Keith Urban Leaves ‘The Voice’

Keith Urban
Keith Urban - Photo Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Capital Records Nashville

Is he clearing the way for a role as a judge on American Idol? Only time will tell, but it is clear Keith Urban is leaving Australia’s The Voice.

Country singer Urban announced he will not be returning as a mentor next season, saying in a statement to Australia’s Nine Network: “I’ve been so fortunate to have been a part of The Voice. And as much as I’d love to do it again, it’s clear that the recording and promoting of a new album, a tour, and other commitments will keep me from being a part of the second season.”

“Other commitments?” Is that a hint he’ll be signing on to Fox’s American Idol?

Announcing his departure, Urban thanked everyone who sang on the show and thanked his The Voice family – Darren [Percival], Delta [Goodrem], Joel [Madden] and Seal – for making his time on the singing competition series “fun.”

Fox is going to have to tie down the judges for the upcoming season of American Idol soon. Only Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson (who was relegated to a mentor role at one point but is now back on the judges panel) are officially signed on. Nicki Minaj is reportedly still in contract negotiations, and rumors are swirling Urban will take a fourth chair.

Watch a Keith Urban and Darren Percival duet: