Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman Updates 09/18/10

Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban Help Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and LeAnn Rimes will appear in an upcoming episode of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, about rebuilding Lighthouse Christian School near Nashville. The property was heavily damaged by floods in May. The Extreme Makeover team, led by Ty Pennington, spent seven days working on the project, according to ABC. The episode is tentatively scheduled to air Nov. 7, leading up to the CMA Awards on Nov. 10.

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'Rabbit Hole' is Flawless; Nicole Kidman at Her Best (TIFF 2010 Review)


I've been to more than 75 film festivals over the last ten years, so please believe me when I say that each one always offers a movie about "a couple mourning the loss of a child." Sundance, Tribeca, Toronto, all of them. I'm pretty sure it's a requirement, along with the melodramas about single moms, the Holocaust documentaries, and something weird from Gregg Araki. So I suppose I could be forgiven for almost overlooking 'Rabbit Hole'. Based only on the festival guide, I knew that the film starred Aaron Eckhart, Nicole Kidman, and Dianne Wiest, that it came from John Cameron Mitchell (the director of 'Shortbus' and 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'), and that it was about (you guessed it) an unhappy married couple who are mourning the loss of their four-year-old son.

But I'm here to see movies, and I certainly like all of the names mentioned above, so in I walked to 'Rabbit Hole', simply hoping that the film wouldn't be too sappy, predictable, or manipulative.

What I ended up watching is, quite simply, one of the best films I've ever seen at a festival. I've always contended that there's no such thing as a "flawless" film, but now I'm going to amend that phrase to read "There's no such thing as a perfect film." Because 'Rabbit Hole' is, as far as I can tell, pretty much flawless.

Yes, the film is about a fractured married couple. Their names are Howie and Becca and they are indeed still mired in a deep valley of depression after the death of their little boy. (That brief synopsis is the most conventional thing about the film.) Howie (Eckhart) seems like he's one "grief stage" ahead of his wife, but they're both still wounded in deep and irreparable ways. Becca (Kidman) distracts herself with a slightly troubled younger sister (and her garden), while Howie tries to put on a brave face for his wife before scurrying off to the living room to watch old videos of his late son. They discuss having a new baby, they contemplate moving to a new house, they try (and fail) at the group therapy process. Eventually Becca finds solace in a very unlikely friend from the neighborhood; Howie continues with the therapy and manages to find a new companion of his own.

If everything that I just described in the previous paragraph sounds like something you've seen before (and probably on the Lifetime Channel), you can rest assured that 'Rabbit Hole' takes a simple and stunning approach to this well-covered material. In other words, this film is conceived and presented by real people. Kidman and Eckhart have never been better; Mitchell strikes an unbelievably effective balancing act between sincerity and well-earned empathy, and the screenplay (by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on his stage play) is nothing short of amazing. It's as if the filmmakers watched every single "our child has passed away!" movie -- but only so they'd know what NOT to do on this one.

Howie and Becca fight, and we wince because we've grown to care for these people so damn quickly, but they fight like a true married couple would: quick jolts of misery and anger followed by a casual reconciliation and then ... life goes on. There are easily a dozen scenes in 'Rabbit Hole' that feel like they're going down the conventional road, only to take a quick right at painfully real and effortlessly engaging. The film makes you feel like you're watching your beloved next-door neighbors go through a horrible ordeal, and while you can't do anything to help, you absolutely do hope for their recovery -- or as close to "recovery" as they can get. There's not false note to be found anywhere. When film critics talk about "manipulative" this and "pre-packaged" that, they're referring to the diametric opposite of 'Rabbit Hole'.

As for Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, their work here (especially together) is quite simply amazing. There's such a natural vulnerability to their characters: the way a tragically wounded man will still pull his last verbal punch, because it's just too cruel, or how a desperately unhappy woman may scream horrible things while her eyes are already offering an apology ... the way a nod or a touch or even a change in a wife's voice will speak volumes to an attentive husband. It's simply wonderful to see two seasoned actors letting down their guard in a heartfelt and subtle film that never once goes for the easy cliche or predictable platitude.

As poignant as a bittersweet love letter and as personal as a film can possibly be, 'Rabbit Hole' represents career highs for practically everyone involved. I can't remember the last time a "little drama movie" left me overflowing with this sort of affection, but 'Rabbit Hole' is a very unique and special film. In a word ... flawless.

[Note: I actually know a couple who've gone through a similar tragedy, and I do believe I'll be recommending this film to them. One day. Maybe.]

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TIFF 2010: the Good, the Great & the Unpretty


Did you get to the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF)? If not, you missed out on a wide collection of films from 60+ countries, portraying all eras, genres and styles. From the Galas and Special Presentations, to the fresh-thinking in the Discovery & Mavericks’ programs or the fun of Midnight Madness—there was something to excite /scare /inspire /disgust /provoke /educate /amuse /touch /devastate or just plain entertain you. I only saw 6 this year, but here’s what I experienced:


Rabbit Hole – Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this film tells the story of a couple trying to rebuild/survive after the death of their young son. Given its pedigree (it stars Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest and Sandra Oh), I knew that this was likely to be good… but my surprise was only in HOW good it is. The film features excellent performances, a fantastic script, and a great balance of real-world humour & heart-wrenching sadness. Director John Cameron Mitchell is known for his excellent but really, really alternative films like Hedwig and the Angry Inch, so he seems like a radical choice. At the Q&A Nicole Kidman said that she sought him out because she values directors who take chances. Her gamble was a winner, as proven by the two standing ovations at our screening and news of a distribution deal with Lionsgate. If this film is not courted by the Academy at Oscar nomination time, something is very, very wrong.

