Why He's No. 84

Keith Urban has been a rising Nashville star ever since his 2000 self-titled debut album and its hit single, "But For The Grace Of God." Since then, he's had two more multi-platinum records, Golden Road and Be Here, a succession of hit singles, and still more awards, including a 2006 Grammy Award for the single "You'll Think Of Me."

Back Stage

Meanwhile, Urban was passing more and more professional milestones. In 2002, "Somebody Like You," from his sophomore album Golden Road, spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the charts, longer than any other single that year. Golden Road itself went platinum in every country of its release, and went triple platinum in the US. Urban's third album, 2004's Be Here, also went triple platinum, and was nominated for best country album at both the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Grammys. Having opened for musicians from Brooks & Dunn to Bryan Adams, Urban went on his first headlining tour in 2004.

Urban kept touring, going on his "Alive in '05" tour and performing at the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia in July 2005. Later in the year, he appeared in a Gap ad campaign with Liz Phair and Joss Stone, and released a live concert DVD, Livin' Right Now. In 2006, Urban set another personal plateau; after numerous CMA Awards, he finally won a Grammy -- Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "You'll Think of Me."

Forcaste

We like how Keith Urban has made country music his own, and are glad that he has deservingly reaped the rewards (and the awards, too). We also have to admit that we have some sneaking admiration for his less-than-squeaky-clean, hard-living life.