, an artist whom he had both written for and covered.[29][30]

In 2005, Urban performed in front of European audiences for the first time. In May, he supported Bryan Adams on his UK and Ireland tour, which included dates at Earls Court, London, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow, and The Point, Dublin. On 6 June a UK-only album, Days Go By, was released. The album contained songs from both Be Here and Golden Road. On 22 September 2005, Urban's third studio album, Golden Road, was certified triple platinum, for sales of three million copies.[31] "You Look Good in My Shirt" was originally intended to be the fifth single from this album.[32] Instead, Capitol chose to release "Days Go By", the lead-off to his third American album Be Here. By late 2004, this song became Urban's fifth number one hit on the country chart. Although it was not officially released, "You Look Good in My Shirt" spent one week at number 60 on the country charts in July 2004[33] and remained a fan favourite.[32] The next single from this album was the number 2 "You're My Better Half", followed by the five-week number 1 "Making Memories of Us", which was written by Rodney Crowell and previously recorded by both Tracy Byrd[34] and Crowell's side project The Notorious Cherry Bombs.[35] The next singles from this album were "Better Life" and "Tonight I Wanna Cry". The former, which Urban wrote with Richard Marx, spent six weeks at number 1 and the latter spent three weeks at number 2. After this song, "Live to Love Another Day" spent 14 weeks on the country chart, reaching a peak of number 48, although it was never officially released as a single.[33]

On 21 August 2006, Urban's "Once in a Lifetime" debuted at No. 17, setting what was then a new record for the highest-debuting country single in the 62-year history of the Hot Country Songs chart.[36] Despite the high debut, the song peaked at number 6.[27] Following it was "Stupid Boy", which was co-written by Sarah Buxton, went to number 3, and won him his second Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2007.[27] The album's next two singles, "I Told You So" and "Everybody", respectively peaked at numbers two and five.[27] Urban released his first greatest hits collection Greatest Hits: 18 Kids on 20 November 2007. The compilation contains all of his Top 10 hits, along with two new songs, "Got It Right This Time (The Celebration) and a cover of Steve Forbert's "Romeo's Tune"."

2007–2009: Love, Pain, & The Whole Crazy Thing, Greatest Hits: 18 Kids and Defying Gravity

[edit]
Urban performs in 2007

In January 2008, Urban embarked on the "Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride World Tour" with fellow country singer Carrie Underwood. In early May 2008, Urban debuted a new song at the Grand Ole Opry titled "A New Sunshine". That same month, Urban recorded a new version of "You Look Good in My Shirt" and released it as a single in June of that year. "Over the years it ("You Look Good In My Shirt") has always played like a hit song," Urban said. "That, combined with numerous requests from both fans and radio about why it was never a single, inspired us to get back into the studio and re-record the song." The single was a precursor to the "Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy World Tour" concert DVD release in the fall of 2008. Later that year, Urban served as a duet artist for Brad Paisley's single "Start a Band," on which both he and Paisley sang and played guitar. This song was included on Paisley's album Play and it went to No. 1 in January 2009.

Urban announced that the lead single for his fifth studio album would be titled "Sweet Thing". This song became his tenth number one hit. Capitol Records released the album, Defying Gravity, on 31 March 2009. The second single, "Kiss a Girl",[37] was released in March 2009. Urban performed this song on American Idol, during the season 8 finale, as a duet with eventual winner Kris Allen. "Only You Can Love Me This Way", the third single, went to number one. The fourth single, "'Til Summer Comes Around", went to number three. The fifth and final single "I'm In" is a cover of a song by Radney Foster, taken from the same album as "Raining on Sunday" was. This song was also recorded by The Kinleys,[26] whose version had been a Top 40 single in 2000. Urban's rendition went to number two. Between the two, Urban also made a guest appearance on then-labelmate Emily West's single "Blue Sky," which charted at number 38.

Urban's 2009 Escape Together tour, supporting the Defying Gravity album, featured many big-name opening acts, such as Taylor Swift, Sugarland, and Jason Aldean. On 27 June 2009, Urban filmed a video for the song, "Only You Can Love Me This Way", at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2009, Urban was also a judge for the eighth annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.

2010–2017: Get Closer, Fuse and Ripcord

[edit]

In May 2010, Urban entered the studio to begin work on a new album.[38] The recording process was documented in a blog on his official website. At the beginning of September, it was announced that the album would be titled Get Closer and would be released on 16 November. "Put You in a Song" was released as its first single on 13 September.[39] It went to number 2, followed by "Without You", "Long Hot Summer", and "You Gonna Fly", all of which went to number one. Urban wrote, "Put You in a Song" with Sarah Buxton and Jedd Hughes, and "Long Hot Summer" with Richard Marx. Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, who are the LoCash Cowboys, co-wrote "You Gonna Fly" with Jaren Johnston, then-member of the group American Bang. After "You Gonna Fly" fell from the charts, Urban released "For You", which was featured as the theme song of the 2012 action film Act of Valor and appeared on the film's soundtrack. The song peaked at number six on the country charts.

On 10 April 2012, Urban was invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Vince Gill at the third annual We're All for the Hall benefit concert which Urban organised. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on 21 April 2012.[40]

Urban plays guitar on Tim McGraw's early-2013 single "Highway Don't Care", which also features a guest vocal from Taylor Swift. This song is the third single from McGraw's album Two Lanes of Freedom.

Urban performing at Darien Lake east of Buffalo, New York, on 25 July 2014

On 13 May 2013, Urban released the single "Little Bit of Everything", produced by Nathan Chapman.[41] It was the first single from his eighth studio album, Fuse, which was released on 10 September 2013.[42] The official music video for "Little Bit Of Everything" debuted on VEVO on 25 July 2013. Unlike his previous albums, Urban co-produced with 10 other producers on this album.[43][44] The album's second single, "We Were Us", is a duet with Miranda Lambert. It reached number one on the Country Airplay chart in December 2013. The third single, "Cop Car", was released in January 2014. A fourth single, "Somewhere in My Car" was released in June 2014. A fifth single, a duet with Eric Church, "Raise 'Em Up," was released to country radio on 26 January 2015. It reached number 1 on Country Airplay in May 2015.

In June 2015, Urban released "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16", as the lead single to his eighth American studio album, Ripcord.[45] In October 2015, Urban teased a new song called "Break on Me"; it was released to the public on 23 October. It reached number one on the Country Airplay chart. On 22 September 2015, Urban celebrated the tenth anniversary of his third studio album Golden Road being certified triple platinum, for sales of three million copies of his record.[46] "Wasted Time" was released as the album's third single and it went on to reach the number one spot on the Country Airplay chart. "Blue Ain't Your Color" was released as the album's fourth single and became a huge hit for Urban. It topped the Hot Country Songs chart as well as the Country Airplay Chart, spending 12 weeks at number one on the former chart. "The Fighter", a duet with Carrie Underwood, was released as the fifth single from the album.

In 2016, Urban was selected as one of 30 artists to perform on "Forever Country," a medley of "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "On the Road Again", and "I Will Always Love You" which celebrates 50 years of the CMA Awards.[47]

Since 2017: Graffiti U, The Speed of Now Part 1, and High

[edit]

On 8 November 2017, Urban released a new song titled "Female", which has been described as "an empowerment anthem partially inspired by the Harvey Weinstein scandal." Urban said that the song, "[a]s a husband and a father of two young girls... It affects me in a lot of ways. And as a son – my mother is alive," he added. "It just speaks to all of the females in my life, particularly. For a guy who grew up with no sisters in a house of boys, it's incredible how now I'm surrounded by girls. But not only in my house; I employ a huge amount of women in my team. The song just hit me for so many reasons." Kidman provided background vocals on the song. The song was the lead single for Urban's tenth studio album.[48]

It was announced that Urban's tenth studio album would be titled Graffiti U and that a world tour in support of it would begin in summer 2018.[49] On 19 January, the Ed Sheeran co-written song "Parallel Line" was released as a single in Australia and the United Kingdom.[50] On 21 March, Urban released the album's second single "Coming Home", a heavily pop-influenced, upbeat song featuring a duet with pop singer Julia Michaels. This song also features a revamped version of the opening riff of Merle Haggard's hit "Mama Tried" throughout it and with his family's blessing, Haggard even received a posthumous credit for writing the song. Coming Home reached number one on the Mediabase Country Chart on 5 August 2018.[51] As well as Julia Michaels, the album also features duets with Lindsay Ell, Shy Carter, and Kassi Ashton.[52] Never Comin’ Down was released to radio as the fourth single in August 2018.[53]