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Kidman heads back to B'way in 'Bird'

Actress expected to star in Tennessee Williams play

By GORDON COX

Nicole Kidman is lining up her next Broadway gig, with the actress expected to topline a fall 2011 staging of Tennessee Williams play "Sweet Bird of Youth."
A rep for the show confirmed news of the brewing production, to be helmed by David Cromer ("Our Town," "Brighton Beach Memoirs"). Scott Rudin, who also has "The Book of Mormon" on tap for the Main Stem this spring, produces.

Kidman will star as the past-her-prime actress who is the one of the leads of Williams' 1959 play, which centers on the return of a young gigolo to his hometown in the company of the older woman.

Dates, theater and further casting have not yet been nailed down.

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Kidman gives hugs, Breillat goes high-brow

GAYLE MacDONALD

I had two big moments at TIFF 2010. One was personal and a bit emotional. And the other was just a breath-of-fresh-air encounter with a mega-watt star, who after 50 years in this glitzy business, remains a swell, ordinary guy. I’ll start with the latter.

The Oscar-winning actor/director Clint Eastwood gave a handful of journalists an unexpected treat last Sunday when – waiting for his film’s Hereafter star and friend, Matt Damon to show up – he plopped down at the piano in the Windsor Arms Hotel to pluck out a lilting melody. The room was dead silent when Eastwood finished, then erupted with boisterous applause. Eastwood gave his famous slanted grin, waving it off. Then he casually strolled over to a booth for the half-hour interview, shaking hands, and introducing himself simply, “Hi. I’m Clint.”

Last Monday at 9 in the morning, I raced to a screening of Nicole Kidman’s family drama, Rabbit Hole, about a couple (Kidman and Aaron Eckhart) trying to cope with the debilitating grief after the death of their four-year-old son, killed after racing onto the street in pursuit of his dog. As a mother – and sister of a brother who lost both his boys in a car accident – I wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster this film would take me on. And I showed up at the interview with Kidman and her co-star, immediately following the screening, a bit shaky and wobbly-voiced. Kidman picked up on the emotional cues.

After our chat, I stood to shake hands. “I can’t shake your hand,” said the Australian actress, striding over to me. “I have to give you a hug.” I left the room, equal parts embarrassed and grateful.

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Monkeyville Flip Contest Winner




Keith and John Mayer "I'm On Fire"




Urban Developments: Keith and John Mayer at The Gorge




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Keith Urban Finds “I’m In” Outback

One of the old jokes about fashion is that if you hold on to your clothes long enough, they’ll come back in style. But it’s not a joke when it comes to songs. They can definitely have a second life. In fact, Keith Urban has given new life to not just one Radney Foster song, but two.

Keith picked up a hit in 2003 when he remade Radney’s song “Raining On Sunday,” and he did it again this year by recording Radney’s “I’m In.” In a very real way, “I’m In” is a direct result of the movie Australia.

“What happened was that Keith was making compilation CDs because they had an eight-hour drive,” Radney says. “Nicole Kidman was doin’ a movie in the Outback. So they’d get off the plane and get in the Range Rover, and they had to have music. He had ‘I’m In’ on one of those [CDs], and she said, ‘Honey, that’s a sexy song.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, it’s one of my favorite Radney Foster songs.’ And she said, ‘Well, you oughta think about doin’ that.’ So he did. So I think I owe Nicole Kidman flowers.”

Both “I’m In” and “Raining On Sunday” appeared on Radney’s 1999 album See What You Want To See, which was stocked with great songs. Unfortunately, not a lot of people got to hear it, because the record label shut down shortly after it was released. Only 17,000 copies were pressed, but at least some of them got into the right hands. In addition to Keith’s covers, the Kinleys — the 1998 winners of the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Vocal Duet or Group — did a version of “I’m In” for Touched By An Angel: The Album. And the Dixie Chicks covered the closing song from Radney’s album, “Godspeed (Sweet Dreams),” on Home and Top Of The World Tour: Live.

With those titles in mind, Radney told his wife, Cyndi Hoelzle Foster, that he ought to consider the resilience of his songs as a topic the next time he gets asked to speak to music business students.

“My next lecture,” he says, “is gonna be the value of a copyright. Twelve years later and several bouts of obscurity and all of a sudden, here it is.”

Radney was honored Wednesday in Nashville for 25 years of membership in ASCAP, one of three American performing rights agencies, which represent songwriters. Next year, he’s likely to pick up an ASCAP award for “I’m In.”

Keith, in the meantime, is still recording his next album, Get Closer, due Nov. 16.

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McGraw sets Down Under trend for Oprah

Married to singer Faith Hill and with three musical youngsters, US country star Tim McGraw has all the ingredients for his own Von Trapp family troop.

The Grammy winner has brought the clan - his wife and daughters Gracie, Maggie and Audrey - Down Under for his first Australian tour.

He laughs off suggestions a family album is on the cards.

