Keith Urban Biography

Keith Urban, singer/songwriter

Birthdate: October 26, 1967

Birthplace: Whangarei, New Zealand

Sign: Scorpio

Keith Lionel Urban was born in Whangarei, New Zealand on October 26, 1967, but his family moved to Australia when he was still young. By the tender age of 7, the future country star already thought of starting his career in the music industry. He started joining and winning singing contests when he was 8.

In 1990, Urban recorded his first solo album with EMI Australia. The album produced four number one country hits in the country. By next year, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee and worked as guitarist for country music duo Brooks & Dunn. He later formed his own group, The Ranch, which released one album in 1997.

In 1998, Urban decided to pursue a solo career. He sought the help of singer and vocal coach Brett Manning from 1999 to 2001.

Before making it big, the singer first battled his own demons. He became a frequent user of cocaine. In 1998, he decided to check into Cumberland Heights, a rehab center in Nashville, to get rid of his habit.

He released his self-titled album, his first in the U.S., in 1999. It produced three top 5 hits and gave him his first Academy of Country Music Award in 2001 for Top New Male Vocalist. The album also won him the 2001 Country Music Association's Horizon Award.

His single "Somebody Like You" from his "Golden Road" album in 2002 opened more doors to his career. The success of his tours and performances caused him to land the title of Entertainer of the Year in 2005 by CMA.

On August 21, 2006, he made country music history when his single "Once in a Lifetime" peaked at No. 17, a new record for the highest-debuting country single in the 62-year history of Billboard.

Urban had proposed to veterinary technician Laura Sigler in 2001, whom he dated for eight years. They separated in 2002. He was also involved with supermodel Niki Taylor for two years after his split from Sigler.

But in January 2005, the singer met his future wife, Hollywood A-list actress Nicole Kidman at the G'Day L.A. event that honored Australians. They began dating 6 months later and they married on June 25, 2006 in Sydney, Australia.

After winning multiple awards for chart-topping singles and successful tours, Urban had a relapse of his past addiction. He checked himself into the Betty Ford Center in California on October 19, 2006. He issued a statement and apologized to his wife for letting her down.

On July 7, 2008, Urban and Kidman welcomed their first child, daughter Sunday Rose Kidman Urban in Nashville.