In a candid and heartfelt interview with W Magazine published in July 2025, Nicole Kidman shared a charming detail about her 19-year marriage to country music superstar Keith Urban: he has long called her “babygirl,” a nickname so significant that he has it tattooed on the back of his neck. The revelation comes as Kidman prepares to star in the erotic thriller Babygirl, set for release on December 25, 2025, creating a serendipitous connection that has fans buzzing. Kidman, 58, laughed about the coincidence, noting that Urban playfully insists he retains “total rights” to the pet name despite the film’s title. The anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the couple’s enduring romance, their shared sense of humor, and how their personal bond intersects with Kidman’s latest cinematic venture. This article explores the W Magazine interview, the significance of the “babygirl” nickname, Urban’s tattoo, the details of Kidman’s new film, and the couple’s remarkable journey together.

A Sweet Revelation in W Magazine

Nicole Kidman, known for her poised elegance and Oscar-winning talent, opened up about her personal life in a W Magazine cover story timed to promote Babygirl, her bold new film directed by Halina Reijn. During the interview, conducted at her Nashville home, Kidman shared intimate details about her relationship with Keith Urban, 57, revealing the origins of his affectionate nickname for her. “Keith’s been calling me ‘babygirl’ since we met,” she said, her voice warm with affection. “It’s his thing—something private and sweet between us.” The nickname, she explained, emerged early in their romance in 2005, a term of endearment that has endured through nearly two decades of marriage.

The revelation took a surprising turn when Kidman disclosed that Urban has the word “babygirl” tattooed in delicate script on the back of his neck, a permanent tribute to their bond. “He got it years ago, and I thought it was the most romantic thing,” she told W Magazine. “It’s hidden under his hair, so it’s just for us.” Urban, known for his collection of tattoos—including a phoenix on his chest and a tribal design on his arm—chose a discreet placement, making the gesture all the more personal. When Kidman signed on for Babygirl, Urban jokingly claimed ownership of the name. “He was like, ‘Hold on, that’s my word for you—I’ve got total rights!’” Kidman recounted, laughing. “But he’s thrilled about the film. He thinks it’s hilarious how it all lined up.”

The anecdote has captivated fans, with social media platforms like X lighting up with reactions. “Keith Urban having ‘babygirl’ tattooed for Nicole is peak romance,” one user posted, while another wrote, “The fact that Nicole’s movie is called Babygirl and Keith’s been calling her that forever? Meant to be.” The story underscores the couple’s playful dynamic and their ability to find joy in life’s coincidences, even as Kidman takes on one of the most daring roles of her career.

The Babygirl Film: A Bold New Chapter

Babygirl, set to hit theaters on Christmas Day 2025, marks a departure for Kidman, who stars as Romy, a high-powered CEO entangled in a steamy affair with a younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson. Directed by Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies), the A24-produced erotic thriller explores themes of power, desire, and self-discovery, with Kidman delivering a performance described by Variety as “fearless and vulnerable.” The film also stars Sophie Wilde and Antonio Banderas, adding to its star-studded appeal. Early screenings at the Venice Film Festival in September 2025 earned rave reviews, with critics praising Kidman’s ability to balance sensuality and emotional depth.

In the W Magazine interview, Kidman discussed the serendipity of the film’s title. “When I read the script, I couldn’t believe it was called Babygirl,” she said. “I called Keith right away and said, ‘You’re not going to believe this!’” Urban, a supportive presence throughout her career, embraced the coincidence, attending an early screening and joking about his “claim” to the nickname. The film’s provocative subject matter—described as a modern take on Unfaithful with a feminist lens—has generated buzz, with The Hollywood Reporter predicting it could earn Kidman another Oscar nomination, following her win for The Hours (2002) and nominations for Moulin Rouge! (2001), Rabbit Hole (2010), Lion (2016), and Being the Ricardos (2021).

Kidman’s decision to take on Babygirl reflects her willingness to push boundaries, a hallmark of her career. From Eyes Wide Shut (1999) to Big Little Lies (2017-2019), she has tackled complex, often sensual roles with nuance. “This film is about a woman owning her desires, which I think is powerful,” she told W Magazine. “It’s not just about the affair—it’s about finding yourself at any age.” The personal connection to the title adds a layer of intimacy to her performance, with fans speculating that her chemistry with Urban informed her portrayal of Romy’s emotional journey.

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman: A Love Story

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s romance, which began in 2005 at a G’Day USA gala in Los Angeles, is one of Hollywood’s most enduring love stories. The couple married in June 2006 in Sydney, Australia, and welcomed two daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. Their relationship has weathered challenges, including Urban’s stint in rehab for substance abuse just four months after their wedding, a period Kidman described in a 2007 Vanity Fair interview as “painful but strengthening.” Urban has credited Kidman’s support with saving his life, a gratitude he expressed in his 2009 song “Thank You,” written for her.

The “babygirl” nickname and tattoo are emblematic of their deep connection. Urban, a four-time Grammy-winning country artist known for hits like “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Somebody Like You,” is often private about his personal life, but his devotion to Kidman is evident in small gestures. The tattoo, done in 2008 during a tour break, was a surprise for Kidman, who recalled in W Magazine, “He came home one day, lifted his hair, and there it was. I melted.” The couple’s playful banter about the Babygirl film title reflects their ability to find humor and lightness, even as they navigate the pressures of fame.

Their shared life in Nashville, where they raise their daughters, is grounded in family and creativity. Kidman, who splits her time between acting and producing through her company Blossom Films, often attends Urban’s concerts, while he supports her film premieres. In 2024, they collaborated indirectly when Kidman’s AMC Theatres ad campaign featured Urban’s song “One Too Many,” a duet with Pink. Fans on X have dubbed them “couple goals,” with one post reading, “Nicole and Keith are proof that love can last in Hollywood. That ‘babygirl’ story is too cute!”

