Reflecting on his return to the UK stage for the first time since 2019, Urban noted that “there’s something about playing for UK audiences that’s really unique.” He explained to Apple Music 1 that it goes beyond mere celebrity: “It’s not even about popularity, right? If the music’s still good, the audiences come out and they’re really passionate.”
The highlight of the takeover was Urban’s passionate endorsement of North London singer Lola Young. Comparing her impact to a legendary predecessor, Urban remarked, “Maybe not since Amy Winehouse have I heard a female artist sing with so much truth. And oh my god. I’m such a fan. It’s ridiculous.” Discussing her album This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, he admitted, “I haven’t had that reaction on a record probably since ’21′ by Adele… Lola really captured something that stayed from the first song all the way to the end.”
Urban’s playlist leaned heavily into British stars, including Olivia Dean and Harry Styles. Discussing Styles’ new track “Aperture,” Urban praised the artist’s ability to “find that perfect balance between giving me what I expect and giving me what I don’t expect.” Regarding Olivia Dean, he added, “I love this girl, love this album. This is one of those stars aligning records top to bottom.”
Urban attributed his eclectic taste to a desire to move past digital recommendations. “I like to defy the algorithms,” he said. “I like unexpected artists—someone I would not have expected to like.”
Finally, Urban teased a shift in his own sonic direction, citing a “rediscovered big love for songs that would fit into the yacht rock category,” hinting that “some of my own music might have something to do with that.”
