Keith Urban, a mainstay in the country music industry since the early ’90s, has witnessed the genre’s evolution firsthand. Now at 56, the “Blue Ain’t Your Color” singer remains firmly rooted in Nashville but is not resistant to change. Instead, Urban welcomes the shifts within the genre, evident in his decision to cover Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s track “I Had Some Help.” With 15 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards under his belt, Urban recently shared his thoughts on the current state of country music.
In a recent appearance on the Australian talk show The Project, Urban highlighted how country music continues to expand its boundaries. He pointed to artists like Morgan Wallen and Post Malone as key examples of the genre’s widening appeal. Urban also mentioned Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson, the latter of whom he collaborated with on the song “Go Home W U” from his upcoming 12th studio album, High.
Urban emphasized that this resurgence in popularity isn’t a coincidence. He noted that artists like Wallen are drawing inspiration not just from traditional country acts such as Keith Whitley and Eric Church, but also from rock bands like Breaking Benjamin and Nickelback, and even rapper Lil Wayne. Wallen’s ability to blend these diverse influences into a unique sound has resonated deeply with fans, showcasing the genre’s growing versatility.
As country music continues to evolve, Urban’s perspective underscores the genre’s long-standing tradition of embracing a wide range of musical influences, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
