Country superstar Keith Urban has had a lot to celebrate in 2007: reaching platinum sales on his fourth solo album, selling out a world tour, his 40th birthday, his one-year wedding anniversary with actress Nicole Kidman and reaching the milestone of one year of sobriety. To wrap up his remarkable year, Urban is releasing a collection of some of his best-loved hits in a compilation, called 'Greatest Hits: 18 Kids.' We caught up with the singer before a concert soundcheck in Grand Rapids, Mich., to talk about everything from marriage to paparazzi to turning the big 4-0.
How did you come up with the subtitle of the album, '18 Kids'?I get asked a lot, "What are my favorite songs?" And I always say they're all like my children, so I don't really have a favorite. And some of them aren't mine -- there are some "adopted" songs, if you will. I think the analogy is interesting, because they are created, and then they morph and grow. We're doing songs now on the tour that are eight years old, from the first album. And some of them don't sound a whole lot like they did originally -- they've evolved.
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Reader Comments(1 of 12)
Dena Holzerat 3-15-2008
Hey Keith, Keep up the good work. Stay clean and sober. Life is waiting for you out there. And so are your fans.
Dena Holzerat 3-15-2008
Hey keith, First, happy birthday. And stay strong on your recovery. Your doing great. I also am a recovering addict.We are with you. Your fans love you.
CeeCeeat 3-22-2008
I cannot stand to even look at Keith, with his scrubby looks & he definitely is not a country music artist. I don't like his singing "whatever" the style is? Why do you think he married someone so talented and sophisticated? I turn the stations when I hear his awful voice. I jump for joy when he doesn't win the nominated awards. Once in a while he will luck up and win something. Young girls like the rugged, greasy, scrubby looks in guys.
Terri Loftisat 3-28-2008
I think you are awesome , I only wish I had the strength and willpower to overcome my vices and addictions as you have. My daughter treated me to your Nashville Concert in 2007 it was great. You were the best performer and cared only about your fans not the time you had been on stage. Martina McBride was a nice surprise as well. I only pray I will get the oppurtunity to take my 10 year old son to see you soon. By the way today was my birthday and the birthday wish you sent me was a very nice touch. Love you always Terri Loftis and my son Cruz. Carthage, TN.
Saraat 4-05-2008
Keith is amazing, and anyone who doesn't think so needs to take a better look at all he's done. I can't wait to finally meet him!!!
iluveveryone4life200721@yahoo.comat 4-11-2008
Hi Keith my name is Jessica Roush. I live in Ohio and I have met you once and I loved it. Your song "Where the black top ends" is one of many of your good songs. I can listen to it and work to it due to the fact it has a good beat. Congrats on the marriage and ur 1 yr anniversary. I'm happy for you Keith. Congrats on staying sober/clean. You are a strong person Keith. I hope I can be as strong as you when I have to go for surgery possibly soon. You are my insperation in life.
Lisa Woodat 4-13-2008
As a HUGE fan of Keith - I want to wish him all the best. His music truly touches people in many ways and he is very inspirational. I have been fortunate enough to see him in concert many times in the midwest and even got to meet him once (fluke meeting - but still was awesome)!!! He is so kind and down to earth. I KNOW he and Nicole will prosper and be happy for many many years. The best is yet to come - once he sees that little baby EVERYTHING will become crystal clear to him. I know he is on the right track! Keith - keep up the great work and god bless you, Nicole and the soon to be newest addition to your family!
Angelat 4-13-2008
Congrats Keith on yours and Nicole's 1 yr anniversary , keep it up you two are beautiful together. I am sure you will have a beautiful child.
You make beautiful music, love every time I listen to it I can feel you soul poured into every tune,and I can relate to many of them. I enjoyed every concert I have been too your love of your wife and fans shines through.
Wishing you the best of everything life has to offer.
Keep up the good work with kicking addiction ,life can be so cruel and hard sometimes. Love all you do.
Hugs and Love to you and yours.
Angel
La Shinaat 4-13-2008
Keith Urban, looks very happy..and I am happy for him.
Tim Mc Graw is a talented singer, he deserves everything
he is getting. So does Keith. I remember when Keith was singing in the studios, and suddenly he came out with his own album. Good Luck, On the Next One!
La Shinaat 4-13-2008
Happy for keith and he sure looks happy now. Keith deserves it. I watched him work hard in the studios,
and helping other artist along the way. Now he is going to be Father, and that is the greatest success any father can ever have. Tim Magraw is such a talented song writer and singer, he breaks my heart sometimes listining to him with his mellow, dramatic voice.
He makes me want to hear more. Good Luck to both.
If you think you have too much money..you can always email me some..ha, ha
angela sharpat 4-17-2008
I DON'T CARE HOW OLD THESE KIDS GET THEY STILL ROCK . I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THEM .
charlie dodgeat 4-23-2008
my wife and i recently celebrated our anniversary at your show in charleston sc. a little down time away from 4 children. we like all types of music and both agree you are an amazing talent. best of luck in life with your new family. dedicate yourself to your family, it can save your life.
Wendy Gunningat 4-27-2008
Hi Keith!
Congrats on turning 40 and having a child with Nicole!
I know you are coming ot the maritimes in Aug. My son and I wanted to go see you but are unable to afford it right now. It is going to be awesome! Just to let you know how much your music means to both my son,12, and myself. Your child is going to be beautiful!!
kim perkinsat 5-03-2008
keith is very respected, especially by other musicians. he writes music, and he plays instruments. he's not just another "crapeoke" singer like tim mcgraw. he is also beautiful. the only thing he did wrong was to marry that boring aussie. he should have married me.
yebat 5-19-2008
Happy Birthday! You're GREAT! Love your concerts!! You should of won BOTH awards! Much happiness with your wonderful marriage and baby on the way. God Bless