Keith Urban News

A spokesman for Keith Urban denied media reports Wednesday that the Australian-reared country singer had completed treatment for alcohol abuse.

In response to a query by The Associated Press, his New York-based publicist, Paul Freundlich, said in an e-mail: "Keith is on a leave in Australia to be with his family during the holidays. This is a natural occurrence at this point in his treatment. He will continue with his rehab upon his return."

No other details were immediately available.

Urban, 39, checked himself into a rehabilitation treatment center in the United States in October, with his wife, Nicole Kidman, by his side. The Grammy-winning singer issued a statement at the time saying, "One can never let one's guard down on recovery, and I'm afraid that I have."

Urban flew into Sydney on Tuesday, Australian Associated Press reported.

Cameras caught Kidman, also 39, and Urban holding hands as they left the United International Pictures office Wednesday. The couple said nothing to the media as they walked to a car and were driven away.

Kidman, who won a best actress Oscar for 2002's "The Hours," has been in Sydney since before Christmas and is working on a movie in Australia, AAP and Nine Network television reported.

Urban hasn't visited Australia since he married Kidman in a lavish Sydney wedding in June. The couple then moved to Nashville, Tenn., where he records.

His latest album, "Love, Pain, & the whole crazy thing," was released last month.

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