Keith Urban recalls a time in his youth when he was mercilessly criticised on a TV talent show.

The Australian country crooner has recently been confirmed as a judge on American Idol. He shares the panel with Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey.

Keith has won multiple Grammy Awards and has half a dozen platinum albums to boast.

In the fledgling stages of his career, Keith did not receive much support for his talents.

"I did a show when I was 9. I actually did a show in Australia, one of these kinds of shows with three judges, and one of them just completely crucified me," he recounted at an American Idol press conference held in New York City.

Apparently the man thought Keith was on the wrong musical path.

Keith is happy to have stayed true to himself.

"He also said to me, 'I encourage you to get out of country music, just get rid of that of that nonsense get into some real music,' " Keith laughed. "I obviously took it to heart."