Urban Launches World Tour Downunder

Keith Urban will kick off his 2013 world tour in Australia, with U.S. and other international dates forthcoming.

“New music, new show, I know we’re gonna have a blast!” Urban announced.

The Aussie dates, through Chugg Entertainment and Nine Live, kick off in his former home state of Queensland. After two dates at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre Jan. 25-26, Urban plays Allphones Arena in Sydney Jan. 30 and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Feb. 2.

This year saw Urban’s popularity escalate in Australia. His The Story So Far album reached No. 1 on the official Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and he was a coach on free-to-air Nine Network’s “The Voice,” which has been a big on TV downunder in 2012.