On 16 May 2019, Keith Urban released a brand new single, "We Were", a reflective mid-tempo ode to mischievous youth. "I like the idea that life just happens. At some point, whether in the moment or not, you just gotta go with it", he said.[54] The track was co-written by Eric Church.[55] On 24 November 2019, Urban played the halftime show at the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup championship in Calgary.[56][57] On 27 February 2020, Urban released the single, "God Whispered Your Name" to country radio.[58] The track was co-written by contemporary Christian artist Chris August.[59] On 24 April, Urban released the single, "Polaroid" to radio in Australia and the United Kingdom.[60][61][62][63]

In May 2020, Keith Urban hosted a drive-in concert for medical workers. His latest gig was mostly just him and two other musicians playing on a flatbed truck in front of about 125 cars. Urban played at the Stardust Drive-In movie theatre, about 60 km east of Nashville, Tennessee, for a crowd of more than 200 medical workers from Vanderbilt Health.[64] Later in May 2020, Urban announced his eleventh studio album, The Speed of Now Part 1, would be released on 18 September 2020.[65][66][67] In July 2020, Urban released another promotional single, "Superman",[68] which was released to radio in Australia.[69] "Change Your Mind" followed in August 2020.[70]

In the week prior to the album's release, Urban hosted the rescheduled 55th Academy of Country Music Awards and premiered the third North American single off the album, "One Too Many" with Pink,[71] which would become Urban's first Top 10 all-genre song in his homeland of Australia.[72] In December 2020, Urban was listed at number 29 in Rolling Stone Australia's "50 Greatest Australian Artists of All Time" issue.[73] He is a featured artist on Taylor Swift's track "That's When" from Fearless (Taylor's Version), Swift's first re-recorded studio album, which was released on 9 April 2021. "That's When" is one of six "from the Vault" tracks that did not make the 2008 album.[74] That year he also collaborated with Amy Shark on "Love Songs Ain't For Us", which also came out 2021.[75][76]

In August 2021, Urban released the single "Wild Hearts",[77][78] which he followed up with the single "Nightfalls" in March 2022.[79][80] In July 2022, Urban released the single "Brown Eyes Baby," which was co-written by Morgan Wallen.[81] He embarked on his headlining "The Speed of Now World Tour" in June 2022, with Ingrid Andress as his opening act.[82] In October 2022, he released the single "Street Called Main".[83]

In 2024, Urban released the singles "Straight Line" and "Messed Up as Me".[84][85] The songs were later included on Urban's twelfth studio album, High, which was released on September 20, 2024.[86] The album also included the previously released songs "Wildside", "Go Home W U" featuring Lainey Wilson, and "Heart Like a Hometown".[87]

Television and film appearances

[edit]

The Voice

[edit]

On 23 November 2011, Urban was confirmed as one of the four vocal coaches in the Australian version of the reality singing competition The Voice,[88] alongside Seal, Joel Madden, and Delta Goodrem. On 14 September 2012, Urban released a statement that he would not be signing back on for season two and was replaced by Ricky Martin.[89] On 15 December 2020, it was announced that Urban would return to The Voice Australia season 10 for his second season replacing Kelly Rowland, alongside Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian, and Rita Ora.[90][91] All judges returned for the eleventh season in 2022.[92] However, in October 2022, it was announced that Urban would not be returning to the big red chair for the twelfth season in 2023 due to his upcoming tour and was replaced by Jason Derulo.[93]

American Idol

[edit]

The Fox Broadcasting Company officially announced on 16 September 2012 that Urban would replace Steven Tyler as a judge in season 12 of American Idol alongside Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj.[94] On 1 August 2013, it was officially confirmed that Urban would return as a judge for season 13.[95][96][97] He was joined by former judge Jennifer Lopez and newest judge Harry Connick Jr. On 23 June 2014, Fox announced that Urban would return to the judging panel for season 14.[98] Urban returned to judge the 15th season of American Idol in 2016, though in 2017, he announced his retirement from being a judge on American Idol in the end of August.[99]

Slim and I

[edit]

Urban features in the 2020 Australian documentary film Slim and I, directed by Kriv Stenders, talking about the influence on his life of acclaimed Australian country music husband-and-wife duo Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. The film features interviews and covers of McKean songs by acclaimed contemporary artists including Urban (Lights on the Hill), Missy Higgins, Paul Kelly, and Troy Cassar-Daley.[100][101]

Signature guitar line

[edit]

In October 2013, during a concert in Tampa, Florida, Urban announced that he would sell 'signature' guitars and accessories through Home Shopping Network (HSN).[102] HSN offered the guitar packages twice in six months, resulting in 42,000 sales.[103][104]

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and the Grammy Foundation.[102]

Personal life

[edit]
Urban with wife Nicole Kidman at the 2009 American Music Awards

Urban is a citizen of New Zealand, Australia and the United States.[105]

Urban met Australian actress Nicole Kidman at G'Day LA, a Hollywood event promoting Australia, in January 2005, and they began dating six months later. They married on 25 June 2006 at the Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel in the grounds of St Patrick's Estate, Manly, in Sydney.

On 2 February 2007, Urban filed a lawsuit against an American painter with the same name, who has a website called KeithUrban.com. Keith Urban, the singer, wanted to acquire the rights to the site.[106] The painter counter-sued.[107] The lawsuit was settled in the painter's favour.

On 7 January 2008, Kidman said that she and Urban were expecting their first child together. Kidman's publicist said, "the couple are thrilled and cannot wait". Kidman gave birth to a daughter in 2008 in Nashville. On his website, Urban said: "We feel very, very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of my loving fans today."[108][109]

On 28 December 2010, Urban and Kidman had a second daughter by gestational surrogacy at Nashville's Centennial Women's Hospital.[110]

In 2016, Urban released the track The Fighter, which is said to be inspired by Kidman.[111]

In February 2025, Urban and Kidman's home in Beverly Hills was burgled. Someone broke in, ransacked it and fled. The family was not there at the time.[112]

In September 2025, it was revealed that Urban and Kidman had separated and that she had filed for divorce.[113][114]

Substance use and recovery

[edit]

In the past, Urban struggled with alcoholism and cocaine addiction.[115] He described the late 1990s as a time when he was heavily using substances.[116] In 1998, he checked into Cumberland Heights, a treatment center in Nashville.[117] On 19 October 2006, Urban checked into the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. On 20 October, he released a statement saying, "I deeply regret the hurt this has caused Nicole and the ones who love and support me. One can never let one's guard down on recovery, and I'm afraid that I have." On 18 January 2007, Urban announced he had completed rehab and his plans to go on tour to promote his album Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing.[118]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Keith Urban discography

Solo studio albums

The Ranch studio albums

Filmography

[edit]

Tours

[edit]
Keith Urban in concert in 2007
Main article: List of Keith Urban concert tours

Headlining tours

Co-headlining

  • A.C.M Presents : Keith Urban & Rory Gilliatte '6 String Bandits' Tour (2008)
  • Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride Tour (2008) co-headlined with Carrie Underwood

Supporting tours

Residencies

  • Keith Urban the Las Vegas Residency (2023)
  • High in Vegas (2024–2025)[120]

Awards and honours

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Keith Urban

Urban was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia at the 2020 Australia Day Honours for "distinguished service to the performing arts as a singer and songwriter, and to charitable organisations".[121]

Urban was named the 241st greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023.[122]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Keith Urban

