Shelton joins the series after stepping down as a judge of The Voice earlier this year
Blake Shelton is making a highly anticipated return to the world of music competitions, transitioning from his role in a famous spinning chair to a new groundbreaking concept. The renowned country star is collaborating with celebrated Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan to unearth the next big music sensation in the upcoming CBS series, The Road, which is set to premiere in Fall 2025, promising a fresh take on discovering talent.
In this innovative competition, featured artists will accompany the headliner on a nationwide tour, serving as opening acts at various venues. These aspiring musicians will have to win over local audiences to secure their place in each subsequent city, competing for the coveted opportunity to continue on tour. The identity of the artist headlining the tour has not yet been revealed, but the show intends to rigorously train contestants for the intensive demands of touring, preparing them for a fast-paced lifestyle filled with multiple performances.
“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 expressed in a statement to Deadline. “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.”
The eagerly awaited show is a collaborative production involving MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, and Lucky Horseshoe Productions, a company established by Lee Metzger, the executive producer behind The Voice.
“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 remarked to Deadline. “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.”
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Shelton served as a judge on The Voice since its 2011 inception alongside coaches Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green before stepping down from the swiveling red chair earlier this year. Shelton has also made his mark in the competitive music scene as a judge on the earlier 2007 shows, Nashville Star and Clash of the Choirs, showcasing his deep-rooted commitment to nurturing musical talent.
**Interview with Blake Shelton: A New Chapter in Music Competitions**
*Editor:* Welcome, Blake! It’s great to have you here. After stepping down from *The Voice*, you’re jumping into a brand-new project, *The Road*, alongside Taylor Sheridan. How did this collaboration come about?
*Blake Shelton:* Thanks for having me! After my time on *The Voice*, I wanted to explore something different in the music competition space. Taylor approached me with this innovative concept, and I immediately saw the potential. It’s an exciting opportunity to not just judge talent but to help develop it in real-world situations.
*Editor:* The format of *The Road* is a major departure from traditional music competitions. Can you tell us more about what viewers can expect?
*Blake Shelton:* Absolutely! This isn’t just about glowing floors and studio audiences. In *The Road*, artists will hit the road with a headliner, performing live in various cities. They’ll have to win over local crowds to move forward in the competition, which adds a whole new layer of authenticity and pressure. It’s about getting out there and experiencing the grind of being a touring artist.
*Editor:* It sounds like a true taste of life on the road! What do you think makes this approach revolutionary for country music?
*Blake Shelton:* Country music is all about connection with the audience, and this show emphasizes that. Contestants won’t just be singing; they’ll be engaging with community members, learning how to adapt their performances to different venues and crowds. That experience is invaluable. As Taylor said, this is “where the rubber meets the road.”
*Editor:* You’ve mentioned that the headliner for the tour is still a secret. How does that add to the excitement of the show?
*Blake Shelton:* Keeping the headliner under wraps builds anticipation! It also puts pressure on the contestants; they’ll have no idea who they’re competing against until they hit the road. That mystery brings an added thrill to the journey. It’s all part of the experience!
*Editor:* what do you hope viewers take away from watching *The Road*?
*Blake Shelton:* I want audiences to feel the authenticity of the journey these artists are going through. This isn’t just about finding a star; it’s about the passion, the struggle, and the hustle that defines what it means to be a musician. I hope people see the heart and dedication that goes into this craft and maybe even discover a new favorite artist along the way.
*Editor:* Thanks, Blake! We can’t wait for *The Road* to premiere in Fall 2025!
*Blake Shelton:* Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to see it!
