Keith Urban at Xcel Energy Center
September 24, 2005

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Country stars flirting with rock is hardly new, but Urban does so with what feels like genuine passion. Unlike many of country's hat acts, Urban can actually play the guitar that's strapped across his chest. He's got a rich, soulful voice, too, and writes (or co-writes) much of his material. For once, the guy's rangy good looks — think the rebellious drifter on a daytime soap opera or a hunky carpenter on a home-improvement show — are just a nice bonus, not a means to an end.

Of course, Urban's sex appeal has something to do with his current role as a Gap pitchman and his (allegedly) blossoming romance with Nicole Kidman. It also explains Urban's heavily female fan base, which was well represented at the X.

Still, Urban's a compelling presence who plays up his humble and human side, with just a hint of naughtiness. Responding to one of the many banners displayed by audience members, he called up a pair of teenage twins and gave them each what they claimed was their first kiss. At another point, he invited a young woman from the audience and cutely curled up with her on the floor as he crooned.

At the end of his set, Urban indulged in a chorus from U2's "Beautiful Day." The anthem-like song that followed, "Somebody Like You," suggested it's only a matter of time until Urban is right up alongside U2 on rock radio.

Keith Urban at Xcel Energy CenterSeptember 24, 2005

Keith Urban at Xcel Energy Center
September 24, 2005