Speculation is mounting in Hollywood over the relationship between Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, after sources close to both entertainers said their longstanding friendship has intensified following their recent divorces. Lopez, who ended her marriage to Ben Affleck in January, and Urban, who finalized his split from Nicole Kidman in September 2025, have reportedly grown closer in the months since both reentered single life.
The two first met as judges on American Idol Season 13 in 2014, where their chemistry was widely noted. At the time, Urban was married to Ms. Kidman, while Lopez was dating dancer Casper Smart. Although the pair appeared affectionate in behind-the-scenes photos, friends say their rapport remained strictly professional. That dynamic, however, appears to have shifted as both navigate the fallout from high-profile breakups.
According to Heat World, Lopez initiated contact after hearing about Urban's separation. A source told the outlet: "J.Lo reached out to Keith as soon as she found out he and Nicole had split up, she wanted to offer her support and check in." The source added that Lopez's own divorce left her "still hurting," making her "very sensitive to anyone going through the end of a marriage."
Urban, meanwhile, has faced a barrage of tabloid rumors, including speculation linking him to 25-year-old singer Maggie Baugh-claims Baugh publicly denied. The scrutiny reportedly weighed heavily on him during his tour. One insider said fans' speculation made Urban feel like a "clichè" experiencing a midlife crisis and that he believed "Hollywood had abandoned him" in favor of his ex-wife. Lopez's support, the source added, "has been so grateful ... a lot of people have shunned him in favour of Nicole so J.Lo's kindness is highlighted."
The emotional support has run both ways. Lopez confided in Urban as her marriage to Mr. Affleck ended, with sources describing her as devastated that the relationship could not be salvaged. People close to the pair say Urban offered understanding grounded in his own experience. Their shared vulnerability has increased contact between the two performers, though neither has publicly addressed the speculation.
Industry insiders say their rapport during Idol has long fueled stories about possible romantic tension. "Some people even talk about how flirty they were with each other," one source said. With both now single, those conversations have resurfaced in entertainment circles, where the idea of a personal or professional partnership is gaining traction.
Friends of the pair are reportedly encouraging collaboration, hoping the performers might channel their chemistry into music. Matchmakers within their circles have floated the idea of a romantic duet as a low-risk way to test compatibility. "People in both their worlds are trying to play matchmaker for them and the idea of teaming up for some sort of romantic duet has been suggested as a way to jumpstart things," the source told the outlet.
