Keith Urban Clears the Air on Grammy Red Carpet
Oh, the things you can learn when you tune into the Grammy Awards two hours early. The red carpet show on E! is always good for focusing on everything BUT the music. Who are you wearing? Where's your boyfriend/girlfriend tonight? What are your plans after? And so on. But last night's show was pretty educational. (See Grammy red carpet photos.)
Like when Keith Urban took the time to clear the air about his People's Choice award speech where he said of his music, "I don't even care if you download it illegally, give it to your friends, I really don't care." So Ryan Seacrest gave Urban a chance to clear the air. "I didn't mean I wanted people to steal music. It came out wrong and I apologize," he explained. (If I can translate a little, he was just encouraging fans to share their love of music with other people, like the way you'd make someone a mix tape in high school.) He also joked that any big duets with wife Nicole Kidman would stay in the unpredictable world of amateur videos.
Carrie Underwood, in a pearl white one-shoulder gown, stopped for a chat with Seacrest, too. She took some time to explain why fiancé Mike Fisher wasn't with her on the carpet: "This is all new for him. I can't feed him to the wolves this early," she said, adding that she'd ease him into her world a little bit.
I also learned from the red carpet walks that Zac Brown has a new friend in Common, that Jennifer Nettles looks phenomenal in red, that Kristian Bush and Dierks Bentley were rocking the same exact Johnny Cash all-black look. And that given the chance to talk about music, Miley Cyrus instead chatted about movies, TV shows and promise rings.
Photo credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
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Neal says:
Of course he’s backpeddling now. Hypocrite.
Ann says:
If Toby Keith had said that, it would have made national news and every critic this side of the Atlantic would have had a comment!
Ann Johnson says:
Keith is no hypocrite! He is a kind man who is passionate about music and said something that just came out wrong. Naturally he did not mean for people to steal music, he was just making the point that it is a beautiful thing when you can turn somebody else on to music. There is no one who is more generous with his fans and crew and no one puts on a better concert. He is amazing. I have to disagree about Toby Keith as well. He makes startling remarks on a reg basis and it doesn’t create the kind of hoopla described here. He makes whole songs that upset a lot of people, me included!
Phillip says:
Soon Urban won’t have to worry about it. No songwriter in their right mind will allow him to record their songs if he promotes illegall downloads. Sugarcoat it all you want Ann, he doesn’t care if you steal songwriters songs. That’s what he said now he’s trying to get out of it. The damage is done and so is Urban.
Katie says:
I got what his intention was when he first said that comment, but I do see how it could get realy blown out of proportion, especially if someone else had said it. But there’s no denying that Keith is incredibly talented and will always be able to sell music.
countryiscool says:
I’m sure Keith will do just fine. I would continue to buy his music. I don’t download ANY artists music. I like the CD’s in my hand, reading the credits inside, the pictures- the whole CD experience. Same goes for good old fashioned books over Kindle or on tape.
giggles says:
I’m with you “countryiscool” - I’m not into downloading … I love to take time out in my life to visit the local cd store and buy music the old fashioned way … Keith Urban’s cd’s are #1 on my shopping list too, because KU is the very best and just like me and you, he too frequent’s cd stores … When he was in Brisbane infact and he spread some Christmas joy to a young music lover … It’s just a shame that most don’t love and share a little joy and humour in their life … Perhap’s it’s the Aussie characteristic they don’t quite get in the Keith Urban persona …
Thankyou KU and CONGRAT’S on your 3rd Grammy Award …
Dennis says:
Phillip, your a clown! Do you really think KU needs to worry about other people writing songs for him? check the creds on his albums, Hmmmm, his name seems to be there quite a lot, come to think of it, he writes for quite a lot of others. I agree with Giggles, #1 on my cd & dvd shopping list. Aussie talent at it’s best.
GOOD ON YA KEITH.
Granna says:
Well Phillip, I heard Brad Paisley say he agreed with Keith! Brad also stated, it is the artist job to get the music out and not worry about how. But anyhow, Keith writes most of his songs like the others stated. I too do not download music….I want the original CD in my hands. Everyone makes mistakes and gets caught up in the moment like Keith did. But he apologized so that should be it! I never heard Toby Keith apologize for his slant eyed gesture of a certain race….only any excuse! He said, in a room full of people, you’re not gonna please everybody! Do you call that an apology?? However, I don’t see either of the guys careers being finished! They are both talented and have huge fanbases! So go support whom you want and enjoy the music anyway you prefer!
Bettye Cejka says:
It’s time for this issue to be put to bed.
Kim says:
Keith has no worries. And he doesn’t need to perform other songwriter’s songs…he does very well on his own with those that understand him and that know he was not condoning illegal downloads…althought it may have come out that way…Keith has lived the struggles in Nashville and he respects the business highly!
Don’t hate him because he is beautiful! Inside and out!
Fla’s Number One KU Fan
Faye says:
Get over the comment! It was something said in the heat of the moment expressing how much Keith loves his fans and is just so happy to have people listening to his music. As for songwriters “making” or “breaking” his career…I don’t think you have to worry about that since Keith is a brilliant songwriter himself and over half of his songs are written by him and his trusted songwriter friends that I am sure understood what he meant. Other artists out there have said and done a many other damaging things but that gets overlooked or past on so lets move on with this people! Keith is a humble, gracious and talented singer/songwriter and I am sure his TRUE fans will always be there for him! I know I will! By the way, CONGRATS to Keith on his third Grammy win….he deserves it!
sandradee says:
Neal and Phillip - How does it feel way up on that perfect, moral high ground you’re on? My prayer? That you are judged the way you judge others.
Rita says:
I believe him when he explained what happened. It must be something to win such a wonderful award and then say everything just right. Give him a break, or is he the only one not aloud to make a mistake? Where is that stone??….
Best_of_Amber says:
Whats the big deal everyone is making?! i understand his comment, he is a realistic person! no matter that its right or wrong, people download stuff & he knows it, & there is nothing you can do about it, so he sounds humble & happy that at least people cant turn others on to this great music he makes! i buy my music the old fashioned way btw, but i see his point fully. people need to get over his comment & worry about more important things, geez! i love ur music Keith ;)
Timothy says:
I agree 100% with Phillip! Well said. This very well may be the beginning of the end for Keith. Start disrespecting the songwriters and your days are numbered in that regard. I hope he continues to write and record though so people can illegally download his music per his request.