American Idol: Keith Urban Talks Top 40 in Vegas, “I never forget the environment”

95 days ago by Reg Seeton
New American Idol judge Keith Urban prepares for the semifinal round in las Vegas on February 21 - Photo: Fox

New American Idol judge Keith Urban prepares for the semifinal round in Las Vegas on February 21 – Photo: Fox

Country superstar Keith Urban returns to American Idol on Wednesday night as a new judge in Las Vegas for the first phase of the Top 40 semifinal round.

After joining American Idol as a new judge alongside Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson, Keith Urban has finally found his critical country groove on the popular Fox singing competition.

On Wednesday night, American Idol moves to Las Vegas, where the Top 40 semifinalists will be split into guys and girls. Ten girls will perform before the guys on Thursday while Urban and the judges choose which five will remain on American Idol.

“I don’t feel it’s any harder,” Urban told The Deadbolt on a conference call with reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Vegas round. “Certainly the audience reactions to our critiquing or our opinions makes for a different kind of energy in the room. But for me, I’m just trying to stay in the moment and just really give my gut reaction. The way a performance hits me, I’m just trying to stay on track with that and give them the best advice I can possibly give them. Hopefully they get to go through to the next round.”

Although new American Idol judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey made heated headlines after their highly publicized feud, Keith Urban largely flew under the media radar while keeping an eye on the talent.

Keith Urban enjoys his first season as a judge on American Idol - Photo: Fox

Keith Urban enjoys his first season as a judge on American Idol – Photo: Fox

With the Top 40 about to be narrowed down in Las Vegas, Keith Urban has watched this year’s crop of singers gain newfound confidence in the competition each week.

“It’s tremendous,” added Urban about the the growth and evolution of the singers on American Idol. “I never forget the environment they’re working in, too. That’s an extraordinary thing, particularly when you’re young, 18, or whatever, and you’re standing there in front of us – there were 1700 people in the theater last night – and countless millions watching at home. There you are right in front of everybody and you’ve got limited time to do your thing. So I have a tremendous amount of empathy for the environment that they’re working in as well, and I do take that into account.”

Semifinalist Round, Part 1 – Girls Perform episode of American Idol airs Wednesday, February 20 at 8 PM ET/PT on Fox.

What do you think of Keith Urban as a judge this season on American Idol?

What do you think?

Reg Seeton

Reg Seeton created The Deadbolt in 2005 after working for the pioneering movie news website, Coming Attractions. Reg has over 15 years experience as a top online entertainment journalist and interviewer, has worked with several award winning actors, musicians and writers, and has managed entertainment networks in New York and Los Angeles. And he's done it all with one eye!
  • Joy_67

    Keith Urban is, hands down, the BEST judge on AI, and probably ever! He’s very knowledgeable about ALL kinds of music and very empathetic to all of the singers. He gives terrific advice without being nasty at all, like a certain Rap artist does, and he encourages the singers with their future, whether they move forward or not. Keith is a true musician who plays multiple instruments very well, excelling on the guitar, and he writes and produces his own music, as well. Keith’s unique singing style is heart-wrenching, as his emotions are portrayed in every note. Being a consummate artist, Keith is kind, generous, and most helpful to every prospective American Idol!