To be honest with you, I’ve been out on singing competition shows for a while. But this new idea from the minds of Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan is intriguing, to say the least.
Competitive singing competition have been a dime-a-dozen ever since the innovative American Idol aired in 2002. One could argue that the most recent evolution in competitive singing series was NBC’s The Voice, though even that format has become worn for the wear.
Interestingly enough, Blake Shelton was long associated with that very show. He served as a judge for a staggering 23 seasons from 2011 to 2023, and finally decided to leave the show to spend more time with his family.
Now, the country music singer is getting back into the singing competition industry, only this time, Blake Shelton will serve as an executive producer. And he won’t be alone as a producer, as Taylor Sheridan – the mind behind Yellowstone – is also set to be an executive producer on the show ordered by CBS (Lee Metzger and David Glasser are also included as EP’s).
If fans are intrigued already by those two names working together, just wait until you read the description of what viewers can expect out of the uniquely approached series:
“‘The Road’ offers viewers a backstage pass into the gritty and unforgiving life of a touring artist. With exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, viewers will see what happens when some of the best up-and-coming performers pile into a tour bus and tackle a grueling schedule in pursuit of their dreams.”
Basically, the competition will be a docu-follow format that follows a headliner (they haven’t pinned one down yet) that’s looking to help find the next big star. Those in the competition will travel with the headliner during their tour, performing as openers and trying to win over fanbases they perform in front of. The singers will compete to secure a spot for the next tour stop, or in other terms, they’ll be fighting to stay on tour as an opener.
Blake Shelton voiced his excitement about his new show and working with Sheridan and Metzger:
“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.’
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.”
The premise should give a pretty good idea of what life is like out on the road for touring artists. That’s definitely a change from every other singing competition TV watchers have ever tuned into.
Taylor Sheridan certainly liked the “rugged” nature of the show comparative to other competitive singing series, as he explained:
“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.”
CBS ordered the show, and it’s set to be added to their Fall 2025 lineup.