THE TRUTH BEHIND KEITH’S TEARS

The heartbroken country star reveals his saddest secret to stunned fans

Usually chirpy and full of energy on stage, Keith Urban shocked adoring fans at the Country Music Awards when he broke down in tears.

“I wish my dad was alive to see this,” Keith said as he accepted the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award on November 17. “But I think he’s watching over me tonight. I am very grateful that I get to do what I do.”

Keith’s emotional and touching tribute came just weeks from the third anniversary of his dad Robert’s passing from a long battle with cancer on December 5, 2015. At the time, Keith said his father was “finally at peace”.

The father-of-two also gave a nod to his wife of 12 years, Nicole Kidman, 51, who was beaming at her husband in the audience. Their two daughters Sunday, 10, and Faith, seven, were watching Dad from their Nashville home.

“Our girls at home, Feef and Munchkin, I love you. Thank you for supporting Daddy and loving me through all of what I do. Same with you, baby girl,” he said, as he pointed to Nicole, “You make it all worthwhile.”

Of the poignant ordeal, sources close to 51-year-old Keith tell Woman’s Day his breakdown has “been on the cards” for months.

“Keith’s an emotional guy and this year has been big for him,” spills our source.

“Both he and Nicole have enjoyed immense success in terms of their careers in 2018, but they’ve worked incredibly hard for it. It has had its side effects though – they’ve been like passing ships in the night. He’s missed her terribly and was feeling somewhat emotional about having her by his side for such an important occasion.”

SHOULDER TO LEAN ON

The source adds, “As time passes, he misses his dad more than ever. When times were rough, Bob was his confidant, and Keith desperately wishes he was still around to share in his success.”

An insider close to the country crooner says his sobriety has impacted on how he deals with his emotions.

“Don’t forget, for years he used booze and drugs to numb any real feelings, and without that crutch, he feels both happy and negative thoughts a thousand times more strongly than non-addicts,” says a source.

“Far from it being a bad thing, Nicole loves his soft side and was so proud when he showed his true self as he accepted his award. She loves it when fans get to see the man she sees.”

‘Nicole loves it when fans get to see the man she sees’