Keith Urban marked his first concert following his divorce from Nicole Kidman with heartfelt gestures that included a tribute to his family. During his performance at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 2023, a slideshow featuring a photo of Kidman and their daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith, 14, was displayed while he sang “Heart Like a Hometown.”
The poignant moment unfolded after Urban shared a personal story about his journey into music. He recounted leaving school at age 15 to pursue his passion and expressed gratitude to his parents for their support. This emotional backdrop set the tone for a concert that took place just two days after Us Weekly confirmed Kidman had filed for divorce, ending their 19-year marriage.
Urban, 57, performed without his wedding ring, yet his spirits remained high throughout the night. He engaged playfully with fans, even surprising one audience member during “Kiss a Girl” by taking their phone for a FaceTime call with a loved one. His performance also included a rendition of “You’ll Think of Me,” where he made a notable lyrical change by adding the phrase “your bulls*** reasons” to an existing line.
Shifts in Performance and Personnel
While Urban’s usual collaborator, Maggie Baugh, was absent from the show, Natalie Stovall filled in as a performer. Despite the change, Urban and Stovall did not perform “The Fighter,” a song typically associated with Kidman. Previously, Urban had adapted the lyrics during a concert, singing, “When they’re tryna get to you, Maggie, I’ll be your guitar player,” in a nod to Baugh.
In a twist, Baugh’s father, Chuck Baugh, publicly denied rumors suggesting his daughter was involved in the circumstances surrounding Urban’s divorce. He responded to speculation on social media, stating, “NO. Just No.” This statement came shortly after reports emerged confirming Urban and Kidman had separated on September 30, the same day Kidman filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
Legal documents obtained by Us Weekly reveal that Kidman submitted a marital dissolution agreement that included a parenting plan and child support details. Both Urban and Kidman had signed the agreement prior to the divorce filing, with their separation date officially recognized as September 30.
Urban and Kidman were last seen together on June 20, 2023, at the FIFA Club World Cup game in Nashville. Prior to their separation, the couple had not posted about each other on social media for several months. Urban’s last post featuring Kidman was in May, celebrating his win at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
As Urban continues his tour, his performances may reflect the changes in his personal life, revealing the interplay between his music and personal experiences. The recent concert showcased not only his talent but also a glimpse into his life as a father and a musician navigating a significant transition.
