In a move that’s already got country music fans buzzing, Deadline broke the news that “Yellowstone” mastermind Taylor Sheridan has joined forces with country icon Blake Shelton to bring a new reality series to CBS. The show, titled “The Road,” promises to deliver a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the music industry while discovering the next big artist in country music.
Set to launch this Fall, the show follows superstar musician Keith Urban as he takes emerging artists on the road, with these hopefuls performing as his opening acts. These budding stars will battle it out for a spot in the next city, competing for a chance to remain on the tour and make a name for themselves. Urban’s involvement in the series is a natural fit, given his vast experience in the music world and his previous stints as a judge on “American Idol” and “The Voice.”
The excitement around “The Road” is already palpable, and for fans in North Texas, the journey kicks off this March. Urban will perform at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth on March 2, followed by a show at The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas, on March 5. These concerts will feature emerging musicians competing for a chance to continue on the tour, with the final stop being the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2. Tickets for the shows are free, though they will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so fans will have to move quickly.
As for what makes “The Road” stand out from other music competition shows, Urban himself explained the real-world challenge the artists will face, “I spent a lot of my underage life playing in some seedy pubs, sometimes just for the bartender,” Urban said. “So I love the idea of throwing artists into a real-world environment to find out if they are artists. It’s where the rubber meets the road. But it’s the only road to take if you want to be a performer.”
Shelton, Urban, and Sheridan have been working together for months to bring this vision to life. Sheridan, known for his gritty and uncompromising storytelling in “Yellowstone,” said, “There is a revolution taking place in country music. Building a platform with Blake for the next leaders of that revolution is an incredibly exciting venture.”
The series will strip away the gloss of shiny stages and studio audiences, offering viewers an unfiltered look at what it takes to make it in the music business.
It’s a true labor of love for the show’s team, including executive producers David Glasser and Lee Metzger, who’ve been collaborating with Shelton and Sheridan to bring “The Road” to life.
The real beauty of “The Road,” however, is its authenticity. With the artists touring in real venues and working to win over local fans, it’s a departure from typical reality shows where the competition is often dictated by flashy studio sets and audience votes. This is as much about the grind of the road as it is about talent.
The final performance at the Ryman Auditorium will be a crowning moment for one of the contestants, as they’ll have proven their mettle to not only Urban but also the fans who have followed their journey across the country. It’s a true testament to what it takes to succeed in the world of country music, where it’s all about the journey — and the fans who cheer you on along the way.
As the show gears up for its fall premiere, “The Road” is already shaping up to be a game-changer in the world of music competition TV. Fans can look forward to a series that’s as much about discovering raw talent as it is about the heart and soul of the country music world. And with stars like Shelton, Sheridan, and Urban at the helm, it’s guaranteed to be entertaining.
"It’s always a thrill to host a premiere at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall!" celebrity chef Tim Love said. "Taylor Sheridan always puts Fort Worth first when launching a new show, and I’m incredibly honored that CBS has chosen Tannahill’s and the Stockyards as the backdrop for this exciting new music competition. Let the best rise to the top 'On the Road'!"
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:
- March 2 – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas
- March 5 – The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas
- March 9 – Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City, Okla.
- March 12 – Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Okla.
- March 24 – Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Tenn.
- March 28 – Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn.
- April 2 – Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
