**Keith Urban Takes Subtle Swipe at Estranged Wife Nicole Kidman on New Reality Show**
*Published October 20, 2025, 5:45 p.m. ET*
Keith Urban appeared to take a subtle swipe at his estranged wife, Nicole Kidman, during the premiere episode of his new reality competition show, RadarOnline.com can report.
Urban had previously opened up on *The Road* about how “lonely and miserable” touring can be. His new show, which premiered on CBS over the weekend, follows 12 emerging musicians competing for a spot as Urban’s opening act on tour.
During one segment of the program, the 57-year-old entertained the contestants with his song *Straight Line* from his most recent album, *High*. The choice of song was notable given Urban’s earlier revelation on Instagram about the personal meaning behind his music.
“I’m gonna cover a lot of themes, emotions and vibes on this album but a very human spirit runs through them all,” he shared.
“*Straight Line* is wanting to break out of a soul-sucking routine that you might be stuck in. Maybe in a relationship, a job, with creativity, with yourself… whatever it is.
It’s a message of feeling alive again and getting out from under that dark cloud.”
### The Pain of Touring Revealed
It wasn’t the only moment in the first episode that hinted at hidden messages directed at Kidman. Filmed weeks before their separation was publicly announced, Urban was candid about the sacrifices that come with life on the road.
“When you wake up on a tour bus at 3:30 in the morning and you’re sick as a dog, you’re in the middle of nowhere and you’ve got to play your fifth show later that night,” Urban explained.
“And you haven’t slept, and you miss your friends, and you’re missing your family, and you’re completely lonely and miserable and sick, and you say to yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’
The only answer can be: Because this is what I’m born to do.”
### Urban’s Heavy Workload and Its Toll
Urban’s comments reinforce insider speculation that his demanding career contributed to the strain on his marriage.
“Nicole and Keith were seeing less and less of each other in recent times, and it felt to a lot of people like they were two ships passing in the night,” a source revealed previously.
“During those periods, they’d still put on a smile and there was something to promote, but in hindsight, it feels like they were living a bit of a lie. They were clearly in trouble behind the scenes.”
### Divorce Devastation
The world was stunned when Kidman filed for divorce on September 30, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple will share custody of their daughters, who will primarily live with Nicole.
In reality, Urban had been living apart from his 58-year-old wife and their two daughters since June, and was reportedly already exploring new relationships.
“Nicole is devastated and humiliated by the rumors. She is extremely image-focused and hates people whispering about troubles,” a source close to the *Big Little Lies* star said.
“She tried hard to save the marriage, but Keith’s thrown it all back in her face. The news that he’s supposedly got himself a new girlfriend has wrecked any slim hope she still had,” the insider added.
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Keith Urban’s new show may offer fans a glimpse not only of rising musical talent, but also a window into the personal challenges the superstar has been facing behind the scenes.
https://radaronline.com/p/keith-urban-swipe-ex-nicole-kidman-divorce-soul-sucking-routine/