The Tattoo: A Symbol of Devotion

Urban’s “babygirl” tattoo, located on the back of his neck, is a subtle but powerful symbol of his love for Kidman. Unlike his more visible tattoos, which include a Celtic cross and his daughters’ initials, this one is hidden, visible only when his hair is lifted. “It’s just for her,” Urban told Rolling Stone in a 2010 interview, long before the Babygirl film connection. The choice of “babygirl” as a nickname reflects Urban’s Southern roots and his affectionate, protective nature, qualities Kidman has praised in interviews. “Keith has this warmth, this tenderness,” she told W Magazine. “He makes me feel safe, and ‘babygirl’ is part of that.”

The tattoo’s re-emergence in the W Magazine interview has sparked fascination, with fans and media outlets analyzing its significance. People magazine noted that it “adds a layer of romance to their already iconic love story,” while E! News speculated that Urban might get a kick out of the Babygirl film’s marketing, suggesting he could incorporate the nickname into his next album. The tattoo has also inspired fan art, with illustrations of the script circulating on Instagram and X, often paired with quotes from Kidman’s interview.

Babygirl and Its Cultural Moment

The release of Babygirl comes at a time when erotic thrillers are experiencing a renaissance, with films like Challengers (2024) and Fair Play (2023) reviving the genre’s appeal. Kidman’s role as Romy, a woman navigating desire and power in her 50s, resonates with 2025’s cultural focus on female empowerment and ageless sexuality. The film’s title, unintentionally tied to Kidman and Urban’s personal story, has become a marketing boon, with A24 leaning into the coincidence with taglines like “Own Your Desire.” Urban’s playful claim to “total rights” over the nickname has been featured in promotional materials, adding a lighthearted touch to the campaign.

The W Magazine interview, accompanied by a stunning photoshoot of Kidman in minimalist couture, has amplified anticipation for the film. Critics who saw early screenings at Venice praised its bold exploration of intimacy, with IndieWire calling it “Kidman’s most daring performance since Eyes Wide Shut.” The connection to Urban’s nickname has also sparked online debates about whether it influenced Kidman’s decision to take the role. “I didn’t choose the film because of the title,” she clarified in W Magazine. “But it did feel like fate.”

The Couple’s Enduring Appeal

Kidman and Urban’s relationship remains a beacon in an industry known for fleeting romances. Their ability to balance high-profile careers with a grounded family life—raising Sunday and Faith in Nashville, away from Hollywood’s glare—has endeared them to fans. Kidman’s support for Urban’s music, including attending his 2025 CMA Awards performance, and his presence at her film premieres, like The Undoing (2020), showcase their partnership. “We’re each other’s biggest fans,” Kidman told W Magazine. “Keith’s my rock, and I’m his.”

Their shared humor is evident in Urban’s reaction to Babygirl. At a Nashville concert in June 2025, he jokingly told the crowd, “I’ve been calling Nic ‘babygirl’ for 20 years, so I’m staking my claim!” The quip, captured on TikTok, went viral, with fans praising his support for Kidman’s bold role. The couple’s openness about their challenges, from Urban’s sobriety journey to Kidman’s struggles with fame, adds depth to their public image, making the “babygirl” anecdote a relatable glimpse into their love.

Fan and Media Reactions

The W Magazine interview has sparked a wave of adoration for Kidman and Urban. On X, fans posted, “Keith’s ‘babygirl’ tattoo is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” and “Nicole and Keith are living proof that love can be fun and real.” Media outlets like Entertainment Tonight and Vogue ran features on the couple, with headlines like “Nicole Kidman’s Babygirl Gets Personal with Keith Urban’s Tattoo.” The story has also inspired memes, with one viral image showing Urban’s neck tattoo superimposed on Babygirl’s movie poster, captioned, “Property of Keith.”

The coincidence has fueled speculation about future collaborations. Fans on Reddit have suggested Urban could contribute a song to the Babygirl soundtrack, while others hope Kidman might appear in one of his music videos. “Imagine a ‘Babygirl’ duet,” one fan posted, sparking thousands of likes. While no such plans have been confirmed, the couple’s synergy keeps fans dreaming.

Looking Ahead

As Babygirl prepares for its December 2025 release, Kidman is already generating Oscar buzz, with early predictions placing her in the Best Actress race. Urban, meanwhile, is touring behind his 2024 album High, with a European leg planned for 2026. The couple’s daughters, Sunday and Faith, are also stepping into the spotlight, with Sunday making her acting debut in Kidman’s upcoming series Mice (2026). The “babygirl” connection has only deepened their appeal, reminding fans why they remain one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.

Kidman’s next projects include a third season of Big Little Lies and a thriller with Jamie Lee Curtis, while Urban is rumored to be working on a collaborative album with artists like Post Malone. Their ability to support each other’s ambitions while maintaining a private, loving bond ensures their story resonates beyond the headlines.

Conclusion

Nicole Kidman’s revelation in her W Magazine interview about Keith Urban’s “babygirl” nickname and tattoo offers a heartwarming glimpse into their 19-year marriage, just as her film Babygirl prepares to captivate audiences. The serendipitous connection between Urban’s pet name and the movie’s title, coupled with his playful claim to “total rights,” has delighted fans and sparked a frenzy of admiration. From their Nashville home to the global stage, Kidman and Urban embody a love that is both intimate and enduring, with the tattoo serving as a permanent reminder of their bond. As Babygirl ushers in a bold new chapter for Kidman, the couple’s shared humor and devotion remind us why their story—nicknames, tattoos, and all—continues to inspire.