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Keith Urban (born Keith Lionel Urban; October 26, 1967) is a New Zealand-born Australian-American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist renowned for his emotive vocals, virtuoso guitar skills, and genre-blending style that incorporates rock, pop, and R&B influences into traditional country music. Born in Whangārei, New Zealand, Urban moved with his family to Caboolture, Queensland, Australia, at age two, where he grew up immersed in country music, learning the ukulele at four and guitar at six before winning local talent contests as a child. He released his self-titled debut album in Australia in 1991, which yielded four charting singles on the Australian country charts, and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1992 to pursue a career in the U.S. country scene. Urban's breakthrough in the United States came with his 1999 self-titled debut album on Capitol Nashville, featuring the Top 40 hit "But for the Grace of " and establishing him as a rising star with his distinctive blend of heartfelt ballads and uptempo tracks. His 2002 follow-up, The Golden Road, became a commercial juggernaut, selling over three million copies and producing chart-topping singles like ""—named 's top country song of the —and "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," while Be Here (2004) earned double-platinum certification and further hits including the Grammy-winning "." Over his career, Urban has amassed 20 number-one singles on the chart, 37 consecutive Top 10 hits, and albums like Ripcord (2016) and The Speed of Now Part 1 (2020), which debuted at number one on country charts in multiple countries. His 2024 release HIGH marked his twelfth studio album, co-produced with collaborators like and featuring tracks that highlight his ongoing evolution in modern country. A four-time Grammy Award winner, including three for Best Male Country Vocal Performance between 2005 and 2010, Urban has also secured 10 (CMA) Awards, including two for Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year in 2018, as well as 11 () Awards and Entertainer of the Year honors in 2019. He made history as the first country artist to serve as a judge on from 2013 to 2016 and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2012 after his debut performance there in 2000. Urban's philanthropic efforts include raising over $2.6 million for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through his "All for the Hall" benefit concerts and supporting organizations like the CMA Foundation, and MusiCares. In his personal life, Urban has been open about struggles with , entering rehab in 2006 shortly after his , and has since maintained . He married actress on June 25, 2006, in , , and the couple welcomed daughters Sunday Rose (born July 7, 2008) and Faith Margaret (born December 28, 2010, via surrogate). Their 19-year marriage ended with the finalization of their divorce in a Nashville court on January 6, 2026, following a separation announced in September 2025. The amicable settlement includes joint custody of their daughters, no alimony or child support, and an equitable split of their $282 million property empire.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Keith Urban was born Keith Lionel Urban on October 26, 1967, in , , as the youngest son of Bob and Marienne Urban, who operated a . He had an older brother named Shane. At the age of two, the family relocated to Caboolture, a suburb of in , , where Urban spent the majority of his childhood. His parents, avid fans of American , introduced him to artists such as and , fostering his early interest in the genre; his father also played drums, while his paternal grandfather was a teacher. Urban's upbringing was marked by challenges stemming from his father's alcoholism, which created a lack of in the household. Bob Urban was described by his son as a "physical disciplinarian" who administered beatings but later had no recollection of them due to his . Urban has recalled, "My dad was an alcoholic, and I grew up in an alcoholic's house. No intimacy," and noted that he could not remember his father ever expressing love to him as a . Despite these difficulties, his parents supported his musical pursuits, gifting him a at age four and arranging guitar lessons when he was six. By seven, Urban was performing with a local band called the Westfield Super Juniors, and he began winning talent shows at age eight, finding solace and confidence on stage despite being quiet and reserved off it. became his primary focus during childhood, shaping his identity amid the family's turbulent dynamics.

Initial musical pursuits

Keith Urban's passion for music emerged in his early childhood, shaped by his parents' affinity for American country artists. At the age of four, he received a ukulele as a gift, sparking his initial interest in playing instruments. By six, he began taking guitar lessons, honing skills that would define his style, influenced by his family's frequent listening to records by Glen Campbell and Dolly Parton. These early exposures instilled a love for country music, blending traditional sounds with his developing rock-infused guitar technique, drawing from players like Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, and John Mellencamp. Around age eight, Urban started competing in local talent shows in , , where he lived after his family moved from when he was two years old. He quickly gained recognition, winning several contests and performing on Australian television programs as a . At age 13, he appeared on Jimmy Hannan's Have a Go show in 1980, showcasing his guitar playing and vocals. Three years later, at 16, he competed on Bert Newton's in 1983, performing original material that highlighted his emerging songwriting talent. These appearances, along with gigs at school holiday events, marked his transition from amateur performer to a young artist seeking broader exposure. In his early teens, Urban joined the youth group Kids Country, a band that performed covers and originals at local venues and on shows like the Reg Lindsay program during school breaks. By 15, he left to focus on full-time, playing guitar in pubs and clubs around , where he refined a hybrid style mixing roots with rock energy. This period of local touring and band involvement laid the groundwork for his professional aspirations, culminating in the formation of an unnamed band in 1988 that toured extensively across .

Musical career

Early recordings (1980s–1998)

Urban's musical journey in the 1980s began with local performances in , where he joined a band that toured the country starting in 1988. By 1990, after winning an award at the , he secured a recording contract with EMI Music Australia, leading to his inclusion on the Breaking Ground – New Directions in Country Music, which featured his track "There's a Light On" and earned a nomination for Best Country Album at the 1991 ARIA Awards. In 1991, Urban released his self-titled debut solo album on EMI, which peaked at number 98 on the ARIA Albums Chart and produced four charting singles in Australia, including "Only You," "Got It Bad," "I Never Work on a Sunday," and "Hands of Time." The album showcased his early country rock influences, with tracks like "Only You" highlighting his guitar-driven style and earning a nomination for Best Country Album at the 1992 ARIA Awards. That same year, Urban collaborated with Australian country legend Slim Dusty on the single "Lights on the Hill," which was nominated for Best Country Album at the 1993 ARIA Awards. Relocating to Nashville in 1992, Urban struggled initially but formed the band with drummer Peter Clarke and bassist Jerry Flowers in the mid-. The group signed with Capitol Nashville and released their self-titled debut album in 1997, blending , and blues elements across tracks like "Walkin' the Country" and "Some Days You Gotta Dance." The album received moderate critical acclaim for its energetic sound but achieved limited commercial success, charting two singles on the : "Walkin' the Country" at number 51 and "Some Days You Gotta Dance" at number 69. Following the band's dissolution later that year, Urban transitioned to a solo career, setting the stage for his breakthrough in the late .

Breakthrough albums (1999–2006)

Keith Urban achieved his initial breakthrough in the American scene with his self-titled second studio , released on October 19, 1999, via Capitol Nashville. Produced by Matt Rollings, the record blended traditional country elements with pop sensibilities and showcased Urban's virtuosic guitar work, marking a shift from his earlier Australian releases. The produced four singles that reached the Top 20 on the chart: "It's a Love Thing" (No. 18), "Where the Blacktop Ends" (No. 7), "Your Everything" (No. 4), and "But for the Grace of God" (No. 1, his first chart-topper in the U.S.). The self-titled effort peaked at No. 24 on the and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart, eventually earning platinum certification from the RIAA on December 15, 2003, for sales exceeding one million units in the United States. This success established Urban as a rising star, earning him the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist award in 2001 and highlighting his appeal to a broader audience beyond . The album's crossover potential was evident in tracks like "Where the Blacktop Ends," co-written by Keith Urban and Jon Sharpe, which resonated with its themes of escape and . Building on this momentum, Urban released Golden Road on October 8, 2002, his third studio album and second for the U.S. market. The project, also produced by Rollings, debuted at No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 11 on the , with an opening week of 67,000 copies sold. It spawned five singles on the chart, including two No. 1s: ""—named Billboard's top country song of the —and "," the latter earning Urban his first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2004; "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" peaked at No. 4, and "Raining on Sunday" at No. 3. Golden Road became Urban's first multi-platinum album, certified double platinum by the RIAA by 2022 for over two million U.S. shipments, though it had reached status as early as 2003. The title track and "Raining on Sunday" further demonstrated Urban's songwriting prowess and emotional depth, contributing to the album's enduring popularity and solidifying his status as a commercial force in country music during the early . Its blend of upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads helped Urban win the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year in 2005, a testament to the record's impact. Urban's fourth U.S. album, Be Here, arrived on November 16, 2004, and marked a peak in his early career trajectory. Co-produced by Urban and , it debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart—his first chart-topping release there—and No. 3 on the 200. The album generated five singles on , three of which reached No. 1: "Days Go By," "" (which won another Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2006), and "Better Life"; "The Hard Way" peaked at No. 3, and "Tonight I Wanna Cry" at No. 2. These hits underscored Urban's evolution toward more introspective songwriting while maintaining his signature guitar-driven sound. Certified triple platinum by the RIAA on January 19, 2006, for over three million units sold, Be Here represented Urban's strongest commercial performance to date and earned Album of the Year honors at the 2005 . Tracks like "" exemplified the album's romantic themes, while its overall sales of more than 3.6 million copies in the U.S. alone highlighted Urban's growing mainstream appeal. The record's success also coincided with Urban's high-profile marriage to in 2006, amplifying his public profile. Capping this prolific period, Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing was released on November 7, 2006, produced primarily by Urban and Huff. It debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 3 on the , selling 270,000 copies in its first week—Urban's best opening to that point. The album yielded four Top 10 singles, including two No. 1s: "Once in a Lifetime" and "Stupid Boy" (which secured his third Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2008). Other notable tracks like "I Told You So" and "Everybody" explored themes of and resilience, reflecting Urban's personal struggles with during recording. Achieving platinum certification from the RIAA by December 2006 and later double platinum, the album sold over two million copies in the U.S. and won the CMA Award for Album of the Year in 2007. Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing encapsulated Urban's breakthrough era by balancing raw emotion with polished production, cementing his position as one of country's leading artists with a string of sold-out tours and widespread radio dominance from 1999 to 2006.

