Keith Urban, the acclaimed country music superstar, is gearing up to host the prestigious Country Music Association Touring Awards for the second consecutive year. With his extensive experience as a touring musician spanning over two decades, Urban understands the challenges and triumphs that come with life on the road. The awards show shines a spotlight on the indispensable individuals behind the scenes in the Country Music touring industry. Categories such as Coach/Truck Driver of the Year, Crew of the Year, and Lighting Director of the Year recognize the hard work and dedication of these pivotal figures.
As an artist who has embarked on numerous tours throughout his illustrious career, Keith Urban knows firsthand the immense effort required to keep shows on the road. He officially began his touring journey in 2001 when he joined Brooks & Dunn’s Neon Circus & Wild West Show as a supporting act. Subsequently, Urban’s first headlining tour, CMT on Tour: Keith Urban Be Here ’04, took place in 2004. Reflecting on his own experiences, Urban shared, “As someone who spent years not only setting up all my own equipment at shows, but was also for a time a lighting guy and crew member for a band, I know the hard work that goes into keeping shows on the road.”
In addition to his role as host, Urban expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to acknowledge and shower appreciation on the hardworking individuals behind the scenes. Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance, dedication, and resilience of the touring community in keeping Country Music alive. Trahern added, “They are the road warriors that keep Country Music alive all over the world, and I can’t wait to celebrate them on February 12!”
In a testament to the growing recognition of the touring industry, this year’s CMA Touring Awards will feature five additional categories, bringing the total to 20. Esteemed artists such as Old Dominion, Chris Stapleton, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Urban himself have multiple crew members nominated for their exceptional contributions. The voting period for these awards will open on December 13 and run until December 28. The highly anticipated ceremony will take place in Nashville, Tennessee on February 12, 2024.
While preparing for his hosting duties, Keith Urban is also reflecting on a whirlwind year filled with remarkable achievements. Fresh off a world tour and a Las Vegas residency in 2022, Urban thrilled audiences around the globe with his electrifying performances. The Speed of Now World Tour showcased his latest album of the same name, while his residency at the Bakkt Theater in Planet Hollywood marked his debut in Sin City. Notably, Urban’s residency included surprise cameos from his talented wife, Nicole Kidman, further captivating audiences. The residency came to a close on November 22, allowing Urban to return home and celebrate the holiday season with his loving family, including his wife and their two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.
Keith Urban’s ongoing success as a touring musician and his deep appreciation for the unsung heroes behind the scenes make him an ideal host for the CMA Touring Awards. As the industry continues to evolve and flourish, Urban’s dedication to recognizing and honoring the hardworking individuals who make Country Music come alive on the road is truly commendable.