American Idol is heating up with the competition as more contestants are eliminated this week, counting down to the live episodes, which kick off the week of March 5th. Judge Keith Urban has truly fought for several of the contestants, even when the other judges want to send them home, as such was the case for Shuba Vedula during Wednesday night’s show. So, how does he deliver constructive criticism and still be the nicest guy on the judges’ panel? “Something that’s just straight soul-crushing and not helpful to them, I just don’t see anything worth in it,” says Keith. “I’m trying to give specific direction, if it’s something they can work on. It’s just my opinion, and it’s not to say it’s a fact. They can take it, they can leave it, but I try to deliver it in a way in which I’d like people to deliver it to me.”
Keith’s wife (Nicole Kidman) and daughters (Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret) visited him on the set of American Idol, which having their girls surrounded by creativity is really important to both parents. “Nic and I love them being around that kind of environment – watching people sing, watching them perform and being around the music,” he says. “It’s all they both have ever known is being around that, and being around a movie set since they were born.”
American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm ET.
AUDIO: Keith Urban – who is being touted as “the nice guy” on the set of American Idol – says he tries to be respectful and give constructive criticism to the contestants on the show. [NOTE: phone quality]
Keith Urban (AI-delivering judgment) OC: …on the person. :35
“I think every person handles critiquing differently, and I’m trying to sort of get a feel for what the artist is comfortable hearing and what they’re not going to be comfortable in hearing. And something that’s just straight soul-crushing and not helpful to them, I just don’t see anything worth in it. I’m trying to give specific direction, if it’s something they can work on. It’s just my opinion, and it’s not to say it’s a fact. They can take it, they can leave it, but I try to deliver it in a way in which I’d like people to deliver it to me, or again, it’s really based on the person.”
AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about his daughters Sunday and Faith coming to see him on the American Idol set. [NOTE: phone quality]
Keith Urban (AI-daughters) OC: …this season. :22
“They actually came down to the set for a little while. Nic and I love them being around that kind of environment – watching people sing, watching them perform and being around the music. It’s all they both have ever known is being around that, and being around a movie set since they were born. So, they’re certainly music fans. They haven’t watched the show yet, but I have a feeling they will be [watching] this season.”
