Just weeks after the announcement of his separation from Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban continues to create unforgettable moments in front of a fresh audience. The country music star took center stage at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards, performing his hit "Where the Blacktop Ends" alongside host Lainey Wilson, before any trophies were handed out. Dressed in an all-black ensemble, complete with a signature graphic T-shirt, skinny jeans, and sneakers, Keith continued his trend of updating his lyrics during his performances.
Before their duet, Lainey, nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year, performed a medley of classic country hits, including Lady A's "Need You Now" and Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman." She also danced alongside Ella Langley as she performed her song "you look like you love me," which took home the trophy for Single of the Year.
During his performance, Keith, who shares daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14, with Nicole, sang he was "CMAs-bound" instead of "country-bound," continuing his trend of altering his lyrics during his shows. During his Sept. 27 show on his High and Alive tour, he changed a few lyrics in his setlist, including his hit "The Fighter." Instead of singing the original line "When they’re tryna get to you, baby I’ll be the fighter," he gave a shoutout to his touring guitarist Maggie Baugh and sang "When they’re tryna get to you, Maggie, I’ll be your guitar player."
This deviation raised eyebrows at the time, as Keith had previously admitted that the single was inspired by his 20-year marriage to the Babygirl actor. While he didn't address the subtle lyric change directly, fellow country singer Alexandra Kay made sure to shut down rumors that Keith and Maggie were romantically involved. "I know that's absolutely not true," she told Taste of Country last month. "Honestly, I was heartbroken for them because the media scrutiny is insane and the things people say... They're like stirring up rumors about Maggie Baugh, and I'm like 'She's a good friend of mine.'"
In fact, the singer of "How Do We Go" revealed that the guitarist is in a relationship with someone else, emphasizing that she has "nothing" to do with Nicole and Keith's separation. "I’ve met her boyfriend," she continued. "She’s very happy."
Despite the romance rumors, Keith and Nicole have been navigating their divorce by looking forward. Specifically, the Practical Magic star has been embracing the ups and downs of this new chapter. "The best part is the experiences that you’ve accumulated," she told Harper's Bazaar in an interview published Oct. 9. "You go 'Oh, I’ve been here before. I actually know how to handle this now.' Or 'Maybe I haven’t been in this place, but I’ve experienced something similar to this, and I do know that I will get through it.'" She continued, "There’s something to knowing that no matter how painful or difficult something is, there is a way through."