Mid-career releases (2007–2009)

In late 2007, Keith Urban released his first greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits: 18 Kids, on November 20 through Capitol Nashville. The album featured 16 of his previous chart-topping singles, including "Somebody Like You," "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," and "Making Memories of Us," alongside two new tracks: "Got It Right This Time (The Celebration)" and "I Told You So." The collection highlighted Urban's commercial success up to that point, with seven No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and seven additional Top 5 entries. It debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of approximately 163,000 copies and topped the Top Country Albums chart, eventually earning platinum certification from the RIAA for over one million units sold in the U.S. The from the compilation, "I Told You So," co-written by Urban, , and Rory Lee Feek, showcased his rock-infused country style with prominent guitar riffs and emotional vocals about regret in a relationship. Released in early 2007 ahead of the album, it peaked at No. 2 on the chart and reached No. 48 on the Hot 100, marking one of Urban's stronger crossover attempts during this period. The track's video, directed by Chris Hickingbottom, premiered on CMT and emphasized Urban's live performance energy, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic stage presence. The second new song, "Got It Right This Time ()," received less radio airplay but served as a reflective closer, blending upbeat rhythms with themes of personal growth. Following the success of the greatest hits package, Urban returned to original material with his fifth studio album, Defying Gravity, released on March 31, 2009, also via Capitol Nashville. Co-produced by Urban, , and Nathan Chapman, the record explored themes of love, resilience, and escapism, incorporating elements of pop-rock and traditional while featuring Urban's signature guitar work. It debuted at No. 1 on the , selling 171,000 copies in its first week—Urban's first chart-topping album on the all-genre list—and also hit No. 1 on the Top Country Albums , where it remained for multiple weeks. The album achieved status in the U.S. and received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album in 2010. The spawned five singles, all of which charted in the Top 10 on the Hot Country Songs survey, underscoring Urban's consistent radio dominance. Lead single "Kiss a Girl," written by Urban and Monty Powell, became his No. 1 on the country chart and peaked at No. 16 on the Hot 100, benefiting from a music video that captured a lighthearted summer romance narrative. Follow-up "Sweet Thing," co-written by George Teren, Jeremy Spillman, and Urban, also reached No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, praised for its infectious melody and accordion accents that added a playful twist to country pop. Subsequent releases included "'Til Summer Comes Around" (peaking at No. 3), "I'm In" (No. 1), and "Only You Can Love Me This Way" (No. 5), the latter marking an early experiment with genre-blending collaborations. Overall, Defying Gravity reinforced Urban's mid-career evolution, balancing high-energy anthems with introspective ballads while expanding his audience beyond country radio.

Evolving sound (2010–2017)

During the early 2010s, Keith Urban's music began incorporating more contemporary production elements while retaining his signature guitar-driven , as evidenced by his seventh studio album, Get Closer, released in November 2010. The album emphasized romantic themes, portraying turning points in relationships through introspective ballads and upbeat tracks like the "Put You in a Song," which highlighted Urban's infectious blend of acoustic and riffs. Produced primarily by , Get Closer marked a subtle shift toward polished, radio-friendly arrangements that bridged traditional country with subtle pop influences, debuting at No. 2 on the and topping the Top Country Albums chart. By 2013, Urban's sound evolved further into a hybrid of and pop, showcased on his eighth , Fuse, which featured collaborations with eight diverse producers including pop hitmakers and . This experimentation resulted in an "unforced and fun" twang-pop fusion, with tracks like "Cop Car" and "Little Bit of Everything" blending synthesizers and electronic beats with Urban's emotive vocals and guitar solos. The album's eclectic production—spanning 16 tracks—reflected Urban's intent to explore chart-topping synth-heavy sounds without abandoning his roots, earning praise for transforming him into an "impressive twang-pop craftsman." Fuse debuted at No. 1 on both the and charts, selling 98,000 copies in its first week. Urban continued this trajectory of modernization on his ninth studio album, Ripcord, released in May 2016, which delved deeper into electronic and hip-hop influences while maintaining rhythmic energy through modern production. Tracks such as "Wasted Time," featuring banjo sequences akin to electronic sequencers, and "John Cougar, John Deere, John Lennon" showcased synthesizers, samplers, and Steve Miller Band-inspired grooves, committing fully to "audaciously pop" elements that highlighted Urban's guitar work against contemporary backdrops. Co-produced by figures like and Ross Copperman, the album represented Urban's boldest sonic risks yet, blending hip-hop rhythms with storytelling to create his "widest-reaching" project to date. It debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, moving 93,000 units in its debut week.

Contemporary era (2018–present)

In 2018, Urban released his tenth studio album, Graffiti U, on April 27, which featured a blend of , pop, and rock influences, including collaborations with artists like on the "Coming Home." The album debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart and produced several singles, such as "Never Comin' Down," which showcased Urban's signature guitar-driven sound. To promote the release, Urban launched the Graffiti U World Tour in June 2018, a 59-date North American run with opening acts including , extending into 2019 across multiple continents and drawing large crowds with high-energy performances. Urban's prominence in the industry peaked that year with major accolades, including the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award at the 2018 CMA Awards, his second win in that category after 2005, recognizing his consistent commercial success and live showmanship. He followed this with another Entertainer of the Year honor at the 2019 , solidifying his status as a leading figure in following back-to-back world tours. During this period, Urban also hosted the 2018 ARIA Awards in , celebrating his roots and earning nominations for his international impact. The global pandemic disrupted touring in 2020, but Urban adapted by releasing his eleventh studio album, The Speed of Now Part 1, on September 18, which debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart and explored themes of resilience and modernity with tracks like "Polaroid" and "God Whispered Your Name." The album's production incorporated remote collaborations due to restrictions, highlighting Urban's ability to innovate amid challenges, and it garnered critical praise for its upbeat energy. Without a full tour that year, Urban focused on virtual performances and singles, maintaining fan engagement through releases that charted well on . Resuming live shows in 2022, Urban embarked on The Speed of Now World Tour, starting in in the UK and expanding to in June with special guest , before concluding in December in after over 50 dates that emphasized his interactive stage presence and hits from the new album alongside classics. In the intervening years, he issued standalone singles like "Wild Hearts" in 2022, which peaked in the top 20 on the chart, bridging his catalog without a full-length release. Urban returned to studio albums in 2024 with High, released on September 20, his first in four years, featuring rock-infused tracks such as the single "Wildside" and a duet with on "Go Home W U," reflecting personal themes of family and growth. In October 2025, Urban released a deluxe edition of High, including live versions of select tracks. The album debuted strongly on charts and was supported by a residency at in October 2024, offering intimate sets that previewed tour material. Looking ahead, Urban announced the High and Alive World Tour for 2025, kicking off in May in the with openers like Chase Matthew and Alana Springsteen, promising a global run through October that builds on his enduring appeal.

Media appearances

Television roles

Urban began his television presence as a young contestant on Australian talent programs during the early 1980s. At around age 13, he appeared on Have a Go, hosted by Jimmy Hannan, performing a dance routine in a 1980 episode that highlighted his budding showmanship, though he received constructive feedback from the judges. Later that year, at 16, Urban competed on the popular series , delivering a cover of Air Supply's "" with guitar accompaniment, earning praise for his vocal maturity despite the panel's critiques on his style. As his music career gained international prominence, Urban transitioned into judging and mentoring roles on major singing competitions. He served as a judge on American Idol for seasons 12 through 15 (2013–2016), joining panels alongside Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez, where his expertise in country and pop influenced contestants' performances and helped shape the show's final years on Fox. In 2022, Urban returned to Australia as a coach on season 11 of The Voice Australia, guiding teams through blind auditions and live shows with his emphasis on authenticity and technical skill, though he prioritized family commitments over returning for subsequent seasons. More recently, Urban has continued mentoring emerging artists on U.S. television. In 2024, he served as the mega mentor for season 25 of The Voice, advising contestants across all teams during the knockout rounds, including targeted feedback for team Reba on stage presence and song choices. In 2025, he executive produced and starred as the central mentor in the competition series , where 12 up-and-coming musicians vied to open for him on tour, with Urban and co-producer evaluating performances across episodes filmed at live venues nationwide.

