Updated November 15, 2012: Australia's 'Voice' joins American Idol

A renowned instrumentalist who plays acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, bass guitar, mandolin, piano and drums, Keith Urban was sought after for his vocal prowess in late 2011. He was confirmed as one of four vocal coaches for the Australian version of the reality singing competition "The Voice." The lineup eventually consisted of two Australians (the other was Delta Goodrem) and two international celebrities (Seal and Joel Madden), and was based on the original format first devised in The Netherlands as "The Voice of Holland" and later adapted for American television.

Urban announced on September 14, 2012 he would not return for a second season of "The Voice." Two days later Fox network officially announced he would be a judge on season 12 of "American Idol" alongside Randy Jackson, pop diva Mariah Carey and rapper Nicki Minaj. The confirmation settled months of reports and speculation about the show's panel, and thrust Urban into the spotlight thanks to the success of the country music genre on other reality singing competitions.

The country crooner recently appeared on the 2012 CMA (Country Music Association) Awards, performing his song "Georgia Woods" in collaboration with the Zac Brown Band. Prior to accepting the "Idol" gig, Urban was said to be working on a new album and new tour for 2013, and told The Tennessean he was working with new producers and songwriters and recording in different studios. There is currently no release date for the project, but Urban announced the first leg of his 2013 tour on November 15. It will kick off July 18, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio and end on October 5, 2013 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Joining him will be special guests Little Big Town and country newcomer Dustin Lynch.

Keith Urban Tickets - Artist History

Keith Urban is one of today's hottest country music stars, but you might be surprised about where he comes from. Most country singers making their rounds on the radio these days come from the American south, but Urban hails from Australia by way of New Zealand. He began his career in the Australian scene, and eventually worked his way into a contract with EMI, with whom he released his successful self-titled debut. In 1992, he left Australia and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell victim to a cocaine addiction. After battling and eventually recovering from the addiction, he signed with Capitol Nashville and released his U.S. debut, which is also self-titled, in 1999. Though the album peaked at just number 145 on U.S. chats overall, it eventually went on to be certified Platinum. More importantly, it won Urban the Top New Male Vocalist Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2001, helping him garner the buzz he needed. As a result, his subsequent albums caused him to skyrocket in popularity: All of his releases from Golden Road on have landed in the top 2 spots on U.S. Country charts to date, and each has been certified at least Gold in three countries.

Keith Urban Tickets - Keith Urban Tours

As of 2011, Urban has headlined eight major tours promoting four different albums. He has embarked on a tour for Be Here three times, Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing twice, Defying Gravity twice and Get Closer once. He has also toured as a supporting act, most notably for The Eagles and The Dixie Chicks on the Eagles Summer 2010 Tour. Urban is a high profile act who plays big stages, so make sure to buy your Keith Urban tickets** early, as they are prone to sell out.

Keith Urban Tickets - Other Information

Urban has battled addiction more than once in his life. In addition to struggling with cocaine in his earlier life, he also entered rehab for alcohol addiction in 2006. Urban has found the strength to emerge from both occasions victorious, however. His battle against alcohol inspired his album Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing, which became a huge hit. Urban is also married to Australian actress Nicole Kidman.