Keith Urban Clarifies ‘Illegal Downloading’ Remark

When Keith Urban exuberantly proclaimed onstage at the People's Choice Awards that he doesn't care if his fans "download his music illegally," his words sent shock waves throughout the music world. But apparently, Keith was so caught up in the euphoria of the moment, that those few words of delirious joy that spilled from his mouth came out much differently than what he meant to say.

"I've never done an awards show where they seem to let you talk infinitely," Keith tells The Tennessean. "I was waiting for the 'wrap' sign to come up, and it never came up."

Which is where the stunned and elated singer struggled to find more words to fill ... words that would express how very grateful he was to fans for honoring him with such an unbelievable award.

"What I said came out nothing like I meant," Keith hastens now to clarify. "I was referring to the old days when you'd buy a record, do a cassette tape and give it to your girlfriend ... and then maybe she likes it, and becomes a fan.

"For the record, I absolutely care about my music not being taken for free," he continued. "But I love when people are passionate and want to turn friends on to music."

Keith -- who was the most-played country artist at radio in 2009 -- has another award to add to his growing mantle. He took home Best Male Country Vocal Performance at Sunday's Grammy Awards for his No. 1 hit, 'Sweet Thing.'