9781422273241

ON THE ROAD TO RECOGNITION

Doors soon began opening for Urban to appear on other shows around the country, as well as at festivals and clubs. He and his partner JennyWilson won a prestigious Golden Guitar award at the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, which provided huge exposure as the 10-day Australian event is widely regarded as one of the top 10 country music festivals in the world. The performance was another big moment in the teen’s rise, as the Golden Guitar is the only industry-affiliated country music award in Australia. Urban also played and sang in a band called Kids Country that snagged some airtime on television programs and performed at local venues. Urban put a lot of effort into his onstage appearances too. His dad stressed the importance of looking like a performer early on, and Urban found it rewarding, striving to win awards when they were handed out for best dressed contestants.

MEDLEY MASH-UP: FOREVER COUNTRY

Keith Urban was one of 30 music greats chosen to perform a special medley in celebration of the 50th Annual CMA Awards. Among those who participated were Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, and Miranda Lambert. They performed three of country’s most well-known songs: John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,”Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always LoveYou.” The stars traded lines on the three hit tunes in a unique mash-up of medleys, with Urban’s lyrics delivered while surrounded by flowers with a mountain looming in the background, thanks to the magical video work of the producers.

16

Keith Urban