In the glimmering world of showbiz, love often takes a back seat to the spotlights and fanfare. But for country music icon Keith Urban, every concert doubles as an opportunity to win the heart of his beloved wife, Nicole Kidman, all over again.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Urban admits that Kidman’s presence in the audience “fires me up a bit more.” He is candid about his drive to impress her, a sweet admission that even after nearly two decades of marriage, is still alive and well.
“It fires me up a bit more. I try to impress her,” Urban, 56, shared.
Keith Urban’s relationship with Nicole Kidman spans nearly two decades, and his approach to his artistry has remained steadfast throughout. Each performance is another opportunity to share his evolving talent with Kidman, who frequently attends his shows.
Following their spectacular appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman remain a closely-watched couple. They are parents to two teenage daughters and are approaching their 18th wedding anniversary. Their ongoing public appearances and mutual support in their respective careers highlight a stable and long-lasting relationship.
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Urban’s drive to excel on stage is also rooted in family connections. He speaks of his late father, Bob Urban, with a reflective tone, expressing a desire to make him proud. This emotional foundation gives depth to his music and performances, revealing the personal significance behind each note played.
“I feel like I’m still trying to make my dad proud, and I think my dad was proud years ago. My dad’s not even alive anymore, and I still feel like I’m trying to get his approval. So certain things just stay part of my fire.”
Keith Urban’s Latest Project
The “Somebody Like You” singer has recently announced a 10-night stint in Las Vegas, set for later this year and extending into the early part of next year.
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With the announcement of Urban’s newest Las Vegas residency, titled High, comes an opportunity for him to engage with his audience in a new environment. Urban, familiar with the Las Vegas scene through past residencies at Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood, plans to take a new approach to his upcoming High residency.
Urban views it as a chance to connect with both longtime fans and new listeners, setting the stage for memorable nights of music and connection.
“The only challenge I get in Vegas is obviously you’ve got a big mix of people. You’ve got some hardcore fans, you’ve got some people that know some of your songs, but you’ve always got people that don’t know anything that I do, and they’re just curious. I try and get everyone connected and into it as fast as possible.”
This residency also finds Urban excited about the potential of the BleuLive Theater, which he believes will foster a unique concert experience due to its intimate setting and the interactive general admission area.
“The room’s quite magical. I got to see it maybe two weeks before the grand opening, so they hadn’t even finished. They were still finishing it out, and it just felt really special right there and then. It has a really big [general admission] area, so I thrive off that kind of thing, so I’m looking forward to building the show in there.”
While Urban’s concerts are consistently high-energy, there is an undeniable spark when Kidman is in the audience. Her support appears to be a subtle but significant motivator for the musician.
Keith Urban’s Upcoming Las Vegas Performance Dates
October 2024: 4, 5, 9, 11, 12
February 2025: 14, 15, 19, 21, 22
Visit Keith Urban’s official website to purchase tickets!
Whether Nicole Kidman will be in attendance remains to be seen, but what is certain is Urban’s commitment to delivering shows that resonate with the authenticity and dedication that have become hallmarks of his career.