Keith Urban Reflects on Being a Judge and the Excitement of ‘American Idol XIII’
Keith Urban, a seasoned superstar and American Idol judge, shares insights from his debut season during a February 2013 interview with Daedrian McNaughton for Premier Guide Miami Media. As Idol heads into its next chapter in Las Vegas, Urban discusses how he approaches judging, mentoring, and balancing his busy career.
On Staying Unbiased in Vegas:
“I don’t feel it’s any harder,” Urban explains. “I just try to stay in the moment and give my gut reaction. My goal is to offer the best advice I can and help contestants get through to the next round.”
Watching Contestants Find Confidence:
“It’s tremendous to watch them grow,” he says. “Especially when they’re young, in front of thousands and millions at home. I have a lot of empathy for the environment they’re working in, and I respect how brave they are to put themselves out there.”
On His Bond with Nicki Minaj:
“I hadn’t met Nicki before the show,” Urban states. “But I immediately liked her straight-shooting style. She’s raw and honest, and I value that a lot. We clicked from the start.”
About Seeing Strong Female Contestants:
“It’s definitely a girl’s year,” he notes. “The girls are showing incredible strength and versatility. I think the presence of Mariah and Nicki on the panel has strengthened the competition’s dynamics and added fresh energy.”
Original Songs and Performance Dynamics:
Urban emphasizes the importance of originality:
“Angela Miller’s performance of her original song was superb—it shows confidence and personality. Doing original material can be a huge advantage if they believe in their voice and songwriting.”
His Judging Philosophy:
“I try to be honest and specific without crushing them. Every artist responds differently, so I tailor my feedback. It’s about encouraging growth while being real.”
Family and Work-Life Balance:
Though busy with live shows and judging, Urban finds value in balancing work with family:
“My wife Nic and I love having our kids around, and we all support each other’s passions. It’s not easy being away, but we make it work.”
Looking Ahead:
He’s excited about the live shows and mentoring opportunities ahead:
“Performing live is what I love most. Watching these talented kids grow and seeing those ‘wow’ moments is why I keep coming back.”
Fan Favorite and Future Stars:
Urban mentions promising contestants, like Kree, noting her authentic voice reminiscent of Adele, and hints at potential future collaborations.
“I’d love to do a duet with anyone who’s genuine—maybe someday, down the line.”