Keith Urban marked his first major public appearance since his split from Nicole Kidman at the 59th Annual CMA Awards.
The country singer and actress got separated on September 29 after 19 years of marriage.
The Let It Roll hitmaker joined host Lainey Wilson for an energetic opening of the event, which paid tribute to some of country music’s biggest names in attendance, including Miranda Lambert, Shaboozey and Little Big Town.
The duo sang Urban’s Where the Blacktop Ends as part of the opening medley.
Following the performance, Lainey wrapped the segment by introducing Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley as the first presenter show, setting the tone of the star-packed evening.
Previously, People magazine confirmed that Urban and Kidman had separated over the summer. A few days later, the Eyes Wide Shut star filed for divorce.
During the premiere of The Road, a reality-competition TV show where 12 emerging musicians compete to open for Urban, he shared about the difficulties of life on the road as a touring musician.
Describing the gruelling schedule, he said, “When you wake up on a tour bus at 3:30 in the morning and you’re sick as a dog, you’re in the middle of nowhere and you’ve got to play your fifth show later that night.”
He went on to share how everything feels like it’s emotionally draining, adding, “You haven’t slept and you miss your friends and you’re missing your family and you’re completely lonely and miserable and sick and you say to yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?'”
The 59th Annual CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 19.
