Nicole Kidman leaves little to the imagination in a daring see-through dress

But when she stepped out into the blazing Australian sunshine to join her husband at a music awards ceremony, it immediately became clear that the dress was far more daring than she had imagined.

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Cheeky: Nicole Kidman in a see-through lace dress at the ARIA awards in Sydney

As the Oscar-winning actress removed her overcoat, there were riotous cheers of appreciation from the assembled red-carpet crowd.

Miss Kidman, 40, who spent a full five minutes posing for photographs and signing autographs, appeared to be delighted by the noisy reception at Sydney's Acer Arena.

It was not until her publicist came rushing up to her to replace the coat that the penny dropped.

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All the cheering had been because her outfit was almost completely transparent and clearly showed the black thong and bra set underneath.

Miss Kidman and her husband, country singer Keith Urban, descended into fits of giggles after realising the fashion faux pas at the Australian Recording Industry Association Awards.

Later, Urban dedicated his win - for best country album for Love, Pain and The Whole Crazy Thing - to his wife, saying: "She was the inspiration for it. She is very prevalent in most of the songs."

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Honoured: Urban won best country album for his compilation 'Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing'

He said fans should not expect a duet from the pair, adding: "I promise not to act as well, so it's a fair deal."

Miss Kidman said she listened to Urban's music "only in the kitchen", adding: "That's when I like to watch him play guitar."

The pair married in June last year but the newlyweds' bliss was shortlived, with Urban checking into rehab for a 90-day stint last October.

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Kidman recently revealed she is "deeply in love" with her Urban, but was hesitant to describe their union as "happy".

The mother-of-two said that despite her strong feelings, love is no guarantee that the relationship will last.

She told US magazine Interview earlier this month: "My husband and I are committed to each other and deeply in love. That's how I would put it.

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Golden girls: Nicole and fellow Australian beauty Delta Goodrem

Girl time: Nicole made time to catch up with singer Delta, whose boyfriend Brian McFadden was back at their home in Ireland

We are working on staying in that place and hopefully we will for the rest of our lives."

The magazine interviewer noted that she and Urban appeared happy together, but she quickly replied: "I don't ever say that.

"Partly because interviews are done in advance, and you never know where something's going.

"People's lives together are complicated and beautiful and that's what they should stay. They're very quiet. Complicatedly quiet. They don't need to be broadcast."

Fan club: Nicole listens to her husband's music 'only in the kitchen'