"God forbid," McGraw jokes with AAP.

"My girls are musical. All three can sing, play the piano, one plays the guitar.

"They would be a lot better than me. But, hopefully, they take after their mum.

"If they want to do it (get into music) you hope they're good. It's a tough business, even if you're good."

For now though, McGraw says his girls are just happy seeing the sights and wildlife of Oz.

"We went to Australia Zoo today, had a fantastic time. They got to play with koalas and kangaroos."

Asked if his good mates "our" Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman warned him about Australia's drop bear population McGraw laughs.

"No they didn't ... We'll watch out for those," he said.

"They did tell us to take a boat around the (harbour) in Sydney."

Australians are some of the best people around, McGraw says before claiming credit for Oprah Winfrey's upcoming visit.

"She heard Tim McGraw's here, so she said: 'Well, I better go'," he says in his southern drawl.

For more on Tim click HERE

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Toronto film festival marks turnaround in movie sales

TORONTO — Filmmakers registered "strong sales" at the Toronto film festival this week with more than 20 films being purchased by distributors from around the globe, the sales and industry office said Friday.

The value of the distribution deals, however, was not announced.

"To date, more than 20 films have been sold to territories in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, with more sales expected to be announced in the coming days," the festival's sales and industry office said.

Key acquisitions include Nicole Kidman-starring "Rabbit Hole," "Barney's Version," with Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman, director Werner Herzog's "Cave of Forgotten Dreams," and the William H. Macy vehicle "Dirty Girl."

US sales were also confirmed for "Casino Jack," "The Conspirator," "I Saw The Devil," "Outside the Law," "Potiche" and "Saray's Key."

The festival is the biggest in North America and has traditionally been a key event for Oscar-conscious studios and distributors because it is attended by a sizable contingent of North American media.

More than 3,400 industry delegates attended the festival this year.

"We are very pleased to see Toronto playing a role in the turnaround in the sales climate," commented festival co-director Cameron Bailey, heralding an end to two years of torpid sales since the 2008 economic downturn.

"As a result, audiences in North America and around the world will see some of the outstanding films that premiered here," he said.

Unlike the Cannes and Berlin festivals, Toronto does not award jury prizes.

But moviegoers who bought some 500,000 tickets for the event in 2009 awarded an audience prize for best motion picture to Lee Daniels' "Precious," based on the 1996 novel by Sapphire about an obese, illiterate girl from Harlem dealing with abuse and incest.

The film went on to win Oscars for best supporting actress and screenwriting at the 82nd Academy Awards.

This year the festival, which runs until September 19, will have showcased 258 feature films and 81 shorts from 59 countries, including 112 world premieres.

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Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman Updates 09/02/10

***MORE UPDATES*** We've added Keith's full performances from the 2010 CMA Fest ("Help From My Friends" and "I'm In"), a new interview, Keith in Rock Band 2, and a tweet from AI alumnus Katharine McPhee....the Urbans are now all in Shreveport!




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Thanks to a random poster on Youtube, we found out Keith's hit "Days Go By" will be included in the new edition of the video game Rock Band!

Dierks Bentley—“What Was I Thinkin’”
Eric Church – “Hell on the Heart”
Jamey Johnson – “Women”
Josh Turner – “Would You Go With Me”
Keith Urban – “Days Go By”
Lady Antebellum – “Lookin’ For a Good Time”
Laura Bell Bundy – “Rebound”
Reba McEntire – “Fancy”
Sugarland – “It Happens”

For Keith's page click HERE

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Urban keeps the spirit of country music alive

By Brent Hallenbeck, Free Press Staff Writer • Thursday, September 2, 2010

His name may evoke the city, but the music of Keith Urban (above left) is rooted in the country.

Or is it? The winner of multiple Country Music Association awards (as well as a couple of Grammys), who’s playing Saturday at the Champlain Valley Fair, talked last week by phone from Nashville about how his music and country music in general have a lot to do with pop sounds, and vice versa. He also found time before catching a flight to a gig in Minneapolis to discuss his famous wife, Oscar­winning actress Nicole Kidman, with whom he was rumored to be buying a house in Vermont a few years ago (Urban owns no property in Vermont, according to his publicists).

Burlington Free Press: I’ve been listening to your most recent album, last year’s “Defying Gravity,” and it reminds me a lot of ’80s pop music by the likes of Richard Marx and .38 Special.

You’ve also played lately with people such as John Mayer and Alicia Keys. That’s not exactly country, is it?

Keith Urban: Country, since the dawning of it, has really cross-pollinated with the pop genre. Pop is really just popular music. It’s always been an evolutionary genre, which is why it’s remained so popular but also strong and quite diverse.

A song like “Wichita Lineman” or “Galveston,” when you think about a big lush string section, it’s certainly not Hank Williams. In the ’60s people were up in arms about the lack of purity of the genre, and through the ’70s with the outlaw movement. It’s always had it; every decade has always had it.

BFP: And then you’ve got the ’50s, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley and the whole Million Dollar Quartet thing.

KU: Then you’re tapping into the connection of everything — rock, blues, gospel, jazz.

BFP: But you can’t be country — you don’t even wear a Stetson.

KU: Certainly years ago I was asked about that. When you think about Johnny Cash or George Jones or Glen Campbell, not a hat in sight. That’s got a long history, too.

