The Road offers musicians the opportunity to win $250,000 and a record deal. However, not all participants in Taylor Sheridan’s competition series will make it to the end, based on votes from Blake Shelton and Keith Urban.
The new CBS show tracks 12 up-and-coming musicians as they vie to be opening acts for Urban on his U.S. tour. The audience reaction at each show determines which contestants move on to the next city. By season’s end, only one performer will remain.
Besides Urban and Shelton, Gretchen Wilson is featured as the tour manager. Country artists Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch, and Brothers Osborne are also set to appear as guest advisors during the season.
According to the official synopsis, the docu-follow format, “without a shiny floor in sight,” captures the “high-stakes unfiltered musical journeys” of these “triple threats” — “singers, songwriters and instrumentalists” — and provides “a backstage pass into the gritty and unforgiving life of a touring musician.” The synopsis adds, “With exclusive access to behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, viewers will see what happens when some of the best emerging musicians pile into a tour bus and tackle a grueling schedule in pursuit of their dreams.”
Before the program’s debut, Urban spoke exclusively with Us Weekly about the guidance he offered to each contestant regarding the “discipline” necessary for success in the music industry.
He told Us, “I just did a show in Vegas last night and have another tomorrow night, and [taping] this finale was in between. So, I got home after the show last night at 5 a.m., and here we are, and then I leave tomorrow for Vegas. I think that never changes, as far as the discipline required to do what we do. It’s been great watching Gretchen handle them and provide really good advice. [She’s] like Mama Bear, in the best way.”
Wilson also explained how her personal experiences in the music industry helped prepare her for The Road.
Wilson shared exclusively with Us, “For me, it’s been an incredible experience. Over the years, I’ve become who I am, and all the things I’ve done on the road have allowed me to bring that experience to the show.”
She added, “When you’re doing this for a living, you’re the one who skips the afternoon beer to rest on the bus and take care of your instrument and your voice. It’s not just about winning this competition, but about self-care and developing the longevity needed to endure in this business.”
The Road is broadcast on CBS on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and streams on Paramount+.
Blaine Bailey
The first contestant eliminated was the youngest of the original 12, at age 23. Urban mentioned that Bailey “lost the room” while performing his track “T-Shirt,” while Shelton added, “I chose him to be on the show. It’s not just about reading the room; you have a message to convey, but you’re also here to win.”
Olivia Harms
The second week concluded with Harms and Jenny Tolman in the bottom two, leading to Harms’ departure.
“I’m disappointed that I’m not progressing, but I’m thankful for the chance to show people who I am as an artist,” Harms commented on her elimination. “Thank you for letting a cowgirl try.”
Jon Wood
After deliberation, Urban chose to send Wood home. Wood admitted, “I’m in an odd place mentally. I don’t feel like I lost at all. I had a great time out here.”
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