Keith Urban

Keith Urban: (after completing his rehabilitation on January 18th, 2007) I'm really grateful for what I've been through, as weird as that sounds. It's actually really the best thing that's ever happened to me and I'm grateful to be on this side of it. It was time to readjust my direction, let's just say. Everyone was really supportive. There's a point where it becomes a life issue and you're career's just got to step aside so I can just take care of myself and I'm really grateful that the record company in Australia, EMI, did an amazing job of just standing by me and I got really great support from everyone in Australia.

Keith Urban: (on entering rehab in 2007) There was no big, cataclysmic event that happened right before I went in. But what it was, was a lot of small things that were happening in my life and a lot of small moments that were starting to accumulate that were telling me very loud and clear that I was a long way from my program of recovery and they were making my life unmanageable. I got to a point where I wanted to go into treatment. So, 30 days became 60, 70 days became 90 and, with each week that passed, I found myself really learning to surrender, especially with my career...

Keith Urban: (after his 2007 rehab stay) My wife stayed extraordinarily strong and loving. My friends and family were there and, man, it's just been really overwhelming. I feel so much gratitude and it feels really good to have gone through it and be where I am right now. I felt very, very loved and I felt very supported and made the time go by. I never felt alone. And, as I say, during that time, I started to learn a lot about myself and how I got to be in this position that I'm in right now. And it's hard to quantify what I learned in 90 days but, suffice to say, it's been one of the most impactful times in my whole life.

Keith Urban: I have this need to keep country being perceived as a cool genre and a broad genre. I really think that country is a genre as big as rock 'music do you play?' I say, 'Country.' And they say, 'Great. What kind?'

Keith Urban: (Acceptance speech for 'Video of the Year' award) Thank you, first of all, to everybody who voted. I really apriciate this award more than you know...I just really enjoyed making this video.

Keith Urban: There are a lot of people I would love to duet with - high on my list is Glen Campbell. I've always wanted to sing with Patty Loveless (she really is the bomb!). I think Amanda Wilkinson would be a good match and I love singing with Sonya Isaacs & Leslie Satcher!! Let me also tell you one of the best singers in this town is Rebecca Lynn Howard - if you've seen her sing live, you won't believe it!

Keith Urban: We are still planning our fan club party - but I guarantee it will be memorable!

Keith Urban: It's hard to really get to know other artists when you keep passing each other like ships in the night but I always look forward to jamming with Brad Paisley (we tend to do that at the drop of a hat!). I feel like a kindred brother with a lot of artists like Sons Of The Desert, Phil Vassar, Sonya Isaacs, Leslie Satcher & Rascal Flatts.

Keith Urban: I think there's a lot more similarities between Australia & the U.S. than most people think. I would say the biggest difference is that Australians are in general a little more on the liberal side. I don't see anywhere near the same overall conservatism – I think a lot of that has to do with being a smaller & younger nation. But, country folks in the rural & outback areas on OZ are the same as I've met in rural America. Down to earth, hard livin', hard workin' – damn good folks.

Keith Urban: So many people ask me if Keith Urban is my real name and it always catches me off guard because it is my real name but I thought about changing it when I came to the states because I didn't think it was all that good for what I do. I'm glad I kept it because my parents "Mr. & Mrs. Urban" would have been quite offended, as would have a very famous New Zealand horse race caller named Keith Haub – whom I was named after. Just for the record – my middle name is Lionel & that comes from an Uncle Lionel on my mother's side.

Keith Urban: There was never a time I became interested in what I do – I truly believe it was pre determined before I even came along. Music runs through my family history & it's as natural to me as breathing. I used to strum on a ukulele at 3 years of age and I started guitar lessons at 6. I truly feel blessed and I still love playing as passionately now as when I was just starting. In some ways even more so.

Keith Urban: I don't think it matters what genre you're a part of, a Grammy is one of the most sought after awards. To be nominated with my mates Steve and Ryan Wariner & Darryl Scott is quite simply humbling. I know it sounds cheesy but I just wish they could give us all one each.

Keith Urban: I'm inspired by a lot of artists for different reasons. Mark Knopler has inspired me as a guitarist - Jimmy Webb, Paul McCartney, John Fogerty & Don Henley as songwriters - Glen Campbell & James Taylor as vocalists - Freddie Mercury as an entertainer - John Mellencamp for...well, just being so damn good at everything & more recently the Dixie Chicks for proving that real country music can still sound so fresh & fashionable in the new millennium.

Keith Urban: It's something I've always loved doing. I'm not one of the artists who comes in and just does my bit. I'm there every second of every day. That's my hands-on situation.

Keith Urban: I think the industry is oblivious to the fact that most people listen to all kinds of stuff. I personally don't know of anyone who listens to only one genre of music. It's vanity because no one does.