Keith Urban Performs at CMA Awards in First Major Appearance Post-Nicole Kidman Split: Fans React
What To Know
- Keith Urban joined Lainey Wilson onstage at the 2025 CMA Awards to perform his hit “Where the Blacktop Ends.”
- The performance marked a notable public appearance following his recent split from Nicole Kidman and after his controversial performance at Mar-a-Lago
- Social media reactions to Urban’s CMA Awards performance were mixed.
At the 2025 CMA Awards, country crooner Keith Urban took the stage as a surprise early entry, joining host Lainey Wilson during the show’s opening number to perform his hit song “Where the Blacktop Ends.” Though he had been slated as a performer, his unexpected appearance at the top of the broadcast was not previously announced.
This is the singer’s first major awards show appearance since his split from actress Nicole Kidman. The CMA Awards came less than two months after news broke of his surprise separation from his wife after more than 19 years together. In September, Kidman filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” following their separation.
His appearance at the country music awards show also followed Urban’s recent, slightly more baffling performance at President Donald Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago resort, where the Aussie singer covered the Chappell Roan hit “Pink Pony Club” at billionaire Anthony Pratt’s holiday party. The song, which was originally written about finding solace in LGBTQ+ nightlife and became a queer anthem, was deemed by many as sorely out of place for the Trump-owned venue and its conservative audience.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Reactions to Urban’s performance at the CMA Awards were mixed on social media, as both his recent divorce and his Mar-a-Lago performance eclipsed his moment onstage for some viewers.
“Sure didn’t think Keith Urban would show up to the CMAs I’ll be honest,” read one post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Booooooo Keith Urban,” wrote another user.
“Keith Urban…ugh,” posted one commenter.
“I need Nicole Kidman to tell us why she left Keith Urban!,” posted one fan.
Others appreciated the performance by ignoring the drama. “Keith Urban is one of my favorite more modern country artists. Rocks a little and keeps the twang!,” wrote one country music aficionado.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards, Live, November 19, 8/7c, ABC (next day on Hulu)
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M
You people are all friggin sick with TDS…….get a friggin life……
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A
Great singer that's what counts to me.
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T
I'm still bummed as to what Keith did to Nichole. She may have filed for divorce, but it was because of Keith's actions! He was the one that wanted the separation! That's twice now that men have let her down! And she deserves so much better! I just thought Keith was better than that!! Better than having a midlife crisis and leaving his wife in a pile of Tears. Shame on you Keith Urban! It's going to be a while before I forgive you!!
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A
If she couldn't hold on to two men then maybe it's her.
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G
Irrationality is always boring...as is ignorance.
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G
Sigh...a made-up defense by supporters of the lifelong criminal they elected out of laziness and ignorance. If facts are too much to handle, be a patriot and stop voting...
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T
You would not know facts if they hit you upside the head! Try watching the other side of the news for a change and you might actually learn what the real facts are!
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A
I thought Keith urban was not that self centered. I knew he was high maintenance but to do this to his wife. I don't care about his career. And when your in the public life of course it everyone business. Dah!! I feel sorry for his children. Being shuffled back and forth. It sucks. My grand kids went threw that. Hard on the family too. Especially the grandparents of the son. I won't be listen to his music again. And I had I lv his music too. From the very beginning of his career.
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A
Dah to you. Being in the public eye is not everyone business. People who have nothing better to do or like to be mean and ruin other lives think it is their business.
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M
Bad Bunny sucks….how does that feel?
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