At the 2025 CMA Awards, country crooner Keith Urban took the stage as a surprise early entry, joining host Lainey Wilson during the show’s opening number to perform his hit song “Where the Blacktop Ends.” Though he had been slated as a performer, his unexpected appearance at the top of the broadcast was not previously announced.
This is the singer’s first major awards show appearance since his split from actress Nicole Kidman. The CMA Awards came less than two months after news broke of his surprise separation from his wife after more than 19 years together. In September, Kidman filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” following their separation.
His appearance at the country music awards show also followed Urban’s recent, slightly more baffling performance at President Donald Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago resort, where the Aussie singer covered the Chappell Roan hit “Pink Pony Club” at billionaire Anthony Pratt’s holiday party. The song, which was originally written about finding solace in LGBTQ+ nightlife and became a queer anthem, was deemed by many as sorely out of place for the Trump-owned venue and its conservative audience.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Reactions to Urban’s performance at the CMA Awards were mixed on social media, as both his recent divorce and his Mar-a-Lago performance eclipsed his moment onstage for some viewers.
“Sure didn’t think Keith Urban would show up to the CMAs I’ll be honest,” read one post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Booooooo Keith Urban,” wrote another user.
“Keith Urban…ugh,” posted one commenter.
“I need Nicole Kidman to tell us why she left Keith Urban!,” posted one fan.
Others appreciated the performance by ignoring the drama. “Keith Urban is one of my favorite more modern country artists. Rocks a little and keeps the twang!,” wrote one country music aficionado.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards, Live, November 19, 8/7c, ABC (next day on Hulu)
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