BFP: How do you define the term “country music”?

KU: For me it’s more the spirit of the music. There’s something in the way the song’s written, the way it’s produced and sung, the instrumentation to a certain degree. There is some element that seems to have more people than not defining it as country. At the end of the day the public defines it, and whether that label even matters.

BFP: But it’s not just fans or music journalists labeling you that way, it’s also the industry that refers to you as country.

KU: The core of my music has always been that. It’s where I come from. I was raised with way more of a country sound than I probably have today. A lot of musicians, from Tim McGraw to Faith Hill, their early records sound way more country than they do now.

BFP: I was reading that, back home in Australia, you played country music but also some surf-rock-styled music.

KU: My grounding there in my teens was in country.

When I got to be 15, 16, and playing in the pubs, I had to play with a bit more attitude, so I incorporated a little Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Mellencamp, The Eagles, Jackson Browne. Even with the rock stuff I was incorporating a little West Coast sound.

BFP: You’ve been doing some studio work recently, right?

KU:We’re working on the next record right now and we’re probably well past the halfway point. We’ll have new music in the next couple of months, a new album by the end of the year.

BFP: What’s it like?
“Defying Gravity” was confident and upbeat.

KU: It may be too early to tell. We recorded a lot of songs and we’re deciding which ones may constitute a new album. At this stage I would say it’s not a radical departure. I can’t even put my finger on what it is now. It’s just a new record (laughs). It’s not a radical departure. It’s perhaps a bit deeper. It’s a sexier record.

BFP: What do you think made it turn out that way?

KU: I guess just the family that my wife (Nicole Kidman) and I are in with each other and with our little girl (Sunday Rose). Having a child and being in a marriage that’s really growing has deeply influenced and affected my music, that’s for sure.

BFP: But “Defying Gravity” had that flavor, too, of celebrating your new family.

KU: I love boy/girl songs.

They’re timeless. There’s something a bit more musically deeper on this record, that’s probably a better way to put it.

BFP: Does your wife ever attend your concerts in faraway places like, oh, say, Vermont?

KU: You never know.

She’s actually shooting a film right now in Louisiana (“Trespass” with Nicolas Cage). She hasn’t got a lot of free travel time.

BFP: You haven’t done any acting of your own, have you?

KU: I think the more I watch her work the more I love my job.

BFP: Why is that?

KU: I just love music. It’s my passion, it’s my calling. I don’t really have any major aspirations for anything else.

BFP: Is it also that acting looks like hard work?

KU: It is hard work. I think the hardest part is being at the mercy of so many other variables. What I love about my job is I get to write songs the way I want and play them the way I want. The art I make makes it all the way to the people the way I intended it. With actors, half their performances end up on the cutting-room floor.

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Thanks to a reader for this scan of Country Weekly's feature of the Story Behind The Song. They interview Radney Foster's "I'm In" co-writer Georgia Middleman. Middleman got the idea for the song from watching the Matt Damon / Ben Affleck film Good Will Hunting!

"When "I'm In" came on, he [Keith] told Nicole that he needed to write a song like that for his next record. She said 'Well why don't you just cut that one'? "

"Somebody told me once to throw away the first song you write because it won't be any good. This was the first song Radney and I wrote together. I'm glad I didn't listen to them, because they were wrong! This song felt so good, and we knew it was special. It started our writing relationship. I am so thankful for this song and Keith...and Nicole!"

Although it looks like "I'm In" will be a #2 hit single for Keith, it is a special song and deserves some attention.

So....as a special treat, here's a live version of "I'm In" sung by Radney Foster and Abra Moore.






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Production on Trespass in Shreveport has begun, although filming with the leads has not quite started. Here's a few tidbits!

jazzajenn: I am officially a stand-in for Nicole Kidman for the movie "Trespass"!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!! about 12 hours ago via Facebook


Ascot Elite nabs 'Trespass'
Schumacher thriller stars Cage, Kidman
By ED MEZA


BERLIN -- Swiss distrib Ascot Elite has acquired all German-speaking rights to Joel Schumacher's upcoming thriller "Trespass," starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman.

The NuImage/Millennium title, which is due to begin production next week in Louisiana, centers on a husband and wife taken hostage by four brutal kidnappers seeking easy cash. Complications ensue amid the unexpected discovery of betrayal and deception.

Ascot also picked up Michael Winnick's "Guns Girls and Gambling," starring Gary Oldman and Christian Slater. Produced by Bob Yari, the pic involves the search for a priceless American Indian artifact stolen during a poker game at an Indian casino. Sam Trammell ("True Blood") and Dane Cook also star.

CEO Ralph Dietrich: "We are always looking for unique projects. 'Trespass' and 'Guns, Girls and Gambling' are definitely two of those."

Ascot Elite recently launched its new German theatrical arm Ascot Elite Filmverleih, which will release its first title, Rodrigo Cortes' "Buried," starring Ryan Reynolds, this fall.


Interview with Trespass director Joel Schumacher

'Esti Ginzburg should be a Bond girl'

"I have been loved quite a lot throughout my life, but I don't think I'm good at relationships. I'm good at friendships, but I'm not the marrying type. Today I'm just old."

Schumacher is currently in Louisiana, where he is shooting his new film "Trespass".

