Are Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban dating? That is the question doing the rounds this week after a fresh report claimed the former American Idol co-judges have grown close since their divorces. The short answer: there is no confirmation, and every claim so far comes from anonymous sources.
Both stars have been connected to big weddings we have covered here at Wedded Wonderland, from Jennifer and Ben Affleck's Las Vegas wedding to Nicole and Keith's milestone anniversaries. So here is a calm look at what is claimed, what is verified and what each of them has said.
The latest wave started with RadarOnline on 7 October. As reported by IBTimes UK on 8 October, an unnamed source claimed Jennifer, 57, and Keith, 58, are "in touch a lot" and comfortable discussing their private lives. The source also suggested they may have met privately, and that Keith could want more than friendship.
This is not the first time the pair have been linked this year. Earlier reports include:
February 2026: New Idea claimed the two had been in regular contact since late 2025, though one source described things as "still very platonic".
July 2026: A SheKnows report, republished by Yahoo, quoted a source saying they were "still very much in the friend zone".
September 2026: The Nightly, citing a Women's Day source, said the pair had reportedly laughed off suggestions they were dating in private.
Notice the pattern: each report relies on anonymous insiders, and the stories often contradict each other.
Very little beyond the basics. Here is what holds up:
They are old colleagues: Jennifer and Keith judged American Idol together alongside Harry Connick Jr., starting with season 13 in 2014, as Fox News reported when the panel was announced.
Both are single and divorced: Their divorces are a matter of court record, covered in detail below.
There is no public evidence of a date: No photos, no joint appearances and no social media posts have backed up the claims.
Nobody has gone on the record: IBTimes UK noted the latest report gave no independent evidence that the pair had met privately or that either had shown romantic interest.
That does not mean the rumour is false. It means it is unverified, and should be read that way.
Not about each other. Neither Jennifer, Keith nor their representatives have commented on the reports.
What Jennifer has talked about is how much she is enjoying single life. On Jimmy Kimmel Live! in May, while promoting her Netflix film Office Romance, she said of being single: "I should have done it sooner," as reported by Complex. She also turned down the idea of becoming the next Bachelorette, according to Hot 97, and said she would meet someone one day, "if they're good enough".
Keith has been even quieter. He has not publicly discussed his divorce or his love life, and representatives did not respond when Rolling Stone asked for comment on the divorce settlement in January.
Jennifer and Ben married in Las Vegas in July 2022, then celebrated with a second ceremony at Ben's Georgia estate a month later. It was a famous reunion, two decades after their first engagement ended in 2004.
Jennifer filed for divorce in August 2024. According to the Associated Press, a Los Angeles judge approved their settlement on 6 January 2025, and they became legally single on 21 February 2025, once California's six-month waiting period had passed. The pair had settled through mediation, and neither pays spousal support.
Nicole and Keith married in June 2006 and were together for 19 years. Their split was announced in late September 2025, and Nicole filed in Nashville on 30 September, citing irreconcilable differences.
The divorce was finalised on 6 January 2026, according to Rolling Stone. Both waived spousal and child support, and their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, primarily live with Nicole.
In March, Nicole told Variety that she was "moving toward what's good" and staying in a place of "We are a family". She added that everything else she does not discuss "out of respect".
Right now, the honest answer is that nobody outside their circle knows. A friendship between two former co-judges who went through high-profile divorces at around the same time is entirely plausible. A romance has not been shown.
It also helps to understand why this pairing keeps resurfacing. Fans noticed the pair's easy chemistry on the judging panel back in 2014, when Keith was married to Nicole and Jennifer was dating Casper Smart, as IBTimes UK has noted. Now that both are single, the timing alone makes for an irresistible headline.
If Jennifer and Keith ever do go public, it will likely be on their own terms, through a joint appearance or a post of their own. Until then, treat every "insider" claim as speculation, including the latest one.
Whether or not Jennifer and Keith are dating, plenty of people find love again after a divorce, and many go on to marry a second time. If that is you, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Give yourself permission to do it differently: There is no rule that a second wedding has to be small or low-key, but many couples choose an intimate celebration. Our list of cool and unconventional venues for micro weddings and elopements is a good place to start.
Talk to the kids early: If either of you has children, include them in the planning, from readings to walking you down the aisle.
Sort the paperwork early: If you have been married before, keep a copy of your divorce documents handy, as your celebrant will ask to see proof that your previous marriage has legally ended before your ceremony.
Take your time: There is no right timeline for dating or remarrying after a divorce. Move at the pace that feels right for you and your family, not the one friends or social media expect.
Rethink the budget: Many couples pay for a second wedding themselves. If you are weighing a simple ceremony, see how much it costs to elope in Australia.
Wear what feels like you now: A coloured gown, a sleek suit or a statement jacket can all work beautifully. Browse these runway looks for older brides for inspiration.
Our full guide on how to plan your wedding if it is your second marriage covers etiquette, gifts, guest lists and more.
Written by
Content and Creative Manager
Joseph Joshua is the SEO & Content Manager at Wedded Wonderland, bringing an editorial and search strategy perspective to the publication’s coverage of luxury weddings, destination celebrations and bridal lifestyle. His approach to content centres on helping readers move from inspiration to informed decisions, with attention to the design, craftsmanship and personal details that give a celebration its character.
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