Keith Urban opens up about life, healing, and moving on after Nicole Kidman divorce - here's what he said

A new year has brought a quiet shift for Keith Urban. Just days after finalizing his divorce from Nicole Kidman, the country music star has stepped back into the spotlight with a reflective, unguarded conversation. Instead of headlines and heartbreak, Urban spoke about creativity, awareness, and simplifying life.

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What did Keith Urban share in his first post-divorce interview?

In his first extended interview of 2026, Keith Urban appeared on The Experience, a YouTube show hosted by producer Dan Huff. Recorded on January 2, the nearly two-hour conversation focused on Urban’s creative mindset and personal outlook rather than his recent separation. The 58-year-old singer revealed that he has stepped away from actively listening to music, choosing instead to immerse himself in poetry, as per a report by Parade.


“....I’m in a different part of the journey,” Urban explained, noting that the last album he listened to fully was by Lola Young. “So there’s a lot of poetry in my input right now. Lots. Yeah, poetry would be in my music right now. Not rhyming poetry, but more philosophical poetry that’s really profound to me.”

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How is poetry shaping Keith Urban’s creative process?

While the interview highlighted Urban’s guitar skills and lifelong love of records, his comments revealed a deeper internal shift. Poetry, particularly philosophical poetry, has become central to how he thinks about music and expression. The focus, he suggested, is less about output and more about intention, as per a report by Parade.

Toward the end of the conversation, Urban reflected on restraint and awareness in his playing and his life. “Guitar-playing-wise, I’d like to work on playing less. Not playing the next two notes I was about to play. Just having confidence that the one you’re playing right now is more than enough — and letting it sit for a second.”

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Why is simplicity Urban’s focus for 2026?

Urban also spoke candidly about mindfulness and presence. “And just being aware that I’m aware,” he said. “That I’m none of the voices in my head — I’m just the one listening. Because it simplifies everything and brings it right back to a very calm, steady, grounded place, but it’s a constant process.”

Although his divorce from Kidman was not discussed directly, the theme of simplification carried throughout the conversation. Urban shared advice given to him by a friend that resonated deeply, as per a report by Parade.

“A friend of mine said, just work on how you introduce yourself to the day,” Urban recalled. “He said to me, ‘How do you introduce yourself to the day, every day?’”

"I thought that was an absolutely beautiful phrase. He said to me, ‘How do you introduce yourself to the day, every day?’ And I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I love that. I love that… You get to do it every day.”

“That’s where I’m at,” he added. “Simplifying. Simplifying is my journey this year.”


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FAQs

Did Keith Urban discuss his divorce directly?
No, his separation from Nicole Kidman was not mentioned during the interview.

What is Urban focusing on creatively right now?
He says poetry, awareness, and simplicity are guiding his music and mindset.