Country star Keith Urban is to be honored in Nashville, Tennessee for his commitment to preserving the city's strong music community.

Bosses at the Nashville Symphony will hand the Somebody Like You hitmaker the prestigious Harmony Award on 8 December at its annual gala, at which Urban has been invited to perform.

A statement from organization president Alan Valentine reads, "Keith Urban has been such a vital force in this community. What he brings to Nashville is precisely what the Harmony Award symbolizes."

In addition to his musical contributions, the new American Idol judge was also selected for his charity work in the area, as well as his recent work raising money for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

Past recipients of the prize include Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and LeAnn Rimes.

The Australian lives in Nashville with his wife Nicole Kidman and their kids. (MC/WNWC/KL)