Why Nicole Kidman Wasn't At The ACM Awards With Keith Urban

The 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards took place in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 16, 2020, and brought together the biggest names in the country music world. This year, the ACM Awards ceremony demonstrated its resiliency as it put on a show while adapting to coronavirus pandemic regulations. Performers serenaded audiences from three famous venues:  the famed Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium (commonly called the "mother church of country music"), and the intimate Bluebird Cafe. Plenty of big names participated, including Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett — who tied for the entertainer of the year award. In a word, it was epic.

The ceremony was hosted by country music superstar Keith Urban. He was charming and heartfelt throughout the broadcast, but fans noticed one major absence. His wife, actress Nicole Kidman, who has stood by his side at countless awards ceremonies, was absent from the ACMs. Here's the real reason Kidman wasn't there.

Nicole Kidman watched Keith Urban from Australia

As Keith Urban hosted the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards from Nashville, Tenn., viewers wondered why his wife, Nicole Kidman, wasn't with him. No need to worry — she had a good reason.

The actress is currently in Byron Bay, Australia filming the upcoming series Nine Perfect Strangers, according to People. Kidman did tune into the ACM Awards virtually. She even shared a video on Instagram of her watching her hubby host. "Wishing I was there..." she said.

Prior to the show, Kidman also shared a throwback photo on Instagram of herself, Urban, and Pink  — the group shot served as a way to promote Pink and Urban's socially-distanced duet of "One Too Many" at the 2020 ACMs. 

Urban and Kidman met in 2005, at the G'Day USA gala, an event that celebrates the Australian and American union of the arts, according to E!. They married in 2006 and share two daughters, Sunday and Faith.

What a great example of a hard working couple who step up for each other no matter the distance!