Keith Urban Joins New CBS Singing Competition ‘The Road’: Everything We Know So Far

Kelli Boyle February 25, 2025, 10:25 am

Recording Artist Keith Urban performs on stage during New Year's Eve Live Nashville's Big Bash — Jason Davis/Getty Images

Three months after CBS announced plans for a new singing competition series called The Road, new details about what to expect have been revealed. The show comes from creators Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan. Keith Urban‘s involvement was confirmed on Tuesday, February 25.

This is Shelton’s first TV singing competition since leaving The Voice in May 2023, but his role is in more of a behind-the-scenes aspect. Scroll down for everything we know about this soon-to-be televised search for the next big name in music that comes with a unique format.

What is The Road about?

From executive producers Shelton, Sheridan, Lee Metzger, and David Glasser, the docu-follow format trails a headlining superstar (Urban) on their journey to discover the next big artist. Urban will headline special performances at music venues across America with emerging talents serving as his opening act. Audience members at the special performances will have the opportunity to decide which musicians will continue on to the next city.

“I spent a lot of my underage life playing in some seedy pubs, sometimes just for the bartender. So I love the idea of throwing artists into a real-world environment to find out if they are artists,” Urban said. “Paying your dues sucks, but there are things in this business that 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. It’s where the rubber meets the road. But it’s the only road to take if you want to be a performer.”

The Road is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Glasser’s 101 Studios with Shelton and Metzger’s Lucky Horseshoe Productions. Sheridan and Glasser serve as executive producers. Shelton and Metzger serve as executive producers for Lucky Horseshoe Productions.

When does The Road premiere?

The singing competition series is set to premiere during the fall 2025 season. An exact release date will be announced at a later time.

Where are The Road’s special performances?

While The Road won’t air until the fall, the special performances are taking place ASAP! Fans can check out Urban and the emerging stars in concert on seven different dates in Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The tickets are free and available on a first come, first serve basis.

The special performances kick off on Sunday, March 2, at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth Texas, followed by a Wednesday, March 5, performance at The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. Two dates in Shelton’s home state are up next, with a Sunday, March 9, performance at Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and a Wednesday, March 12, event at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The concerts conclude on Monday, March 24, at Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Tennessee, Friday, March 28, at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, and Wednesday, April 2, at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Will The Road only feature country artists?

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Although the show is helmed by two of the biggest names in country music, Urban and Shelton, and Sheridan, the creator of TV’s biggest modern Western and its spinoffs, the contestants are not confirmed to all be country artists.

“The Road offers viewers a backstage pass into the gritty and unforgiving life of a touring artist,” CBS describes. “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.”

“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,” Sheridan said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Shelton said. “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.”

“This project has been a true labor of love that Taylor, Blake, Lee, and I have been talking about for some time now,” said Glasser. “I can’t thank CBS enough for supporting us on this journey to bring an incredible project to audiences everywhere.”

“Blake and I have been working together a long time and now joining forces with Taylor and David is literally the kind of team you dream about to bring something of this scale to country music fans,” said Metzger.

The Road, Series Premiere, Fall 2025, CBS