Urban avoids 'Days of Thunder' plug at Daytona

The Associated Press
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Country music star Keith Urban performed a surprise two-song set for reporters to kickoff his day at the Daytona 500, where he was the featured artist for Sunday's pre-race concert.

"First time playing a press room," he quipped before launching into "Sister Golden Hair" by America.

It was the first press room concert performed by any of the musical acts that Daytona International Speedway officials have brought before the media. Urban said he wasn't trying to one-up previous music guests Big & Rich, Bon Jovi or Brooks & Dunn, but played because "I just wanted to get in my comfort zone."

Urban took brief questions and laughed awkwardly when asked what his favorite racing movie is.

"Uhhhhh ... 'Cars'?" he stammered, choosing the animated movie over the more obvious "Days of Thunder" that featured his wife Nicole Kidman with her ex-husband, Tom Cruise.

He also joked that he's never driven over 65 mph in his personal car, before coming clean.

"Maybe 130," he said was his fastest. "It was pretty insane. It was only for a glimpse."

Urban is scheduled to perform three songs from his new album "Sweet Thing," which is set for release next month. He performed the title track for reporters to end the 10-minute session.

Urban also said he and Kidman were glad to offer their support to victims of the wildfires in their native Australia. The couple recently donated more than $300,000 to a relief fund.

Published 2/15/09 by


AP Recording News

Comments (6)

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  • Keith totally rocks. And nice way to avoid Days Of Thunder, dude...
    JodiiS 2/17/09 Reply
  • First of all Keith's new album is called "Defying Gravity" not Sweet Thing. Sweet Thing is the title of one of the songs on the new album.

    Keith and Nicole donated 500,000.00 to the Red Cross relief efforts in Australia not 300,000.00
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    Ivansemu 2/15/09 Reply
  • It just shows you how Aussies,no matter how far away or what country they are in,band together to help each other and Keith and Nicole are a prime example.Good luck Keith on the release of your new album it'll be a HIT Love Kathy Australia
    KathyW3 2/15/09 Reply
  • I think Keith Urban is a Really Cool singer. I'm glad Nicole Kidman married him..better choice than Tom Cruise! I like the way they donated to $300,000 to their native land, Australia!
    MaryR7 2/15/09 Reply