Keith Urban has reportedly grown close to 32-year-old country star Kelsea Ballerini following his split from Nicole Kidman.
As the 57-year-old country star navigates life after ending his 19-year marriage to the Oscar-winning actress, he is reportedly growing close to another star of the Nashville scene, 32-year-old singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini.
Urban has recently been linked to both Ballerini and 25-year-old rising country artist Maggie Baugh. “It’s true he and Maggie Baugh have been working closely together, but he’s also still very close to Kelsea Ballerini, who’s also newly single,” a source told Woman’s Day, adding that Ballerini has become a “reliable shoulder to cry on".
While no romance has been confirmed, the publication reports that the pair have “crossed paths frequently over the years and maintained a supportive friendship.”
Ballerini: Newly single
Ballerini, a Tennessee native, recently ended her relationship with Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes after nearly three years together.
Her representative confirmed the breakup to People, with a source adding: “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens.”
Before her relationship with Stokes, Ballerini was married to Australian country star Morgan Evans. The couple met in 2016, were engaged within months, and tied the knot in a beachside ceremony in Cabo San Lucas in December 2017.
For several years, they were one of country music’s most admired couples, often performing together and sharing affectionate moments on red carpets and social media. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2022.
In a twist of Nashville fate, Evans has his own ties to Urban; the two collaborated professionally, and in 2018, he joined Ballerini as an opening act on the Graffiti U Tour.
Kidman broke her silence after the divorce
While Keith appears to be leaning on industry friends for support, Kidman has made her own powerful return to the public eye.
Just a week after the split, the Big Little Lies actress, 58, shared a series of photos from the Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, where she was joined by her daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14.
“Thank you @chanelofficial for having me and my girls?” she wrote, adding, “So excited to be a part of it with you @matthieu_blazy.”
The event marked not only a high-profile public appearance but also her return as a global ambassador for Chanel.
"I am thrilled to be joining Chanel as it begins its new chapter with Matthieu at the helm," she said in a statement. "As someone who has such an appreciation for Haute Couture, I am so looking forward to witnessing Matthieu’s vision… and having the opportunity to wear what I know will be gorgeous creations."
Divorce details
According to court documents, Kidman and Urban cited “irreconcilable differences” in their divorce. The actress is seeking to become the primary residential parent, caring for their daughters 306 days a year, while Urban would have them for the remaining 59.
The pair, who each earn more than $100,000 per month, agreed not to pursue spousal or child support. Urban has already prepaid all child support obligations, and the couple’s assets and royalties will remain separately held.
Despite the smooth legal terms, emotionally, sources say the split hit Kidman hard. “Nicole’s hurt and feels betrayed. It’s devastating to her. She’s shocked,” one insider told People. “She didn’t want this and has been fighting to save the marriage.”
A source also told the Daily Mail: “Keith never sees Nicole, either she is filming or he is on tour. There was a lot of love between the two and they might not divorce, but there is a world that they both live where neither of them are in it.”
As the 90-day divorce process continues in accordance with Tennessee law, both parents are required to complete a parenting seminar within 60 days of filing.
While Kidman appears to be reclaiming her space in fashion and film, Urban is staying close to his roots in music.