Keith Urban made a shocking admission at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Gala, publicly admitting how he almost ruined his marriage to Nicole Kidman when they were newlyweds.

The Aussie musician was presenting a tribute to his wife, who he married in 2006. While the ceremony was held on April 26 this year, it was publicly broadcast on television for the first time this week, with fans being able to watch Nicole be honoured.

Keith opened up about their relationship, saying Nicole’s capacity to love was unlike anyone he’s ever met. The country singer explained that the addiction issues he was battling nearly blew their marriage to ‘smithereens’.

“We got married in 2006, and barely four months into our marriage, the addictions that I had done really nothing about blew our marriage to smithereens,” he said. “Four months into a marriage, and I’m in rehab for three months with no idea what was going to happen to us.”

The couple, who have now been together for 18 years and share two daughters together, have remained rock solid since that shaky moment in the early days of their marriage.

“Nic pushed through every negative voice – I’m sure even some of her own – and she chose love,” Keith said. “And here we are tonight 18 years later. Her capacity to love is like no one I’ve ever met.”

Nicole was seen in the audience wiping away tears as Keith delivered his speech.

Nicole took to Instagram to thank her fans and the industry In April for the support over the years, saying she was “deeply moved” after being awarded the Lifetime Achievement award.

Keith and Nicole’s daughters Sunday and Faith made a rare red carpet appearance in support of their famous mum, alongside her sister Antonia Kidman, and Antonia’s daughter Sybella

Nicole shone at the event in a dazzling gold gown with a trail, while her daughters were decked out in dresses by designer Monique Lhuillier, with Sunday wearing a chic floral design and Faith dressed in a glamorous strapless red dress.