Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s Valentine’s Day folks, that time of year where the world gets a little bit sappier. I must admit, I’m not immune to this Hallmark holiday. We reject the way restaurants jack up their prices, so I’m preparing to spend the afternoon whipping up a three-course meal. Yep, entrée, main, and even dessert. I have no sweet tooth, yet I’m getting set to create something sugary just for him. If that doesn’t say “I love you,” I don’t know what does.

Given that love is in the air I figured I’d post an Aussie song with a bit of personal meaning for me, “You’re My Better Half” by Keith Urban. We actually cut the cake at our wedding to this song nearly five years ago. We’ve all heard that phrase “better half,” but unless you’ve really been in a good relationship you can’t fully understand what it means. I don’t buy into that idea of a person completing you, but I do think the right one can bring out your very best qualities. People who know me say I’ve blossomed since meeting my husband; I’m more confident and outgoing and generally happier. I like to think I’ve been just as much of an asset to him!

So to my husband Steve, you are my better half. You know how much I love you, but on days like this I get a license to make the public declarations. Here’s to many more Valentine’s Day together!

Keith Urban’s New Album Goes Straight to the Top

Congratulations to Keith Urban! The Aussie country star has shot straight to the top of the American Billboard charts with his latest album, Defying Gravity. The album, which features the new single “Kiss the Girl,” was inspired by Keith’s wife Nicole Kidman and her support through Keith’s recent battle with alcoholism.

“It’s an incredible feeling to have a No. 1 record,” Keith said in a statement. “But equally moving is knowing that this particular record, that comes from such a joyous, loving and hopeful place, is connecting with so many people.”

It’s a massive effort when you consider he beat out new releases from Prince, Diana Krall, and Flo Rida to take the number one possie. It’s Keith first number one in the US, and one that’s well deserved!

Image source: Pacific Coast News

Keith Urban Takes One From Three at Country Music Awards

Keith Urban may have missed out on some of the big awards at last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, but he didn’t leave empty handed.

Though it was announced at an earlier ceremony, Keith’s duet with Brad Paisley, “Start a Band,” took out Vocal Event of the Year. Brad snatched the Male Vocalist of the Year title from Keith, while Carrie Underwood beat the Aussie for Entertainer of the Year.

I don’t think Keith cares too much though. He was openly affectionate with his wife Nicole Kidman on the red carpet, and there are rumours they’re heading back to Australia for the Easter break. Who needs awards when you’ve got a good woman and a country like ours to come home to?

Image source: Bauer-Griffin

Win Keith Urban’s Shirt!

Ever wanted to take the shirt from Keith Urban’s back? Now you can, and it’s all for a good cause!

Keith is teaming up with some of country music’s biggest stars for the “You Look Good in my Old T-shirt” auction. Keith, Leanne Rimes, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and more will donate autographed shirts to the online auction. All monies raised will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“St. Jude is a charity that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Keith. “Our fans have always graciously offered their support in past fund-raisers we have done for St. Jude, so I think this auction will be a great success.”

Fans have two weeks to bid on the shirts at www.KeithUrbanAuction.com. Good luck everyone!

Image source: Frank Roche @ Flickr

A Baby Girl For Nicole and Keith

Country superstar Keith Urban and his Aussie actress wife Nicole Kidman are the proud parents of a new baby girl. Sunday Rose Kidman Urban was born on Monday morning in the couple’s adopted home Nashville. She tipped the scales at 6 lb. 7.5 oz, or 3 kilos.

“We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers,” Keith said in a statement on his website. “We feel very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today.”

I’ve got to say, I’m thrilled about the birth and so happy for our golden couple. But Sunday Rose? Am I the only one who thinks it’s one step away from Sunday Roast?

Image source: Craig O’Neal @ Wikimedia Commons

Musicians Honoured in Brisvegas

Brisbane has produced some of Australia’s finest musicians. Now they’ve been honoured with a very special rock ‘n’ roll Walk of Fame.

Ten plaques will honor the city’s prominent musical exports, including the Bee Gees, Powderfinger, The Go Betweens, Savage Garden, and Keith Urban.  

Deputy Mayor David Hinchcliffe told the ABC he hopes the plaques in Brunswick St Mall will become a local tourist attraction. He also hopes to expand the walk in future.

“There are a few that we hope will make the cut in years to come because we will continue the walk of fame,” he said.

“These are just the first 10 steps and in future years I would expect the likes of Billy Thorpe, Resin Dogs, the Noonan family, The Veronicas.”

Image source: Jeaneem at Flickr

A Little Urban On The Way

There’s more happy news today with confirmation that Nicole Kidman and her Aussie country singer husband Keith Urban are expecting a child. The tabloids have speculated about Nicole’s “baby bump” for some time, but her publicist finally confirmed it today.

“Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban confirmed today that they are expecting a baby,” said publicist Wendy Day in an official statement. “The couple are thrilled.”

Nic has two adopted children, Connor and Isabelle, from her first marriage to Tom Cruise, but she’s made no secret of wanting her own children.

One things for certain: with parents as good looking as Keith and Nicole, this new baby is going to be absolutely gorgeous.

Image source: jeaneem @ Wikimedia Commons

Keith Who? Country Star Refused Entry to Australia

He might be a Grammy-award winning country artist, but it seems some Aussies still don’t recognise the local hero.

The Daily Telegraph reported the country megastar was refused entry to the set of wife Nicole Kidman’s new film, Australia, after security didn’t know who he was.

The female security guard reportedly told Urban to shove off and “get a life.” After much persuasion, the guard then radioed her boss to report “there’s some bloke here named Keith Urban who wants to get on the set.”

The boss, who clearly was familiar with Australia’s hottest country export, personally escorted Keith to his waiting wife.

To avoid a repeat performance, the security guard’s mother reportedly stocked up on tabloid magazines for her daughter.

After sighting an image of Hollywood hunk Hugh Jackman in one magazine, the clueless security guard apparently told her mother, “Hey, that guy walked past me about 10 times today!”

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr.com