The Road gives musicians the chance to take home $250,000 and a record deal — but not everyone who takes part in Taylor Sheridan’s competition show is making it to the end after Blake Shelton and Keith Urban‘s votes.
CBS’ new show follows 12 emerging musicians who are competing as opening acts for Urban while he tours across America. The contestants advance to the next city based on the reaction from the crowds at their respective shows. By the end of the season, only one act is left standing.
In addition to Urban and Shelton, Gretchen Wilson appears in the role of tour manager. Country music stars Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne will also join as special guest advisors throughout the season.
“Without a shiny floor in sight, the docu-follow format captures the high-stakes unfiltered musical journeys of these triple threats — singers, songwriters and instrumentalists — offering a backstage pass into the gritty and unforgiving life of a touring musician,” the official synopsis for the series reads. “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 show’s premiere, Urban spoke exclusively with Us Weekly about the advice he gave each contestant about the “discipline” required to succeed in the music industry.
“I just played a show in Vegas last night and I had another one tomorrow night, and [taping] this finale fell in between. So I came home after the show last night, got in at 5 a.m., here we are, and then take off tomorrow, go to Vegas,” he shared with Us. “I think that never changes, as far as the discipline required to do what we do. And it’s been great watching Gretchen handle them as well and give really good advice. [She’s] like Mama Bear, in the best way.”
Wilson also shared how her own journey in the music industry helped prepare her for The Road.
“For me, this has been a really amazing experience,” Wilson exclusively told Us. “All the years that I’ve had that have kind of built me into who I am, and all the things that I’ve done on the road, I was able to bring that experience to it.”
She added: “When you’re out there doing this for a living, you’re the one who doesn’t have a beer at 2 o’clock in the afternoon because you’re resting on the bus and you’re taking care of your instrument, your voice. [It’s] not just [about] how do you win this competition, but how do you take care of yourself and how do you have the longevity that a lot of it takes to endure in this business?”
The Road airs on CBS Sundays at 9 p.m. ET before streaming on Paramount+.
Blaine Bailey
The first contestant to be eliminated was the youngest of the original 12 at 23 years old. Urban noted that Bailey “lost the room” while singing his song “T-Shirt” while Shelton added, “I picked that guy to be on the show. It’s not even about reading the room. You got that message you want to deliver but you’re also here to win this competition.”
Olivia Harms
Week 2 ended with Harms and Jenny Tolman at the bottom before the former was sent home.
“Of course, I’m disappointed I’m not moving forward, but I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to let people know who I am as an artist,” Harms said about her elimination. “Thanks for letting a cowgirl have a go at it.”
Jon Wood
After contemplating, Urban chose for Wood to go home. “I’m in a weird headspace,” Wood admitted. “I don’t feel like I necessarily lost at all. I had a good time out here.”
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