Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“I love the concept of placing artists in real-world situations to truly see if they have what it takes,” Urban shared in a press release for the new show.
you can only get from being out there in the real world, performing in front of live audiences.”
Keith Urban, 57, is on the hunt for the next generation of music superstars!
The country icon will headline The Road, a brand-new music competition series set to premiere this fall, CBS announced on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Co-executive produced by Blake Shelton, the show will follow Urban and Shelton as they search for rising talent. Contestants will have the opportunity to open for Urban at music venues across the country, with audience participation playing a role in determining which artists advance to the next city.
Recalling his own early career experiences, Urban shared, “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.”
The four-time Grammy winner emphasized that contestants will gain invaluable insights into the music industry—lessons that only come from performing live and connecting with audiences.
“Paying your dues isn’t easy, but some things in this industry just can’t be taught—like crafting a setlist, knowing when to extend or cut a song, or how to truly engage with a crowd,” Urban explained.
He emphasized that stepping onstage is where aspiring musicians will prove whether they have what it takes. “For me, touring has always been my first love,” he shared. “It’s where the rubber meets the road. But if you want to be a performer, it’s the only road to take.”
The Road will offer viewers an inside look at the realities of life on tour, from the demanding schedules to the highs and lows of chasing a music career—all while emerging artists travel together, hoping to turn their dreams into reality.
Urban will take the stage alongside aspiring artists, performing both his biggest hits and new music in a series of concerts throughout March. These performances will be filmed as part of The Road and will air later this year.
The journey kicks off in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, March 2, before Urban heads to Dallas and Oklahoma for additional shows. The tour will wrap up at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on April 2.