"It’s a thriller about a family whose house is broken into. During the break-in, those present discover many secrets and lies about their life," he explains.

The new film stars two actors who have worked with Schumacher before: Nicole Kidman ("Batman Forever") and Nicolas Cage ("8MM").

"Nicole and Nicolas have become younger, while I've grown older," he complains. "Since we worked together, each of them has gotten married. Both Nicole and Nicolas have a baby at home now, and they seem very happy."

The thriller is being produced by Hollywood's "Israeli gang": Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, and Boaz Davidson.

"Since I have made many films with producer Arnon Milchan as well, I am in fact officially Israeli," Schumacher jokes.

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Keith Urban on his 2010 CMA nominations

Keith Urban already has six CMA trophies, but he remained humbled by his latest nominations for male vocalist and entertainer of the year.

"I just found out about the noms," he said. "Man, what can I say? Huge massive thank you to everyone who not only made these nominations possible but also brought a whole new level of passion to our shows this year. ... From the fans to country radio to the Nashville community, I appreciate it more than you can possibly imagine."

CMT News

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Nicole is once again involved with a cancer charity! As we blogged previously, Nicole has been a Patron Breast Cancer Awareness for Cancer Research UK The organization is gearing up for its new 2010 campaign.

'Nicole Kidman has backed survival fight - now we need you'

by James Nadal

A NICOLE Kidman backed charity has issued a rallying cry to men, women and children to 'Join the fight for women's survival'.

Cancer Research UK has launched the seventh Henley and Marlow Stride.

The seven mile walking event along the River Thames takes place on Sunday October 3.

Stride spokesman Jo Patching said an an army of celebrities including Australian actress Miss Kidman and other Hollywood stars had signed up to the 'fight'.

“We need everyone in the local area to ‘Join the fight for women’s survival’”, she said.

“Our research is beating breast cancer. We need you to help us fight harder – local events such as this beautiful walk along the Thames is a perfect way to raise money, spend time with family and friends and keep fit.”

Participants will start either at Remenham Farm, Henley, or Higginson Park, Marlow, and will be offered a free shuttle bus for the return.

To get a free Cancer Research UK fundraising pack, visit www.jointhefight.org.uk or call 08701 60 20 40.


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DJ Laurel Edwards has another tale from Nashville. Listen all the way to the end to find out how Keith fits into the story!

Laurel and the Singing Cabbie

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Nicole has added more photos from her UNIFEM trip to Haiti on her official MySpace page. Click HERE to view the photo album.


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As we noted in months previous, Nicole's film Rabbit Hole sold quite well at the Cannes Film Festival for international distribution. It was rumored that Fox held the domestic distribution rights. However, that is now incorrect as we have found out RH is up for grabs at Toronto.

Rabbit Hole is, according to IonCinema's editor-in-chief Eric Lavallee, the #1 pick for films looking for domestic distribution. He lists his Top 20 choices HERE

The Gist: Based on David Lindsay-Abaire's Broadway play, the story concerns a happily married couple, Becca (Kidman) and Howie (Eckhart), trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old who was killed in an auto accident. They go through an intensely emotional, redemptive journey they must undertake to regain happiness. Supporting cast includes: Dianne Wiest, Miles Teller, Tammy Blanchard and Sandra Oh.

Director: John Cameron Mitchell -- Sales Agent: Odd Lot Int.

Selling Point: She shines best when she works in commercial failures (e.g.: Birth, Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus and Margot at the Wedding), and my feeling is this could be an example of Kidman asserting herself as one of the tops in the game. TIFF audiences and critics will help determine whether this is Oscar territory.

Suited For: A studio who is not afraid to go into deep dramatic terrain.

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And congratulations to....

Dann Huff for his CMA nomination for Musician of The Year!

and

Monty Powell for his new publishing deal!

Monty Powell Chooses ole for Catalog and Futures

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 1, 2010) - ole one of the world's largest independent music publishers, has concluded a catalog purchase and worldwide co-publishing deal with prolific songwriter and producer, Monty Powell.

Powell has been responsible for hit songs that have helped drive the sales of more than 50 million albums in total by artists like Restless Heart ("Dancy's Dream"), Diamond Rio ("Norma Jean Riley," "Nowhere Bound"), Billy Ray Cyrus ("Could Have Been Me"), Brooks & Dunn ("I Am That Man"), Tim McGraw ("One of These Days"), Chris Cagle ("What A Beautiful Day," "Miss Me Baby") and Keith Urban ("Days Go By," "Tonight I Wanna Cry"). Powell has collaborated as co-writer with some of the hottest artists in the music world such as Keith Urban (his new album due in November; Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker.

"I'm excited about ole as a company," says Powell, a native of Georgia, who currently lives in Nashville. "I think they've positioned themselves exactly the way that a company needs to be: playing the type of ball that the majors play, playing at the level they play, but playing with an independent mindset. That's one of the reasons why they've been successful. I think they're going to be the force in music publishing in the near future because they move nimbly and have a very interesting capital structure. It's just a completely different model and I'm all about new models. These guys are thinking outside the box; I'm thinking outside the box and we've come to a lot of the same things together, so it makes sense that we partner up. The executive team at ole is very sharp. They all have deep publishing backgrounds, not just finance or widget-selling, so they understand the push and pull of what it really takes to monetize a copyright and what that means over the life of a copyright."

