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Keith Urban has quit The Voice Australia

Sep 14, 2012, 15:02 GMT

Keith Urban

Keith Urban has quit the Australian version of 'The Voice'.

The country singer had been a judge on the pop star search show but he has decided to leave the panel - which also includes Delta Goodrem, Seal and Joel Madden - to concentrate on his new album.

Announcing that he will not be a coach in 2013, he said in a statement: 'I've been so fortunate to have been a part of 'The Voice'. And as much as I'd love to do it again, it's clear that the recording and promoting of a new album, a tour and other commitments will keep me from being a part of the second season.'

Keith also paid tribute to the production team, last season's acts - who included his artist Darren Percival, who came second behind Seal's Karise Eden - and the other judges.

Speaking to Australia's Nine Network - who air the series - he explained: 'To everyone who sang on the show, I thank you; you've inspired not just me, but countless others. To everyone behind the scenes and to my on-camera family - Darren, Delta, Joel and Seal - thank you for making it so much fun.'

Keith - who has two daughters, Sunday, four, and 21-month-old Faith, with his wife Nicole Kidman - has been hotly tipped in recent weeks for a judging role on the new look judging panel of 'American Idol'.

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez quit the show at the end of the last season and Mariah Carey has already taken one of the vacant spots.