Keith Urban has fallen hard. The Kiwi-born country star has gone from the Oscar red carpet to playing his old hits for rich folk at Mar-a-Lago parties – and friends say he’s having big regrets over his shock split from his soon-to-be-ex-wife Nicole Kidman.
Since announcing their divorce in September, Keith, 58, has thrown himself into work. He’s been filming the second season of the talent show The Road with Blake Shelton and performing his usual Las Vegas residency. And – in a move that’s stunned Hollywood – he has also quietly accepted private gigs for President Donald Trump’s inner circle.
Sources close to the singer say he’s becoming “more and more isolated” and “doesn’t care what people think”.
Reality after divorce
A friend explains, “He’s got to pay the bills and divorce lawyers don’t come cheap, but Keith never thought he would ending up playing gigs at Trump’s house. He’s gotto make a living though and there are very few country artists left that haven’t cashed in on the huge Trump fan base. “It’s a lonely existence for Keith right now – he’s exhausted, isolated and looking at a future he never imagined. He’s also lost his best friend – Nicole, who was also his greatest supporter in life – and he’s wondering if he’s made a huge mistake.”
In an interview with Ariana Grande last week, Nicole, 58, candidly admitted she’s simply “hanging in there” after the split – and the words hit Keith hard.
“He’s been rereading the interview and fighting the urge to pick up the phone,” adds the pal.
“He knows he’s getting a beating in the press and he’s desperate for it all to blow over soon, but he can tell Nicole’s hurting and has huge regrets over how he’s handled this. “He never ever wanted to humiliate her. Now his biggest supporter despises him.”
Keith’s punishing schedule has left him drained. The little time he spends in Nashville with his daughters, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 14 – an agreed 59 days per year – is what keeps him going.
“Those girls are being incredibly strong,” says an insider.
“It’s difficult navigating the new situation and emotions are running high, but they love their dad and aren’t going to let him go off the rails.”
Friends & support
Keith’s co-host Blake, whose marriage to Gwen Stefani has reportedly struggled, is keeping a close eye on him. After long days on set, Blake makes sure Keith eats properly instead of surviving on just coffee and adrenaline.
“Keith’s not doing well,” tells the pal.
“He never wanted to make an enemy out of Nic and he’s not giving up on this somehow ending amicably, but for now, he’s having to face a very lonely existence. He has big regrets at how things have turned out.”
Secret calls to Russell
Nicole’s close girlfriends have rallied around her, but she’s also found a shoulder to lean on in longtime friend and fellow star Russell Crowe. An insider tells Woman’s Day that Rusty, 61, has been counselling the Dead Calm actress through her co-parenting journey. He draws on his own experience, having worked through a tough divorce with ex-wife Danielle Spencer to raise their two sons together.
“Nicole and Keith aren’t on good terms at all, so she’s desperate to try to salvage a friendship from her marriage, just like Russell and Danielle managed to do so well for their kids,” our source says.
“Russell knows exactly what it’s like to be the reluctant divorcé and has been an incredible shoulder for her – and the perfect confidant to calm her down when she’s upset.”
