CBS UNVEILS ‘THE ROAD,’ A GRITTY NEW COUNTRY MUSIC COMPETITION WITH BLAKE SHELTON AND KEITH URBAN

The music competition landscape is getting a dose of reality as CBS prepares to debut its new docu-follow series, The Road. The show, a stark and unpolished look at the life of a touring country musician, premieres Sunday, October 19, on the CBS Television Network.

Created by executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan, The Road is a departure from traditional “shiny floor” singing shows. Instead of performing on sound stages, 12 emerging artists will serve as opening acts for headliner and executive producer Keith Urban at real music venues across America. The contestants will have to win over live audiences with their original music to advance to the next city on the tour, with the audience acting as the ultimate judge.

“This isn’t another shiny stage show where people just belt out cover songs,” said Shelton, a long-time veteran of the genre. “You’ll see the great moments, but you’ll also see the downtime, the homesickness, the nights where a crowd in Texas loves you and the next night in Memphis they walk out on you. That’s the reality of chasing this dream.”

The series, also executive produced by Keith Urban, David Glasser, and Lee Metzger, features Grammy Award winner Gretchen Wilson as a “tour manager” who will guide the artists on their journey. Guests from the country music world, including Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch, and Brothers Osborne, are also confirmed to appear as advisors.

In his own statement, Urban highlighted the show’s focus on real-world touring. “This show is all about being on the road,” he stated. “I don’t think it’s a job. I think it’s a calling.”

The winner of the season will receive a grand prize that includes a record contract and $250,000. The Road will air Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and will be available to stream on Paramount+.