Taylor Sheridan leads new country music competition series, The Road. [Image Source: DALLASNEWS]
On Sunday, October 19, CBS premiered The Road, a new country music competition series executive produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton. This show, filmed at Tannehill’s Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, highlights rising country musicians competing for a chance to open for country star Keith Urban and embark on a 10-week tour across America. Taylor Sheridan country music fans have long admired Sheridan’s storytelling skill, and this project aims to restore the authentic spirit of country music performance.
Back to the Basics: Authentic Country Music on Tour
The series features 12 emerging artists who perform live in front of a roaring crowd and big-name judges, including Keith Urban as the headliner and Blake Shelton as both producer and mentor. The contestants’ journey starts with opening performances on stage at Tannehill’s Music Hall. Each week, one musician is voted off by the live audience, while the remaining performers continue traveling on the tour bus, experiencing the realities and challenges of life on the road. Gretchen Wilson, a country legend and GRAMMY winner, joins as the Tour Manager, providing guidance and an inside look at the hardships artists endure while touring.
Creators’ Vision: Why Sheridan and Shelton Developed ‘The Road’
Blake Shelton expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Taylor Sheridan and longtime collaborator Lee Metzger to create the show, sharing his perspective as someone well-acquainted with music competitions and life on tour. He said,
Image of: Taylor Sheridan
“I’m a big fan of Taylor’s incredible work, and I’m excited to team with him and my long-time collaborator, Lee, on The Road,”
and added,
“I know a thing or two about singing competitions and what it’s like to chase a music dream and live life on tour. I’m looking forward to discovering new talent and giving them this platform.”
Sheridan, known for developing hit Paramount+ series like Yellowstone and Tulsa King, framed the show as a return to the gritty roots of country music performance. He highlighted the shift away from polished studio audiences to raw, real-life experiences on tour:
“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. No more shiny floors and studio audiences. This is where the rubber meets the road – literally. Get in the van, go to the next town, and win the crowd. Do it enough, and you become the next leader. Simple as that.”
Impact and Future of ‘The Road’ in Country Music
The Road arrives at a critical moment for the country music genre, emphasizing the demanding yet rewarding nature of performing live and winning over audiences night after night. The series not only spotlights new talent such as Cassidy Daniels, whose original song Crazy Love impressed both Urban and Shelton in early episodes, but also reinvigorates the authentic storytelling and perseverance that define traditional country music. By providing artists with real touring experience and exposure, the show aims to groom the next generation of country music leaders for lasting success.
With judges and mentors deeply connected to country music’s past and present, and a competitive format that tests resilience and authentic crowd engagement, The Road represents a promising platform where true country music can thrive and evolve away from commercial gloss. As audiences watch these musicians face the realities of the road, the series sets the stage for potential stars who can carry country music’s legacy forward.
