Keith Urban Praises Nicole Kidman's Support During Emotional Tribute at AFI Gala
Keith Urban shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Nicole Kidman, during the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala, expressing his admiration and gratitude for her enduring support throughout their marriage. The event, held on April 27 at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, saw Urban open up about their initial meeting and the journey they have shared together.
Urban reminisced about the first time he met Kidman in January 2005 at a G'Day LA event in California. Describing Kidman as having an "otherworldly aura," Urban admitted to being extremely nervous and feeling like he had "snuck into the royal ball." Despite his nerves, he managed to obtain her phone number, which he kept in his pocket for a week, building up the courage to call her. When he finally made the call, he discovered that Kidman, although born in Honolulu, was a "wide-eyed, giddy girl from the Sydney suburbs," completely down-to-earth and "utterly Aussie through and through."
The tribute to Kidman was not only a career acknowledgment but also the first public red carpet event for the couple's teenage daughters. The gala was attended by a host of celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, and Zac Efron, who all spoke highly of Kidman's talent and character.
Urban also took the opportunity to speak candidly about his struggles with addiction, which challenged their marriage just months after their wedding in June 2006. He recounted how, four months into their marriage, he entered the Betty Ford Center for a three-month stint in rehab. "Four months into a marriage, and I'm in rehab for three months. I had no idea what was going to happen to us," Urban shared. However, Kidman's steadfastness and choice to support him through those trying times exemplified what he described as "love in action."
Kidman's support during his rehab led Urban to appreciate her deeply, not just as a talented actress but as a person of great spirit and heart. This experience inspired him to write the song "Got It Right This Time," as a tribute to Kidman, highlighting her belief in him and the positive changes in his life since their union.
The evening was emotional for Kidman, who was moved to tears by Urban's words. She was supported in the audience by her "Big Little Lies" co-stars Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon, and actor Morgan Freeman, who shared the screen with her in "Lioness."
Urban concluded his speech by emphasizing the transformative power of love and support he received from Kidman, noting, "Here we are tonight, 18 years later." The tribute not only celebrated Kidman's professional achievements but also underscored the personal strength and resilience of their relationship, leaving an enduring impression on all who attended.
