Keith Urban makes stage comeback after Nicole Kidman split

Keith Urban returned to the spotlight with a high-energy performance at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards, marking one of his biggest public appearances since news of his split from Nicole Kidman surfaced nearly two months ago. 

The country star opened the show alongside host Lainey Wilson, stepping onstage in an all-black look that felt familiar and intentional.

Lainey warmed up the room first with a run of country favorites, mixing Need You Now, Redneck Woman, and a moment with Ella Langley as she celebrated her Single of the Year win for you look like you love me. 

By the time Keith joined her for Where the Blacktop Ends, the crowd was ready, and he added a small twist to the performance by singing he was “CMAs-bound,” fitting right into his recent pattern of updating lyrics live.

It’s a habit he showcased on his High and Alive tour back in September. 

During the show, he switched the lyrics of The Fighter to give a shoutout to guitarist Maggie Baugh, saying, “When they’re tryna get to you, Maggie, I’ll be your guitar player.” 

Because the original song was inspired by his marriage, the adjustment fueled speculation. 

But fellow country singer Alexandra Kay shut the rumors down quickly. 

She said, “I know that’s absolutely not true,” adding that the media was unfair to both of them. She also noted that Maggie is happily dating someone else. 

“I’ve met her boyfriend,” Alexandra shared. “She’s very happy.”

Keith, who shares daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret with Nicole, has kept his focus on work and performing. 

Meanwhile, Nicole has opened up about navigating life after the separation, telling Harper’s Bazaar that one of the gifts of experience is knowing she can move through difficult moments. 

“You go, ‘Oh, I’ve been here before. I actually know how to handle this now,’” she said, explaining that even when something feels “painful” or “devastating,” there is always a way forward.

Both seem determined to move ahead with clarity and steadiness, and for Keith, stepping back onto the CMA stage was a reminder that the music hasn’t stopped.