Comments ole's Chairman & CEO, Robert Ott: "ole is very pleased to welcome Monty Powell to our team. Monty's ability to write hit songs is widely known, but he is also an innovative thinker and entrepreneur of the first order. I know that he will add immensely to ole's already aggressive and innovative creative culture."

As a songwriter, Powell swept the SESAC Awards in 2009 as he prevailed in the categories of Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year. In 2006, he picked up a Song of the Year CMA nomination for Keith Urban's "Tonight I Wanna Cry." As a producer, he earned a CMA Album of the Year award for his work on Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles in 1994 and co-produced Diamond Rio's first three top selling albums, as well as Keith Urban's critically-acclaimed band, The Ranch for Capitol Records.

One of the things for which Powell has become noted is the time he spends on the road writing with a number of artists with whom he has developed close ties. "Several years ago, I carved this niche out for myself in the songwriting community," explains Powell. "There weren't a lot of alternative ways to skin the cat. I went directly to the artists and suggested that I go out on the road with them, integrate and become a part of their team. I told them that I would work with their schedule. If you need me, I'll be there, if not, you won't even know that I'm around. All this dead time and down time where you are not being creative or you are not generating a copyright or anything that you can monetize as an artist while you're out on the road, we can turn into creative time. A lot of people really perked up at that notion and gave me the opportunity to come out and gave me a bunk on the bus and I became one of the team. That's what I do."

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Twitter Time!


Jessicarsen: Just saw Nicole and Keith at the Zoo. They were visiting the Vitamin Water table.

iamjohnnyangel: Just talked to Keith and Nicole at the zoo...score? Yes...yes indeed.

viyi0806: Had lunch at Wholefood and bumped into Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban earlier.

nashveggie: Leave it to my daughter the politician to go up and start talking to Keith & Nicole.

darrellbrown: @QueenRania happy birthday I'm friends with Nicole and Keith they have told me what a wonderful lady u r Enjoy and hope to meet you one day

murdernovels: @VariantVal Would I want to be Keith Urban? Only if I get to take home Nicole

nvbound: @KeithUrban LOVE watchin!!!! "I'm In" just makes the day go even better :) Thanks Nicole for suggesting Keith sing it :):):)

tonyacash: Did you see Keith Urban on #CMA?? I swear that man gets hotter and hotter... Nicole Kidman is a lucky woman ;)

katharinemcphee: Omg! In the hotel coffee shop standing next 2 Keith Urban! Soooo cool. The reason that is is b/c Nicole Kidman is shooting a movie here 2 about 4 hours ago via Twitter for Android

New Keith Urban Goodies!

Remember when you bought singles? Not an mp3 but a physical, tangible single? Those days are pretty much gone but that doesn't stop artists from coming up with creative packaging for their discs that go out to radio!

Sent in by a reader, here's the promo cover for "I'm In". So cute!












We've also got the promotional video for "I'm In". It's such a shame Keith's single is already a hit without a commercial music clip, isn't it!





Like we always say, Skewering The Skeptics wouldn't be anything without our readers. And again we've got another gem because of our fans.

Country music artist Felicity Urquhart was a guest on an Australian music game show called "Spicks and Specks", aptly titled from the early Bee Gee's hit. She talks about her career connections with Keith Urban and take a look at that special fan photo! You can visit her Myspace to find out more about her.






Not an exclusive but here's another interview with songwriter Radney Foster where he sings Keith Urban's praises. KU - such an embarrassment to the genre!

TheBoot.com


Radney Foster knows a thing or two about hit songs. In addition to his own artist career, both as a solo act and half of the duo Foster & Lloyd, the award-winning songwriter has penned dozens of songs for some of music's biggest acts, including Sara Evans, Gary Allan, the Dixie Chicks and Pat Green, among others. Yet instead of touting his own impressive credentials, he's more likely to point to another writer and platinum-selling artist he admires, namely Keith Urban.

"Keith's such a great guy," Radney tells The 9513. "I know he's not a traditionalist in the best sense of the word, he's doing what some people are calling contemporary country, or pop-country or modern country. But he really has a sense of honoring where the roots of country music came from. He can go toe-to-toe with you on every Glen Campbell or Merle Haggard song ever. And he really reminds me a lot of Glen Campbell. He has that high tenor voice, is a dynamic performer and is just an outstanding guitar player. He has some of that going on. That's what Glen did. He honored country music but pushed the envelope at the same time."

Part of Keith's talent, Radney adds, is Keith's ability to know when to step back. "He certainly doesn't need my help or anybody else's help to write a hit song," Radney admits. "But he's wise enough. The best singer-songwriters ever that have made it into the icon stratosphere always cut some of other people's songs. James Taylor cut some Carole King songs. Merle Haggard cut Harlan Howard songs. The list goes on and on. He's got sense enough to mine something that someone else did and then make that his own. If you look at his records, he still writes the majority of his songs, but he's not afraid to go find something that somebody else has written if it speaks to his heart."



And finally without any further ado, as promised, here is Keith on "Rise Up" with John Ritter from July 4, 2010. Big thanks to the reader who put in so much effort to get it to us! She even gave us a bonus....it's a special Keith Urban commercial bumper from a previous show! Enjoy!

Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman Updates 07/22/10

Keith In The Studio


















Keith Urban: Managed to squeeze in a day at the studio before heading to Southern California for shows at the end of the week. http://twitpic.com/274spx



07.21.2010
HARD AT WORK...

Want a glance into studio life? Enjoy some new photos taken this week.

Album Blog












































ACOUSTIC VS. ELECTRIC
07.15.2010
Posted by: Keith Urban

Get a glimpse into the recording process with this week's video blog. Watch as Keith and producer Dann Huff discuss the best way to record a new song.




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KU TUBE Videos












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Although this article mainly focuses on Nicolas Cage's current financial situation, his upcoming project Trespass did make it into the piece

"I will always see myself as a student on set, trying to get from one level to another," Cage says.

His learning curve continues when he reunites with his 8-mm director Joel Schumacher for the thriller Trespass, which starts filming later this summer.

Cage plays the husband to Nicole Kidman's wife, who are both kidnapped for quick cash.

"I am happy to be with Joel again and I'm really excited to be with Nicole, because I respect her, and I can't wait to see what we get up to together."


For the rest click HERE.


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From 97.3TheBuck.com


Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Urban Thanks Radney & Nicole

Keith Urban has found another gem in fellow singer and songwriter Radney Foster's catalogue. Keith's current hit, "I'm In," was written and originally recorded by Radney for his 1999 project, an album that Keith tells us he can't seem to get enough of. "It's from a Radney Foster record called See What You Want To See, that also has 'Raining On Sunday' and another song I cut called 'Lucky Ones'. This is, I think, the third song off that record I've cut. For me it's a magical record. He was just in a great place at that time writing, I think."
Keith says he and Nicole Kidman grew to love "I'm In" while driving back and forth to the set of one of her recent movies. "I put together a compilation CD when my wife was in Australia filming Australia, the movie. We used to have to drive way into the outback. It was an hour drive to the set and back every night on these really crazy dirt roads, and so I put together some compilation CDs, and 'I'm In' was on that CD. The more we heard it the more we loved it, and I suggested to Nic that I should cut that song on the next record and she thought that would be a good idea, so between 'Stupid Boy' and this one she's had two for two right now."
"I'm In" is a Top 10 hit and climbing on the country charts.
Keith is getting ready to cut a special song just for the sake of his daughter, two-year-old Sunday Rose. The superstar will record the Roger Miller song "England Swings" with Australian children's act, The Wiggles, for the group's upcoming album, according to Country Weekly. Keith told the Los Angeles Daily News, "Having a 2-year-old, I'm not going to turn down the Wiggles."
The singer will headline the Grammy Foundation's signature benefit, the Starry Night concert, on Friday (July 23rd) at the LA Tennis Center at UCLA.
Starry Night will benefit the Foundation's Grammy in the Schools music education programs for high school students, as well as the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation.
Keith is also serving as Grammy Camp's honorary dean.

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Selena Gomez Talks Role Models

Gomez is looking for role models, too. One was Nicole Kidman, the Oscar winner who produced Selena’s next movie – the mistaken identity comedy Monte Carlo. Another is Rachel McAdams, of Wedding Crashers, State of Play and The Time Traveler’s Wife.
“I would love to model my career after hers,” Gomez gushes. “She’s brilliant. She chooses smart roles, re-invents herself for every role. I admire that and hope I’m able to do that myself in my career.”
“I just hope to be in her presence some day.”
Rachel McAdam? She’s 31, has 20some TV and film credits. And she’s never on TMZ.
“Oh my goodness, THAT’s why I love her!”


We like Selena! Rachel McAdams is one of STS's favorites as well. Smart girl with good tasts!

For the rest of the interview click HERE

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Just because it's hilarious the way the skeptics bring back old lies

hitnrun: Funny how no one ever gets a picture.



Mimosa: Yeah....why is that? Kinda like no one ever gets a picture of her with Bethany and Conrad either....because it never happens. I think she has a PR staff that spends time tweeting all the KUNKYVILLE IS PERFECT AND LOVED UP IN NASHVILLE crapola. And why is it that they have 2 houses in the same area? Do they even live in the same place?



The video at Whole Foods or the pictures you keep on your hard drives tell a different story. But carry on with the stupidity!

E! Online Skeptic Nomorefan: Desperate For Negativity

Re: KEITH URBAN - THE NEGATIVE THREAD, Part II
Posted: Jul 18, 2010 6:52 AM in response to: Mimosa in response to: Mimosa

nomorefan: Well the trained monkey is losing ground on his latest release. It was at #7, but went back up to #9 this week. I guess all those radio interviews recently didn't help much. Maybe general country music fans are sick of hearing about Baby Girl when he speaks as well.




"I'm In" this week is officially a Top 5 hit! Thanks Mediabase, the organization that monitors radio airplay, for the facts!


nomorefan must be fuming, knowing that her golden boy Darius Rucker revealed his next album will be named in tribute to a Radney Foster record. Radney Foster, writer of that immature and crappy song "I'm In"!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38279388/ns/today-entertainment/


It's. Just. That. Easy. BAHAHAHAHA!