Film and documentary work

Keith Urban has made select forays into film, primarily through in animated features, while also featuring prominently in music documentaries that chronicle his career and the broader genre. In 2021, Urban provided the voice for , a character, in the Australian animated adventure comedy , a original directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps. The film follows a group of Australian animals escaping from a to return to the , blending humor with themes of acceptance and adventure; Urban's role drew on his musical background, as Doug performs songs during the journey. Urban's documentary work often highlights his personal and professional journey. Early in his U.S. career, he appeared as himself in the 2004 TV documentary Keith Urban: The Road to Be Here, directed by Mark Haefeli, which traces his rise from Australian roots to Nashville stardom through interviews and performance footage. In 2009, he was the subject of a dedicated episode in the biographical series , exploring his move to Nashville in 1992 and breakthroughs in country music. Later documentaries include the 2010 short film An Inside Look at Get Closer, a 30-minute production that offers behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of his album Get Closer, featuring studio sessions and creative processes; it premiered on Hulu. In 2014, A Little Bit of Everything: The Unauthorized Story of Keith Urban provided an overview of his life and music via interviews, backstage access, and live performances. Urban also contributed as an interviewee in the 2015 documentary Country: Portraits of an American Sound, directed by Craig Lawless, which examines the evolution of country music through archival photos, historical footage, and discussions with artists including Rosanne Cash and Merle Haggard.

Musical style and equipment

Signature guitar techniques

Keith Urban is renowned for his versatile guitar playing within , blending rock, pop, and traditional country elements through distinctive techniques that emphasize precision, dynamics, and melodic expression. One of his hallmark approaches is , which combines a flatpick with fingerstyle plucking—typically using the —to create intricate rhythms and leads that mimic or sounds. This technique allows Urban to navigate complex chord progressions and arpeggios with agility, as heard in songs like "," where he alternates between picked bass notes and finger-plucked higher strings for a driving, percussive groove. Another signature element is chicken picking, a twangy involving sharp downstrokes with the pick followed by middle-finger plucks on adjacent strings, often executed on a Telecaster for its bright, cutting tone. Urban employs this for rapid, syncopated runs that add rhythmic punch and flair to solos, drawing from influences like Ray Flacke's work on ' records. In live performances and tracks such as "You Look Good in My Shirt," he uses chicken picking to build tension through ascending chromatic lines and double-stop accents, tucking the pick between thumb and index finger for fluid transitions. This method highlights his ability to infuse high-energy country-rock with traditional Nashville precision. Urban's phrasing often relies on fluid techniques, incorporating hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to achieve smooth, vocal-like melodies without excessive picking. He phrases rapid-fire licks by emphasizing pull-offs for even attack and sustain, creating a seamless flow that contrasts with his more aggressive hybrid elements, as demonstrated in the solo for "." This approach, combined with a light touch on the strings—adopted after producer Dann Huff's advice to emulate Angus Young's controlled dynamics—enables Urban to control tone and volume subtly, even at high volumes, resulting in expressive bends and that evoke emotion in ballads like "Tonight I Wanna Cry." Additionally, Urban frequently incorporates open-string usage and percussive elements in his acoustic playing, influenced by Lindsey Buckingham's fingerpicking and ' thumbstyle, to layer textures and rhythmic drive. On capoed acoustics, such as in "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," he integrates these with hybrid elements for a fuller, orchestral sound, prioritizing melodic choices over speed to support his songwriting. These techniques collectively define Urban's style as a bridge between virtuosity and modern crossover appeal.

Influences and gear evolution

Keith Urban's musical influences draw from both and rock traditions, shaped by his Australian upbringing and exposure to diverse sounds. Early on, his parents introduced him to , which formed the foundation of his style, while a childhood concert by at age five ignited his passion for performance. Among country artists, Urban has cited and as major inspirations for their melodic and heartfelt approaches, and he later sampled on his 2018 album to honor that legacy. Rock influences expanded his sound during his teenage years in Australia, where pub performances honed his skills. He credits for their driving 4/4 rhythms and for heartland rock energy, evident in tracks like "Long Hot Summer." Guitar-wise, Mark Knopfler's lyrical phrasing from prompted Urban to acquire his first , while David Gilmour's emotive, simple lines from and Lindsey Buckingham's work influenced his lead playing. Other rock figures like , , and further blended West Coast and pub rock elements into his genre-fluid style. Urban's gear evolution mirrors his career progression from novice to seasoned performer, starting with accessible instruments and progressing to vintage and custom pieces for tonal depth. At age four, he began on a , moving to a nylon-string acoustic by six and his first electric—an Telecaster copy—at nine, paired with a basic 30-watt Coronet amp and Morley Fuzz Wah pedal during Australian pub gigs. By the late 1980s, as part of , he upgraded to a 1989 Fender Custom Shop 40th Anniversary Telecaster (serial #188), a Stratocaster, and amps like a JC-50 and Peavey Renown, emphasizing clean, versatile tones for his debut recordings. In the 2000s, following his U.S. breakthrough, Urban's setup professionalized with customized Fenders, including a modified 40th Anniversary Tele with an EMG pickup, alongside Juniors (late-1950s models with P-90s), a 1963 , and Clapton's signature Stratocaster. He incorporated a Deering 6-string for hybrid textures and shifted amps to a 1973 Marshall JCM 800 head with 4x12 cabinets for overdrive, a 1964 for cleans, and effects like Boss Digital Delay, Blues Driver, , ProCo Rat, and Fulltone Full Drive 2 pedals to layer his hybrid country-rock sound on albums like Golden Road and Be Here. By the 2010s, Urban embraced high-end vintage gear, acquiring five Dumble amps—including an Overdrive Special and the rare bass amp (serial #001)—for their rich harmonics and responsiveness, alongside Marshall Plexis for live drive and Fender Dual Showmans for headroom. His guitar collection grew to include a 1951 Nocaster (refretted, with exceptional pickups), 1952 and 1958 Gibson Goldtop Les Pauls, and a 1958 Burst, reflecting a preference for instruments with organic feel over modern modeling. He briefly used Axe-Fx units for live effects and amp simulation but reverted to tube amps for their physical "punch," as in sessions for Ripcord. A 1964 became his onstage mainstay in the , despite its finicky tone, tuned for songs like "." In recent years, particularly for his 2025 HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR, Urban has collaborated with PRS on a signature guitar prototype, incorporating refined feedback for playability and tone, and he is using two such as primary instruments on the tour, signaling an ongoing evolution toward custom designs that blend his Fender roots with innovative features while maintaining vintage-inspired simplicity.

Personal life

Relationships and family

In his early career, Urban had a long-term relationship with Laura Sigler, a veterinary technician, lasting eight years. He then dated supermodel in the early 2000s; the pair got matching tattoos during their romance, which Taylor later covered up after marrying in 2006. Urban met actress at a G'Day LA event in January 2005, and after a few months of courtship, they married on June 25, 2006, in a private ceremony at Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel in Manly, . Kidman stood by Urban during his entry into rehabilitation for alcohol addiction just four months into their marriage, a period he later credited with strengthening their bond. Urban and Kidman share two daughters: Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, born on July 7, 2008, in , and Faith Margaret Kidman Urban, born via gestational surrogate on December 28, 2010. The couple relocated to Nashville shortly after their wedding to prioritize family life, with Urban often describing his role as a father as transformative and central to his personal growth. Kidman, who has two adopted children—Isabella Jane and Connor Antony—from her previous marriage to , has spoken about blending their families while shielding the children from public scrutiny. After nearly two decades of marriage, Urban and Kidman separated in September 2025, with Kidman filing for on September 30, citing . The divorce was finalized in a Nashville court on January 6, 2026, just over three months after the separation announcement. Court documents detail joint custody of their daughters, ages 17 and 14, with no alimony, no child support, and an amicable settlement without disputes over assets, including the split of their $282 million property empire. Urban has focused on co-parenting their daughters, who have occasionally appeared in family photos but largely remain private. Despite the challenges, Urban has expressed ongoing gratitude for the enduring support from his mother, Marienne.

