Keith Urban Confirms Rumors About Being Considered as ‘American Idol’ Judge
It’s no secret that ‘American Idol’ producers have been looking for a country star to pull up a chair at the judges table in the upcoming season of the hit realize show. The latest country star to get hit up by ‘Idol’ producers is Keith Urban — and he has confirmed that his potential invitation to join the show isn’t just another rumor.
First, word spread that ‘Idol’ was after Brad Paisley to sign up for the show. Then, a few weeks later, Toby Keith said that he turned down a judging gig because he’s simply too busy. Everyone’s favorite redhead Reba McEntire has been mentioned, too, but it doesn’t look like she’ll be on the judges panel this time around.
Urban would be a great candidate to judge ‘American Idol.’ After all, the Australian-born country star just spent a season coaching contestants on Australia’s ‘The Voice’ — and loved it. But he has made it clear that right now, he’s focusing on his music more than his reality TV persona.
“They did reach out to us. But they have been reaching out to a lot of people, so I think they are just figuring out which way they are going to go too,” Urban spilled during an interview with an Australian radio station.
But the real question is, would Urban take the job if it were offered to him? “All I can say right now is that I’m trying to make an album and it’s strange how these opportunities all come in one big fell swoop. But my priority right now is to just make a record and that really has to lead the charge for me.”
It’s only natural that ‘Idol’ execs would be hot on the trail of country music stars to join the show. Country music has played a big role in the show during the last few seasons. Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina finished at No. 1 and No. 2 during the program’s 10th season, and twangy fan-favorite Skylar Laine finished in the Top 10 in 2012.
Still, Urban fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief. Although we’ll be sad not to hear the ‘For You’ hitmaker’s charming accent on ‘American Idol’ this fall, it’s good news that the talented singer is so focused on making music. No word yet on when his next album is due, but he’s working hard to make sure it doesn’t sound like anything he’s ever done before.