Keith Urban

Biography: Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, this sexy singer-guitarist finally found his niche in Nashville playing American-style country. Raised by country-loving parents, the precocious musician began winning talent shows Down Under at age 8. As a teen, he continued to hone his skills, adding a rock-and-roll edge to his music. During the '90s he was an Oz chart-topper but in 1997 he relocated to Tennessee, founded a trio called the Ranch and caught the attention of the country community. Although an addiction to cocaine in the '90s threatened to derail his career, Urban went straight, and all that was left of his bad-boy days were his motorcycle, scruffy facial hair and rebel attitude. In 1999 he went solo, playing for the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Garth Brooks before releasing his eponymous hit album. Over the years he stayed in the spotlight with his prolific output, good looks (his naked photos in Playgirl firmly established him as a sex symbol) and high-profileBorn in New Zealand and raised in Australia, this sexy singer-guitarist finally found his niche in Nashville playing American-style country. Raised by country-loving parents, the precocious musician began winning talent shows Down Under at age 8. As a teen, he continued to hone his skills, adding a rock-and-roll edge to his music. During the '90s he was an Oz chart-topper but in 1997 he relocated to Tennessee, founded a trio called the Ranch and caught the attention of the country community. Although an addiction to cocaine in the '90s threatened to derail his career, Urban went straight, and all that was left of his bad-boy days were his motorcycle, scruffy facial hair and rebel attitude. In 1999 he went solo, playing for the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Garth Brooks before releasing his eponymous hit album. Over the years he stayed in the spotlight with his prolific output, good looks (his naked photos in Playgirl firmly established him as a sex symbol) and high-profile romance with Hollywood A-lister and fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman. The two made it official in June 2006 and have made Nashville their home base, enjoying the low-key atmosphere of the town. In an effort to give back to Music City and the country industry, Urban and singer Vince Gill created 2009's We're All for the Hall benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. The concert, planned as a yearly event, featured Urban and Gill performing with stars such as Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum, and raised more than $500,000.… Expand