Health challenges and recovery

Keith Urban has been candid about his long-standing struggles with substance abuse, which began in the early 1990s after moving to Nashville from Australia. Influenced by his father's alcoholism, Urban turned to alcohol and cocaine as coping mechanisms amid career insecurities and personal setbacks, including a painful breakup. These issues escalated during his time touring with The Ranch band, where off-tour periods were marked by heavy use. Urban's first formal attempt at recovery came in 1998 when he entered Cumberland Heights rehab center in to address his , achieving eight years of sobriety thereafter. However, he experienced multiple relapses and prior failed rehab stints in the late and early , reflecting a pattern common in recovery. A critical turning point occurred shortly after his marriage to on June 25, 2006; just four months later, while she was filming abroad, Urban relapsed, prompting Kidman to stage an intervention. Recognizing this as a "," he voluntarily entered the Betty Ford Center in October 2006 for a 90-day program. Urban has remained sober since completing that treatment, marking nearly 19 years of recovery as of 2025. He credits Kidman's unwavering support as pivotal to his success, stating she "saved" his life and marriage by educating herself on addiction and standing by him during the process. In gratitude, Urban wrote the 2009 song "Thank You" from his album Defying Gravity, dedicating it to her role in his sobriety. He has reflected that sobriety allowed him to find a "different way to be in the world," enhancing his creativity rather than hindering it, and he continues to view performing as his "happy place" in ongoing recovery. Urban remains open about his past in interviews, emphasizing the importance of intervention and support systems without formal 12-step involvement.

Recent personal developments

In September 2024, Keith Urban and his family mourned the death of his mother-in-law, Janelle Ann Kidman, who passed away at age 84. Urban publicly shared that the had been "up and down," describing it as coming "in waves" while thanking fans for their support during this challenging time. He noted that his wife, , was navigating both good and difficult days in the aftermath, with the family attending Janelle's funeral together in , , where Urban provided emotional support alongside their daughters. By August 2025, Urban's daughters, Sunday Rose (17) and Faith Margaret (14), offered glimpses into their family dynamics, with Sunday revealing in an interview that her parents enforced two key rules: no phones at the dinner table and no phones in bedrooms to promote quality time and better sleep. These insights highlighted the couple's emphasis on fostering close family bonds amid Urban's demanding tour schedule. In a significant turn, Urban and Kidman separated after nearly 19 years of marriage, with the split confirmed in late September 2025. The divorce was finalized in a Nashville court on January 6, 2026. Court documents detail joint custody of their daughters, with no alimony, no child support, and an amicable settlement without disputes over assets, including the split of their $282 million property empire. Sources indicated that the couple had been living separately for some time prior to the separation announcement. Both parties are prioritizing co-parenting their daughters.

Philanthropy

Charitable initiatives

Keith Urban established the Just Cause Foundation in 2005 as a family foundation based in , to support various philanthropic causes. In 2019, he created the Keith Urban Just Cause Fund through the of , aimed at granting resources to nonprofits that promote love and compassion across the . The fund operates by accepting donations and distributing them to aligned organizations, reflecting Urban's emphasis on community-building initiatives. In 2022, Urban directed significant donations to Nashville-based charities focused on health, food security, and survivor support, including $100,000 to the Music Health Alliance for healthcare advocacy among music industry professionals, $50,000 to The Nashville Food Project to combat hunger, $50,000 to Thistle Farms for programs aiding women recovering from trafficking and addiction, and $50,000 to Medical Center's research efforts. These contributions, totaling $250,000, stemmed from his participation in Cantor Fitzgerald's Charity Day event. Urban has also supported cancer research and related causes through affiliations with organizations such as the Cancer Research Institute and City of Hope, contributing to broader efforts in medical advancement and patient care. In 2023, alongside his wife , he donated over $20,000 to Cycling Without Age, a Sunshine Coast charity providing trishaw rides for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals to foster community connections. To nurture emerging talent in country music, Urban launched the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship in partnership with the , his professional starting point in . The initiative, announced in 2025, offers the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville, including two days of recording at Urban's studio, The Sound, songwriting sessions, live performances, and meetings with industry executives; applications opened in 2026. This program underscores his commitment to artist development and cultural exchange in the genre.

Benefit performances and donations

Keith Urban has been actively involved in benefit performances throughout his career, often using his platform to support , children's health, and disaster relief efforts. He hosts the All for the Hall series of concerts in partnership with the , benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's educational programs, including the Words & Music initiative for Nashville public school students. The series has raised nearly $6 million as of 2023, with a notable 2023 event co-hosted with at the featuring performers such as , , and , which alone generated over $900,000. In addition to music-focused benefits, Urban has performed at events aiding broader causes. On October 26, 2024, he joined the Concert for Carolina at in , alongside artists like , , and to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the ; the event raised over $24 million, with proceeds split between organizations such as and the Chief Cares Fund. Earlier, in November 2017, Urban participated in the Country Rising Benefit Concert at Nashville's , which supported victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria through the Country Rising Fund, later integrated into his philanthropic initiatives. More recently, on May 3, 2025, he headlined Glennon LIVE at St. Louis's Chaifetz Arena, an exclusive concert benefiting the Children's Fund at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, which provides care regardless of a family's ability to pay. In March 2025, Urban performed at the inaugural Band As One Nashville: A Concert for the Cure at the , supporting Susan G. Komen's research and patient services, which raised $700,000; during the show, he shared an emotional moment by hugging a in the audience. He has also contributed to cancer awareness through performances like the 2016 Stand Up To Cancer telethon, where he joined and for a tribute to , honoring those affected by the disease following the personal loss of his father to cancer in 2015. Urban's direct donations complement his stage efforts, often targeting health and community support in Nashville and beyond. In 2019, he established the Just Cause Fund at the Community Foundation of to amplify nonprofits promoting compassion and nationwide. Through this and other channels, he has made significant contributions, including a $250,000 donation in December 2022 via Cantor Charity Day to four Nashville-area organizations: $100,000 to Music Health Alliance for music industry professionals' needs, $50,000 to Thistle Farms for women recovering from trafficking and , $50,000 to the Nashville Food Project to combat hunger, and $50,000 to Medical Center's research program. Smaller but impactful gifts include $5,000 in 2018 from concert proceeds to the Grand Forks Public Schools Music Program in , funding new guitar classes. As a national for the CMA Foundation and an advisory board member at , Urban's ongoing support extends to via The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and the Grammy Foundation, emphasizing access to instruments and arts programs for underserved youth.

Tours and performances

Headlining tours

Keith Urban began headlining tours in , marking his transition from opening acts to leading major productions. His debut headlining outing, the CMT on Tour: Keith Urban Be Here '04, consisted of 21 dates across theaters in the United States from October to November, sponsored by Country Music Television and featuring opener Katrina Elam. This tour showcased Urban's emerging stage presence, earning praise from peers like Kenney Chesney and for his energetic performances. Building on this momentum, Urban escalated to arena venues with the Alive in '05 tour, a 39-date run from September to December 2005 that solidified his status as a top-drawing act. The production emphasized his guitar-driven sets and hits from the Be Here album, drawing large crowds and contributing to his growing reputation for high-energy live shows. The following year's in '06 extended this format with approximately 30 arena and amphitheater stops, further boosting attendance as Urban continued to promote material from Be Here. These early tours collectively grossed millions, establishing Urban's reliability as a headliner capable of filling mid-sized venues consistently. By 2007, post-recovery from personal challenges, Urban launched the Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing Tour to support his album of the same name, playing arenas and amphitheaters across and select international dates. This outing featured elaborate staging and guest appearances, grossing over $30 million in its initial legs and attracting more than 500,000 fans, per industry reports. Subsequent tours like the 2009 Escape Together Tour, sponsored by , continued this trajectory with co-elements but maintained Urban's headlining focus, achieving $1.8 million from a single show alone. Urban's mid-career headlining efforts expanded globally, with the 2011 Get Closer World Tour spanning four continents and over 70 shows, reaching more than one million attendees and incorporating diverse openers like Lady Antebellum. The 2013-2014 Raise 'Em Up Tour, his ninth headlining venture, kicked off in before hitting North American arenas, emphasizing fan interaction through acoustic segments and collaborations. Later, the 2016 Ripcord World Tour played 45 U.S. and Canadian cities in amphitheaters, grossing tens of millions while promoting tracks like "Wasted Time," and the 2018-2019 Graffiti U World Tour extended to and , featuring high-production visuals and special guests such as . These tours highlighted Urban's evolution toward larger-scale productions, often exceeding 100 dates per cycle and averaging 500,000−500,000-700,000 per show in grosses. In recent years, Urban has maintained a rigorous touring schedule with world-spanning headliners. The 2020-2022 Speed of Now World Tour, delayed by the , resumed in 2022 with North American legs featuring openers like and , playing over 50 dates and grossing more than $40 million. This was followed by select Australian headline dates in 2023. The High and Alive World Tour launched on May 22, 2025, encompassing U.S. and Canadian arenas through October, with supporting acts including Chase Matthew and Alana Springsteen, concluding with a sold-out show at in Nashville on October 17, 2025, and continuing Urban's tradition of blending new singles like "Messed Up as Me" with career-spanning sets. Overall, Urban's headlining tours have cumulatively drawn over 10 million fans worldwide, underscoring his enduring appeal in country music live performance.