E! Online Skeptics And Maclen Creating Some Huge Whoppers

The skeptics are horrible liars. Inept Team Maclen is a horrible liar. After the ACM's two days ago they just don't know what to do. So they go back to the beginning and lie. It's big whoppers folks. As big as this bad boy you can actually order at Burger King in Japan. So it's back to basics for this blog. Let's get down to it and Skewer The Skeptics...and maclen!

First off let's dismiss the story that the E! Online skeptics could barely pay attention to what was going on with Keith Urban's performance. They'll spend hours making up lies but they can't be bothered to watch a tv show? Keith Urban ADD? The same show where they pay attention to every little thing Nicole Kidman is seen doing on camera? If you buy that I've got a great story to sell you about diphtheria! BAHAHAHAHA!

tangledupinlove: Then real late in the show, they show KU backstage right before another commercial and again they said he'd be next, so not sure what happened or what all that was about.

erniesmom: Um, WHAT was he trying to achieve, with that camera guy on stage, and the grainy video-like footage, and the camera pans back and forth to a computer screen showing his performance?? I missed the very beginning so did he say what he was trying to do?? About 7:30 cst they announced that Itty Bitty would be on in 16 minutes..I was flipping from DH to the awards and thought I had missed him....Then they said he was up next....OH TG I didnt miss him!lol When he actually started It looked as though it was taped....Then I did see that stupid camera guy....WTH was that about? I heard no explanation for this..anyone else hear anything>?

nomorefan: didn't see his name on the graphics.

tangledupinlove: You're totally right. They didn't announce his name at all as being next, or show his name on the graphics.




















Keith Urban's Old-School Techniques Shine
Posted: April 19th, 2010 at 1:34 pm | By: Alison Bonaguro

Of all the slick tricks and production gimmicks artists poured into their performances on this year's Academy of Country Music Awards, I think I liked Keith Urban's the best. Because his was kind of the antithesis of all things hi-tech. When he started on Radney Foster's "I'm In" from 2001, he brought his own video camera out onstage and started pointing the lens toward the fans. But then when he was on camera, it was a very grainy image -- not at all hi-def. Hi-def can be a good thing. Like when you want to know what brand of false eyelashes someone is wearing or if you want to be able to read the text message in someone's back pocket. But when you just want to focus on the music and not necessarily get caught up in the crisp clarity of the video, grainy low-def may work the best.

CMT Blog



Nobody's buying it skeptics but it is interesting to see you contradicting yourselves in the same conversation no less. After are you are the same haters online analyzing photos and pretending that Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are sooooo irrelevant.

spaz1980: Did anyone see the audience pictures? Interesting how NK's assistant was the designated seat filler when Keith was on stage.


But guess who was paying attention....pretend non-skeptic skeptic Jakra777 a.k.a Oh " So" Leery, a.k.a. Oh " So" Loony!!!!

Jakra777: I couldnt get over that his amp blew and he was an hour late. So why not go on anyway he didnt get the amp replaced that was obvious.

Oh Jakra you were backstage? LOL Meanwhile after Jakra posts this the skeptics continue to pretend they still don't know what happened that night.

The real kicker is nomorefan. She always brings her Skeptic A-Game. Read this quote regarding "I'm In" and try not to laugh

nomorefan: I agree, and I assumed Mr. Nicole Kidman wrote it because it was so cheesy! Someone needs to start picking out his songs for him.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You, nomorefan didn't know Foster wrote that song? You are a HORRIBLE liar. If you look back at articles and interviews Keith was plugging the album when you were still singing his praises. You know exactly who wrote the song. He's told everyone in articles and on an iTunes podcast. Keith always gives credit to Foster. This lie is just as believable as "I didn't watch any Keith Urban videos online this year".

Defying Gravity Song By Song



Inept Team Maclen has changed his story yet again. He incorrectly predicted Capitol Nashville was going to drop him. He incorrectly interpreted cd album sales. He lied and said Keith Urban wouldn't be touring. He lied and said Keith has no career. Well with Keith set to go into the studio after the much anticipated summer tour what does Inept Team Maclen have left to lie about? Award shows.

maclen: "So Monkeylanders...get set for a disappointing career for the orb these up coming years...and with a dud...a career fatal anchor like kidman at his side...I'm sure you'll at least be able to eventually catch the orb at your local county fair.


Where was maclen to mourn for his self labeled "dark horse"? Taylor Swift went home empty handed and he has no commentary for the actual awards because he cannot comment! He's back to attacking fans and this time it's Monkeyville. We say bring it on. The more he talks about country music the worse off he'll be.



And finally the nastiest comment of the day award goes to...it's a tie! Drumroll please..... erniesmom and YoureScaringMe. Their compassion and understanding is timeless!

erniesmom: Since when does IT go for sparkle? Hes really starting to look more Gay every show.She is turning him into a real LA ****..(No offense to our Gay community.)

YoureScaringMe: And I'm really starting to think Keithy really is gay after all. He looks NOTHING like he did before he hooked up with his Baby Girl. I guess her transformation of him is pretty much complete, and it's NOT good.


Don't worry skeptics Nicole's not left out of this. The next blog will be all about her and the current lies you are trying to make true. Stay tuned....

In the words of one of your own...."Change your routine up please! You're just too predictable and pathetic, it ain't funny anymore."

And thanks nomorefan for stopping by....AGAIN!