The Road is a new music competition series from executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan that will air on CBS this fall and feature headliner Keith Urban. It offers viewers a backstage pass into the gritty and unforgiving life of a touring artist as 12 emerging musicians accompany Urban, serving as his opening act, as they sing their hearts out to win the competition.
Here’s everything to know about The Road.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
The Road will premiere on Sunday, Oct. 19.
When time is The Road on?
The Road will air at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
How does the competition for The Road work?
The Road offers exclusive access to behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, allowing viewers to 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. They will receive advice from “tour manager” Gretchen Wilson.
Urban will be joined by executive producers Shelton and Sheridan, Wilson and other country music stars (to be announced) who, along with the live venue audience, will determine who advances to the next city in the search to discover the next big artist.
Is there a trailer for The Road?
Nothing has been released yet. But check back later this summer for a first look at The Road.
Related: Keith Urban Joins Forces With Blake Shelton in Major Career Move
Who will be the headliner for The Road Season 1?
Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Keith Urban will serve as the headliner for The Road.
“I spent a lot of years playing in some real seedy pubs, sometimes just for the bartender – but it’s where I learned so much about what I do,” says Urban. “So, I love the idea of putting artists into a real-world environment, to find out if they have what it takes. Paying your dues sucks, but there are many things that just can’t be taught, like how to put together a set list, whether to extend or cut a song during your performance or how to work the crowd. For me, touring has always been my first love, and this show is about what happens when you leave the glitzy TV studio. It’s where the rubber meets the road.”
Who is the tour manager for The Road Season 1?
That will be Gretchen Wilson! Her job will be to provide support and guidance to the emerging musicians while they make their way across America, ensuring the tour’s success while sharing her own expertise and experiences on the road as a touring artist.
“Stepping into the role of ‘tour manager’ for The Road has allowed me to take everything I’ve learned over all of my years of touring and pour it right back into these emerging musicians,” Wilson said. “Helping them sharpen their talents to capture the attention of these crowds across America and guiding them through the real and raw grind of life on the road, has been a highlight of my career. Working with Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Taylor Sheridan and the rest of the team and our incredible crew was absolutely amazing. It was an honor to be a part of this team, and I can’t wait for the world to watch!”
Who are the guest advisors for The Road Season 1?
Jordan Davis, Little Big Town‘s Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne will join as special guest advisors throughout the season.
Who are the contestants for The Road Season 1?
Adam Sanders
Age: 36
Location: Lake City, Fla.
Billie Jo Jones
Age: 34
Location: Emory, Texas
Blaine Bailey
Age: 23
Location: Tahlequah, Okla.
Briana Adams
Age: 30
Location: Winchester, Texas
Britnee Kellogg
Age: 40
Location: Anthem, Ariz.
Cassidy Daniels
Age: 25
Location: Marion, N.C.
Channing Wilson
Age: 49
Location: Lafayette, Ga.
Cody Hibbard
Age: 32
Location: Adair, Okla.
Forrest McCurren
Age: 35
Location: Jefferson City, Mo.
Jenny Tolman
Age: 29
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Jon Wood
Age: 28
Location: Wake Forest, N.C.
Olivia Harms
Age: 29
Location: Canby, Ore.
Where were the performances filmed for Season 1 of The Road?
The Road special performances were filmed at:
Sunday, March 2 – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas
Wednesday, March 5 – The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas
Sunday, March 9 – Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Wednesday, March 12 – Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Okla.
Monday, March 24 – Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Tenn.
Friday, March 28 – Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn.
Wednesday, April 2 – Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
What is the grand prize for The Road?
The winner of The Road will be awarded a $250,000 cash award, a recording contract, a coveted performance slot on the Mane Stage at Stagecoach Country Music Festival 2026 in Indio, Calif., and an exclusive Red Bull prize package.
The Red Bull prize package is: Red Bull will provide the winner of the competition the opportunity to perform live at Red Bull Jukebox. Additionally, the two runners-up will receive five recording sessions at Red Bull Studio Los Angeles, a state-of-the-art recording space that includes a full range of instruments and cutting-edge equipment designed to empower artists and give wings to their ideas.
How can I watch The Road?
The Road will air Sunday nights on CBS and stream next day on Paramount+.