Residencies and special events

Keith Urban has established a prominent presence in through multiple high-profile residencies, showcasing his dynamic live performances in intimate theater settings. His first residency, titled Keith Urban Live - Las Vegas, debuted at on January 10, 2020, following the announcement in October 2019. The production featured high-energy sets blending his hits with rock influences, drawing strong attendance and leading to extensions through November 2020, including additional dates added due to demand. Urban described the residency as an opportunity to experiment with staging and audience interaction in a controlled environment, distinct from his larger arena tours. In 2022, Urban transitioned to a new venue for his second residency at the Theater at Resort & Casino, launching Keith Urban: The Las Vegas Residency on March 3, 2023. This 16-show engagement, spanning from March to August 2023, incorporated fresh arrangements of classics like "" alongside tracks from his then-upcoming album High, emphasizing and guitar-driven solos tailored for the 4,100-capacity space. The residency was extended with dates in June and August 2023, reflecting its popularity among fans seeking a more theatrical experience. Urban's most recent Las Vegas commitment, High in Vegas, premiered at the BleauLive Theater in on October 4, 2024, with an initial run of five shows through October 12, followed by five more dates from February 14 to 22, 2025. Drawing from his 2024 album High, the performances highlight upbeat anthems such as "High" and "Go Home W U," with Urban noting the residency's focus on celebratory, feel-good vibes in the 3,800-seat venue. This limited 10-show series marks his third distinct production, underscoring his adaptability across Strip properties. Beyond residencies, Urban has participated in numerous special events, often headlining major televised celebrations and award shows that amplify his crossover appeal. He has been a recurring performer and host at Nashville's festivities, including headlining the Music City Midnight event in 2016 alongside artists like and . Urban returned for the 2019 edition, delivering sets amid fireworks at , and in 2024, he co-hosted and performed at CBS's : Nashville's Big Bash, featuring songs like "Straight Line" and "Somewhere in My Car" with guests including Jelly Roll and . These appearances, broadcast to millions, have solidified his role in marking the year's end with high-energy country spectacles. At major award ceremonies, Urban's special performances have included memorable collaborations and solo spots. During the 2024 CMA Awards, he joined Jelly Roll for a of "Liar," blending their vocal styles in a raw, emotional rendition that highlighted themes of redemption. Earlier, at the 2021 CMA Awards, Urban delivered "Wild Hearts" as a to resilience amid global challenges, incorporating heartfelt into the . He also performed "Burden" at the 2019 ACM Awards, a poignant that earned widespread praise for its vulnerability. These events, often tied to industry milestones, showcase Urban's versatility in collaborative formats while advancing country music's visibility on national television.

Awards and recognition

Major industry awards

Keith Urban has received numerous accolades from major music industry organizations, particularly in the country genre, recognizing his vocal performances, songwriting, and overall artistry. He has won four , all in the Best Male Country Vocal Performance category, highlighting his consistent excellence as a solo artist. These include the 2005 award for "Days Go By," the 2006 award for "You'll Think of Me," the 2008 award for "Stupid Boy," and the 2010 award for "Sweet Thing." Additionally, Urban has earned 19 Grammy nominations throughout his career, spanning categories such as Best Country Album and Best Country Song. In the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, Urban has secured 13 wins, establishing him as one of the most honored performers in the organization's history. Notable victories include the Horizon Award in 2001 for his breakthrough as a new artist, Male Vocalist of the Year in , , and , and Entertainer of the Year in and —the latter a particularly emotional acceptance where he dedicated the honor to his family. He has also triumphed in the Vocal Event of the Year category three times, including for "Raise 'Em Up" with in 2015. These achievements underscore Urban's versatility and broad appeal within . The (ACM) Awards have bestowed 15 honors upon Urban, reflecting his international influence and stage presence. Key wins encompass Top New Male Vocalist in 2001, Male Vocalist of the Year in and , Entertainer of the Year in , and the prestigious Triple Crown Award in 2025, awarded for completing the trio of new artist, male vocalist, and entertainer honors. The ACM also recognized his global contributions with the International Award. With over 50 ACM nominations, Urban's tally demonstrates sustained dominance in the field. Urban has claimed four American Music Awards (AMAs), voted by fans and emphasizing popular success. These include Favorite Country Male Artist in 2009 and a sweep of three categories in 2017: Favorite Male Artist - Country, Favorite Album - Country for Ripcord, and Favorite Song - Country for "Blue Ain't Your Color." This 2017 haul marked a career high, celebrating the commercial impact of his fusion of country and rock elements.
Award OrganizationTotal WinsNotable Categories and Years
4Best Male Country Vocal Performance (2005, 2006, 2008, 2010)
CMA Awards13Entertainer of the Year (2005, 2018); Male Vocalist of the Year (2004–2006); Horizon Award (2001)
ACM Awards15Entertainer of the Year (2019); Triple Crown Award (2025); Male Vocalist of the Year (2005, 2006)
4Favorite Male Artist - Country (2009, 2017); Favorite Album - Country (2017)

Critical accolades and rankings

Keith Urban has received widespread critical praise for his innovative fusion of country, rock, and pop elements, often highlighted for his virtuoso guitar playing and emotive songwriting. Critics have lauded his ability to modernize country music while maintaining its emotional core, with publications noting his smooth vocals and technical prowess as key strengths. For instance, his debut self-titled album in 1999 was commended for tracks like "It's a Love Thing," which showcased his blend of traditional country twang with contemporary production. His 2006 release, Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing, earned positive reviews for its raw energy and personal lyrics, particularly the hit "Stupid Boy," which critics described as a standout ballad demonstrating Urban's vocal maturity. Overall, Urban's discography has been viewed as a bridge between classic country and broader appeal, though later works like Ripcord (2016) drew mixed responses for leaning heavily into pop influences. In terms of rankings, Urban has been consistently placed among the top country artists by major music outlets. Rolling Stone ranked him #98 on its 2017 list of the 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time, praising him as "a consistent force in music for over two decades, blending traditional sounds with pop and rock influences" and crediting his "smooth vocals and masterful guitar work." More recently, positioned him at #23 on its 2024 list of the 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time, recognizing his enduring impact on the genre through chart-topping hits and genre-blending innovation. His guitar skills have also garnered acclaim; Taste of Country included him among the 20 Best Guitarists in Country Music in 2025, noting that "Keith Urban is one of the few contemporary stars who possesses instrumental skills like those of his past influences," exemplified by his live performances and solos on tracks like "." further ranked him #241 on its 2023 list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, acknowledging his technical flair despite his primary association with . Critics have highlighted specific songs and albums as pinnacles of his catalog. Billboard's 2017 critic's picks listed "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" among Urban's 10 best songs, calling it a "guitar-driven that captures his rock- hybrid style." Similarly, uDiscover Music's 2020 selection of 20 essential Keith Urban songs praised "Kiss a Girl" for its "infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics," underscoring his talent for crafting radio-friendly yet substantive tracks. Albums like Get Closer () achieved a score of 76/100 based on seven reviews, with praise for its intimate production and tracks like "Put You in a Song," which blended personal narrative with polished instrumentation. These accolades reflect Urban's reputation as a genre innovator, though some reviewers have critiqued his evolution toward pop as diluting traditional roots in later releases.

