Keith Urban is living his dream. The 56-year-old spent his entire life in relentless pursuit of the life he now has, being able to make a living making music that resonates with others. It’s a gift he will never take for granted.
“If anything, I think I’ve just gotten more clarity on why I love what I get to do,” Urban said (via Country 102.5). “I don’t think it’s changed. My understanding of why I love it has become clearer. I left school at fifteen, playing in cover bands five nights a week, four hours a night in the clubs, and only playing covers for years well into my early 20s.”
“I just wanted to be able to play my own music,” he continued. “I was hoping one day, I could write some songs that the audience would know, so I could be playing my own music, and the audience would sing along like they were singing along with Reba [McEntire] or like they were singing along with [Jimmy Buffett’s] ‘Margaritaville.’ I was hoping that I would do one of my songs, and they would do that.”
Urban, who has hinted at a major tour this year, realizes how far he has come every time he takes the stage.
“To be able to put together a lengthy set list with all originals, and they sing along with almost all of it, just made going out there and what I want to do and have everyone become one,” he said. “That’s all I’ve ever tried to do.”
Urban’s goals for his music extend far beyond his own notoriety and success. In a world rife with strife, the Grand Ole Opry member wants to bring a reprieve to those attending his shows, if only for a couple of hours.
“I’m just trying to bring some peace and joy, some levity, some hope, and inclusivity into this group of people who may have nothing else in common,” he reflected. “Well, I mean, this: make new songs, make new friends, and put each of those together.”
With his level of fame and success, Urban could easily parlay his fame into another form of celebrity, joining his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, in movie or TV projects. But for Urban, that’s an immediate hard pass.
“I have zero interest in acting. I am fascinated by this [music], and it’s endless,” Urban said. “I like playing guitar better, making better records in the studio, and discovering things.”
Urban will return to television this year, although not as an actor. The father of two will appear on this season of The Voice as a Mega Mentor.
“Just getting good advice and honest advice was something I really loved and needed, so it was a no-brainer when I got asked to do it,” Urban told UMG Nashville. “The first one I got asked to do was be a coach on The Voice in Australia on their first season, and I did it. I loved it. Then I did quite a few seasons of American Idol, as a judge on American Idol, and loved it.”
Being a Mega Mentor on The Voice is a return for Urban, who previously served as an advisor on Blake Shelton‘s team.
“When The Voice here in the States asked me to come and be a mentor and now a Mega Mentor, whatever that means – I feel like a Transformer – I jumped at the opportunity, because the mentoring part I particularly love,” Urban shared. “I love that the most. I love being able to try and help an artist navigate some things they’ve got to work on and try and be constructive and helpful but also do it in a supportive way. Nobody wants to get humiliated in front of people, but you do need honest advice as well, so I love that opportunity.”
The Voice airs on Monday and Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.
Urban currently has a Top 40 single with “Messed Up As Me,” from his forthcoming album, which also includes “Straight Line. Find all of his music and tour dates at KeithUrban.com.