Thirteen year old Keith Urban was a star before he even knew it. This 1980 footage serves as the ultimate purity test for any music fan. It proves his signature moves and elite guitar skills were locked in long before the fame arrived.
He stands center stage in a flashy green tracksuit that screams the 1980s. He tackles the song Pecos Promenade with the grit of a seasoned pro. His fingers fly across the strings using a difficult style called chicken picking.
Watch this performance below to see the raw proof that some people are simply born for the stage:
Keith Urban Jimmy Hannan’s Show 1980
Viewers are floored by how little has actually changed over forty years. One person noted that his height is about the same, while another recognized the iconic haircut immediately.
That small-town boy did not stay a hidden gem for very long. Just three years later, his voice dropped and his star power exploded on a much bigger stage. This was the moment he transitioned from a country kid into a mainstream threat.
Keith Urban New Faces 1983
By 1983, he was 16 and melting hearts on a show called New Faces. He performed the pop ballad All Out of Love with incredible vocal control. The judges were stunned and spoke about his massive commercial potential for the global market. He was no longer just a kid with a guitar. He was a professional artist ready to take on the world.
Keith Urban has a journey that shows what happens when natural talent meets hard work. He stayed true to his sound and his unique style through every decade. His emotional honesty is why millions of fans still follow him today. Follow Keith Urban on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.