Keith Urban

Latest News: Keith Urban Releases His New Album High

On September 20, Grammy-winning country artist Keith Urban unveiled his latest album, High. The album was first announced in June, accompanied by the release of the upbeat party anthem “Wildside,” which draws inspiration from Joan Cusack’s character in the 2003 film School of Rock. Urban also previewed High with two additional singles: “Messed Up As Me” and “Go Home W U,” featuring Lainey Wilson.

This marks Urban’s first album in four years, following the release of The Speed of Now Part 1 in 2020. During the album announcement, Urban, 56, emphasized that High encapsulates the essence of living in the moment. He elaborated on the album’s intriguing title, stating, “What makes you ‘high’ can mean whatever you want it to mean. It might be physical, spiritual, herbal, meditative, chemical, or musical, but it’s definitely a place of utopia.”

Who Is Keith Urban?

Hailing from Australia, Keith Urban has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in country music. He made his debut in 1999 with a self-titled album, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career marked by successful albums such as Defying Gravity and Fuse, alongside numerous accolades from the Grammy Awards, Country Music Association, and Academy of Country Music. Urban also served as a judge on American Idol from 2013 to 2016. He shares two daughters with his wife, actress Nicole Kidman.

Early Life and Career

Born on October 26, 1967, in Whangarei, New Zealand, Keith Lionel Urban was raised in Australia. He inherited a love for American country music from his parents, Bob and Marienne, who gifted him a ukulele at the age of four. By the age of six, Urban began taking guitar lessons and participated in talent competitions by eight.

During his teenage years, he achieved success in several talent shows and joined a country band, developing his unique blend of rock guitar and country sound influenced by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, and John Mellencamp.

In 1991, Urban debuted his first album in Australia before relocating to Nashville. His first Nashville band, The Ranch, gained significant attention with a self-titled album released in 1997. Shortly after, Urban embarked on a solo career, quickly collaborating with renowned country artists, including Garth Brooks and The Chicks.

Solo Albums

Urban has released 11 studio albums, with three reaching No. 1 on the country charts. Defying Gravity (2009) became his only album to top the Billboard 200 chart and received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. His latest album, High, was released in September 2024.

Discography Highlights:

• Keith Urban
• Golden Road
• Be Here
• Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing
• Defying Gravity
• Get Closer
• Fuse
• Ripcord
• Graffiti U
• The Speed of Now Part 1
• High

Hit Songs

Urban has produced numerous hit songs throughout his career, beginning with his first No. 1 single, “But for the Grace of God,” in 1999. He achieved further success with the 2002 hit “Somebody Like You,” which was nominated for the ACM Awards’ Single Record of the Year.

Four of Urban’s Grammy Awards stem from his songs “You’ll Think of Me,” “Stupid Boy,” “Sweet Thing,” and “’Til Summer Comes Around,” all winning Best Male Country Vocal Performance. “Sweet Thing” was inspired by his wife, Nicole Kidman.

His collaborations, particularly with Brad Paisley on “Start a Band,” earned him accolades at the CMA Awards. Urban’s other chart-topping singles include “Without You,” “You Gonna Fly,” “Cop Car,” “Raise ’Em Up,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” and “Parallel Line,” with several receiving Grammy nominations.

Net Worth

As of June 2024, Urban’s estimated net worth stands at $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth stems not only from music and concert sales but also from his line of signature acoustic and electric guitars.

Personal Life

Urban met actress Nicole Kidman at a gala in 2005 and proposed in May of the following year. The couple married in June 2006 in Australia. Shortly after their wedding, Urban faced challenges with alcohol, leading to Kidman organizing an intervention. He credits her with helping him achieve sobriety and expressed his gratitude in the song “Thank You.” In 2016, Urban opened up about the impact of his addiction on their relationship, noting the miraculous survival of their marriage.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Sunday, in July 2008 and their second daughter, Faith, in December 2010, conceived via surrogacy. Urban expressed gratitude for their family, stating, “We feel very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today.”

Addiction and Sobriety

Urban’s struggles with addiction began in 1998, culminating in a stint at a rehabilitation center. After several years of sobriety, he relapsed shortly after marrying Kidman. With her encouragement, he checked into the Betty Ford Clinic. His album Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing was released during his time in rehab. In October 2021, Urban reflected on his battle with addiction, acknowledging his father’s struggles with alcohol and the long journey to sobriety.

American Idol Judge

In 2012, Urban joined American Idol as a judge for its 12th season, appearing alongside Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj. He continued to be a popular figure on the show for four seasons, concluding his tenure in 2016.