Keith Urban dedicated his epic performance to the dreamers who are following their “Wild Hearts” to pursue a lifelong goal.
The country superstar and 12x CMA Award winner brought an inspirational message to the stage with a performance of his latest single, “Wild Hearts.”
Urban kicked off his set as the hitmaker wandered around on Broadway in Downtown Nashville.
“From everywhere, all around the world, this is where they come. The born to be rock stars, who come with guitars in hand and songs in their heart,” Urban narrated over the clip. ”They’re all dreamers ready to fly. To try to make their mark in this town known far and wide as Music City. Tonight and every night this song goes out to all of you ‘Wild Hearts.’”
“I want to say keep dreaming, keep painting the sky, because make no mistake like everybody else taking the stage tonight, I’m one of you,” Urban said as entered Bridgestone Arena to take the stage for his rockin’ performance.
Click above to relive Urban’s show-stopping performance.
Co-written Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi, Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne and Eric Paslay, “Wild Hearts” is an ode to those chasing their dreams and comes with a reminder to never give up, despite those who may doubt you. The track is not only motivational, it’s also autobiographical as it shares insight into Urban‘s personal journey within the music industry.
“Wild Hearts” is the follow-up single to his duet with P!nk, “One Too Many.”
Ahead of show-stopping performance, Urban was surprised with the International Artist Achievement CMA Award.
“Backstage at the #CMAawards after rehearsing, Keith Urban was presented with the CMA International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes creative growth, development & promotion of Country Music outside of the United States,” the Country Music Association shared hours before the coveted awards show.
The 55th Annual CMA Awards featured performances from Luke Combs, Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Jennifer Hudson, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, and Zac Brown Band.
Additionally, the show included star-studded collaborations by Chris Young and Kane Brown, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, BRELAND and HARDY.
Country singers Trace Adkins, Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, Deana Carter, Russell Dickerson, Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood were on hand to present during the ceremony.
Lauren Daigle, Faith Fennidy, Freddie Freeman, Amy Grant, Dulé Hill, Elle King, Zachary Levi, Hayley Orrantia, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Susan Sarandon, Saycon Sengbloh and Kurt Warner also made special appearances throughout the broadcast.
Hosted by Luke Bryan, the 2021 CMA Awards broadcasted live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 8/7c on ABC.