Discography

Studio and compilation albums

Keith Urban's studio albums span over three decades, beginning with early releases in and evolving into major U.S. successes under Capitol Nashville. His work often blends roots with rock, pop, and electronic influences, earning critical praise for production and songwriting. As of 2025, he has released 13 , several of which topped the chart and achieved multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA. His Australian debut, Keith Urban (1991), featured original material like "Only You" and laid the groundwork for his international career, though it did not chart significantly in the U.S. The 1997 album , recorded with his backing band, peaked at No. 41 on the Top Country Albums chart and included tracks such as "Walkin' the Line." Urban's breakthrough U.S. studio album, the self-titled Keith Urban (1999), reached No. 24 on the chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units. The early 2000s marked Urban's commercial ascent with Golden Road (2002), which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, produced four No. 1 singles including "Somebody Like You," and was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. Follow-up Be Here (2004) also hit No. 1 and earned quadruple platinum status, highlighted by hits like "Days Go By" and "Making Memories of Us." Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing (2006) continued the streak at No. 1, blending raw emotion with tracks like "Once in a Lifetime," and was certified double platinum. Urban's later studio output maintained strong chart performance amid stylistic experimentation. Defying Gravity (2009) and Fuse (2013) both debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, with the latter incorporating electronic elements and earning platinum certification. Ripcord (2016) peaked at No. 1 and went platinum, featuring collaborations like "The Fighter" with Carrie Underwood. Graffiti U (2018) reached No. 1, while The Speed of Now Part 1 (2020) debuted at No. 1 and was certified gold. His most recent, High (2024), entered at No. 10 on the Top Country Albums chart, showcasing mature themes with tracks like "GO HOME W U" featuring Lainey Wilson. A deluxe edition of High was released on October 17, 2025, adding six live recordings from the High and Alive World Tour and two new songs, "Laughin’ All The Way To The Drank" and an extended "Chuck Taylors."
YearTitlePeak on Billboard Top Country AlbumsRIAA CertificationLabel
1991Keith UrbanN/AN/AEMI Australia
1997The Ranch41N/ACapitol Nashville
1999Keith Urban24Capitol Nashville
2002Golden Road14× PlatinumCapitol Nashville
2004Be Here14× PlatinumCapitol Nashville
2006Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing12× PlatinumCapitol Nashville
2009Defying Gravity1Capitol Nashville
2010Get Closer2Capitol Nashville
2013Fuse1Capitol Nashville / Hit Red
2016Ripcord1Capitol Nashville / Hit Red
20181Capitol Nashville / Hit Red
2020The Speed of Now Part 11Hit Red
2024High10N/AHit Red
Urban's compilation albums primarily target international markets, particularly , and collect his biggest hits along with select new tracks. Days Go By (2005), released exclusively in , compiled early successes like "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" and reached No. 13 on the Albums Chart. The U.S.-focused Greatest Hits: 19 Kids (2007) debuted at No. 11 on the Top Country Albums chart, featuring 17 No. 1 hits plus two new songs, "I Told You So" and "Got It Right This Time ()," and was certified platinum. The Story So Far (2012), another -exclusive release, gathered 19 tracks spanning his career up to Get Closer and peaked at No. 1 on the Albums Chart. His latest compilation, #1's Volume 2 (2023), focuses on 12 additional No. 1 singles from later albums, complementing the original #1's (2005 reissue expanded in 2023 as a double set), and was released on vinyl and CD to celebrate his enduring chart dominance.
YearTitlePeak Chart PositionLabelNotes
2005Days Go By13 (ARIA Albums)Capitol NashvilleAustralia-exclusive; 15 tracks including new single
2007Greatest Hits: 19 Kids11 (Top Country Albums)Capitol Nashville19 tracks; two new songs; platinum certified
2012The Story So Far1 (ARIA Albums)Capitol NashvilleAustralia-exclusive; 19 career-spanning hits
2023#1's Volume 2N/ACapitol Nashville / Hit Red12 No. 1 singles; vinyl edition on grape-colored pressing

Notable singles and collaborations

Keith Urban has achieved significant commercial success as a singles in music, charting over 50 songs on the chart, with 22 reaching number one on the chart as of November 2025. His breakthrough came with early hits like "But for the Grace of God" from his 1999 self-titled album, which topped the chart in 2001 and marked his first major U.S. success after years in . Follow-up singles such as "" (2002, peaking at number 2) and "" (2003, number 1) showcased his blend of and pop influences, helping establish him as a radio staple. Later solo standouts include "" (2005, number 1), a heartfelt ballad from Be Here that won for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Country Song, and "" (2016, number 1), which crossed over to number 24 on the Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. "Kiss a " (2008, number 1 on , number 16 on Hot 100) stands as his highest-charting pop crossover single, highlighting his appeal beyond traditional audiences. Urban's songwriting and guitar-driven style have defined many of his hits, with tracks like "Long Hot Summer" (2008, number 1) and "Sweet Thing" (2009, number 1) emphasizing upbeat, romantic themes from Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing. In the , "Cop Car" (2014, number 4) and "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16" (2015, number 1) demonstrated his evolution, blending nostalgia and contemporary production. More recent solo efforts, such as "God Whispered Your Name" (2020, number 8), reflect a return to introspective storytelling amid the era. These singles, often co-written by Urban, have collectively sold millions, underscoring his consistent chart dominance and versatility. Urban frequently collaborates with other artists, enhancing his crossover appeal and yielding several number-one hits. One of his earliest duets, "Start a Band" with (2008, number 1 on ), playfully celebrated musical aspirations and marked Urban's first collaborative chart-topper. "We Were Us," featuring from Fuse (2013, number 1), explored enduring love with Lambert's harmonies adding emotional depth, earning critical praise for their chemistry. The 2016 duet "" with also hit number 1, its empowering lyrics and soaring vocals contributing to a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. "Raise 'Em Up," with (2015, number 1), became an anthem for resilience, topping charts for six weeks and winning ACM Single of the Year. Cross-genre partnerships have broadened Urban's reach, including "Sun Don't Let Me Down" with Pitbull from Ripcord (2016, number 28 on country), which infused electronic beats into country. "Coming Home," featuring Julia Michaels (2018, number 1), blended pop sensibilities with country roots, peaking at number 50 on the Hot 100. In 2020, "One Too Many" with P!nk topped the country chart and reached number 52 on the Hot 100, its vulnerable themes of addiction and recovery resonating widely during the pandemic. Earlier, Urban joined Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift on "Highway Don't Care" (2013, number 1), a poignant narrative of protection that held the top spot for six weeks and won a Grammy for Best Country Song. Other notable team-ups include "In God's Hands" with Nelly Furtado (2008, number 7) and a 2020 cover of "Be a Light" with Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, and others, which raised funds for pandemic relief. These collaborations highlight Urban's ability to bridge genres while maintaining country authenticity.

Filmography

Acting credits

Keith Urban made his acting debut in voice work for the 2021 Netflix animated film , where he provided the voice for , a supporting character who is a lovable known for his singing talent and optimistic personality. The film, directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, follows a group of Australian animals escaping from a to return to the , blending adventure with humor and themes of . Urban's performance as , who uses song to express his emotions, drew praise for adding a musical flair that aligned with his real-life career as a artist. In addition to this feature film role, Urban appeared as himself in the 2025 reality competition series The Road, serving as the headlining performer for emerging musicians on tour. While primarily a non-fictional appearance, it marked his only live-action credit to date.

Guest appearances and cameos

Keith Urban has made select guest appearances across television and film, often leveraging his musical background in collaborative or performative capacities. On television, he participated in CMT's Crossroads series, which pairs artists from different genres for joint performances. In 2005, he shared the stage with rock legend John Fogerty, delivering renditions of each other's songs including "Bad Moon Rising" and "Somebody Like You," highlighting Urban's versatility in blending country with classic rock elements. Similarly, in 2010, Urban collaborated with John Mayer on the show, performing tracks like "Sweet Thing" and "Gravity," earning praise for their guitar-driven synergy and earning a 9.7/10 rating from viewers. These Crossroads episodes exemplify Urban's role as a guest collaborator, fostering cross-genre dialogues through live music and casual banter. He has also appeared as a musical guest on major late-night programs, such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he performed multiple times between 2007 and 2024, promoting albums and interacting with hosts to discuss his career and influences.

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