Keith Urban: 'Dad inspired my career'

Keith Urban has paid tribute to his late father by crediting him with inspiring his career in country music.

The Australian country singer was left devastated when his beloved dad Robert passed away on 5 December (15) following a battle with cancer.

He remembered his father during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and praised him for pushing him towards a career in the US country music industry.

When asked whether Robert played a part in his successful profession, Keith replied, "Totally," adding, "His, well our, record collection was all American country music and that's really what pointed me in the direction of Nashville."

Robert's funeral was held on 16 December (15), where the star explained he was grateful his parent was no longer suffering during a heartfelt speech. He was joined by his brother Shane, whose children performed a musical tribute to their late grandfather.

During the interview, which airs in the US on Wednesday (13Jan16), Keith also discussed his role as a panellist on American Idol, which is coming to an end this year (16) after 15 seasons.

"It's sad, because I'm having, I mean I think all three of us are having as good a time as I am," he explained. "I'm loving doing it this season and feel like we've kind of got our groove on and it's just a bummer that it's ending right as we're just getting our groove on."

Keith is a judge on the show, which ends in April (16), alongside Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. It began in 2002 and launched the careers of stars such as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

Over the years the mentors have changed, with celebrities including Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey taking a seat on the panel at one point.