Keith Urban remained the consummate professional while filming his new reality series, The Road, despite his recent separation from actress Nicole Kidman. The longtime country music star and his wife of 19 years announced their split in September 2025, but according to a contestant on the show, Urban kept his personal life completely private while on set.

Contestant Reveals Keith Urban’s Professionalism

Billie Jo Jones, 34, who participated in The Road, told the Daily Mail that she was unaware of Urban’s personal struggles during filming. “You wouldn’t even know that he was going through anything because he definitely pushed personal stuff aside and was business professional the entire time, which is what a true artist should be and should be doing,” she explained.

Jones, who called working with Urban “a dream come true,” described the New Zealand-born musician as a mentor who genuinely wants the best for his performers. “He is one of those people that really wants the best for you and really pushes you to be your best self,” she added.

Life on the Road

Urban, 57, opened up about the grueling demands of touring during the series premiere of The Road on Sunday, Oct. 19. He reflected on the challenges of being away from his family, including daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14, whom he shares with Kidman.

“You’re going to do it or you’re not going to make it,” Urban said, describing the physical and emotional toll of life on the road. “When you wake up on a tour bus at 3:30 a.m. 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, and you haven’t slept, and you miss your friends, and you’re missing your family… the only answer can be: Because this is what I’m born to do.”

Jones echoed Urban’s sentiments, sharing her own experience of performing 125 to 140 shows a year and emphasizing that the sacrifices are worth it for the chance to share her voice with the world.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Split

People confirmed on Sept. 29, 2025 that Urban and Kidman separated over the summer. Kidman, 58, filed for divorce on Sept. 30 after 19 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The actress requested to be the primary residential parent for their children in the custody arrangement.

Despite the separation, a source close to Kidman told PEOPLE that the Practical Magic 2 star “has a great attitude and feels very grateful for her life.”

Urban’s Focus on Career

While the separation was significant, Urban has maintained a professional focus, dedicating himself to The Road and his performers. Contestants like Billie Jo Jones observed that his ability to compartmentalize personal challenges allowed him to mentor and inspire effectively, demonstrating the dedication and discipline that have defined his career for decades.

The Road follows 12 country musicians as they tour with Urban, providing an inside look at the challenges and rewards of life on the road for aspiring performers. Urban’s professionalism and mentorship shine through, even amid personal upheaval, reinforcing his reputation as a seasoned and dedicated artist.