Keith Urban is a New Zealand-born, Australian-raised country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has become one of the genre’s most influential and internationally recognized artists[2]. Born in 1967, Urban moved with his family to Queensland, Australia, as a toddler, and began playing music at a young age, showing early promise by winning local talent competitions and performing in clubs throughout his teens[2]. He left school at 15 to pursue music full-time, forming his first band in 1988 and signing with EMI Music Australia in 1990, which led to the release of his self-titled debut album in 1991[2]. Urban’s early career included touring with Australian country legend Slim Dusty and providing backing vocals for INXS[1]. In 1992, Urban relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of American country music, where he initially worked as a session guitarist for artists like Garth Brooks and the Dixie Chicks[2]. He later formed the band The Ranch, releasing one album before pursuing a solo career[1]. Urban’s breakthrough came with his 1999 self-titled American solo album, which included his first U.S. number one hit, "But for the Grace of God"[1][5]. This success was followed by a string of hit albums and singles, including Golden Road (2002) and Be Here (2004), which produced chart-toppers like "Somebody Like You" and "Days Go By"[1][2][7]. Urban’s career is marked by significant accolades: four Grammy Awards, 13 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020 for his contributions to music and charity[1][3]. He is the only country artist to have served as a judge on American Idol[3][4]. Urban is also known for his dynamic live performances, having toured globally and performed for millions[3]. His 2017 album Fuse made history as the first by a male country artist to debut at number one on the all-genre charts in the U.S., Canada, and Australia simultaneously[4]. Urban married actress Nicole Kidman in 2006, and their relationship has occasionally been referenced in his music[5]. In 2023, Rolling Stone named him one of the 241 greatest guitarists of all time[1]. His most recent studio album, High, was released in September 2024, demonstrating his continued relevance in the country music scene[5]. Urban remains active as a performer, collaborator, and occasional television personality, maintaining a prominent place in both country and popular music.