In the heart of country music’s vibrant landscape, a groundbreaking new reality series is set to redefine the path to stardom. “The Road,” co-created by country superstar Blake Shelton and acclaimed producer Taylor Sheridan, kicked off its filming with an electrifying first day that captured the raw essence of aspiring musicians chasing their dreams. With Keith Urban headlining as the mentor and performer, the show promises an unfiltered look into the grueling yet exhilarating world of touring life. As cameras rolled on the inaugural day, the energy was palpable, blending high-stakes competition with the authentic grit of the music industry. Here’s an in-depth dive into that momentous first day of filming, complete with exclusive insights into the behind-the-scenes action, the contestants’ journeys, and the star power driving this innovative series.
The filming commenced on March 2, 2025, at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas—a venue steeped in country music history, known for its intimate atmosphere and rowdy crowds. This choice set the tone for “The Road,” which eschews the polished stages of traditional talent shows in favor of real-world gigs where performers must prove their mettle in front of live audiences. Blake Shelton, the 48-year-old Oklahoma native and longtime fixture in country music, was on set from the outset, exuding his signature laid-back charisma while overseeing the production. Dressed in a casual plaid shirt, jeans, and his trademark cowboy boots, Shelton mingled with the crew and contestants, offering words of wisdom drawn from his decades in the spotlight. “If young up-and-coming artists ever look to me for advice, I damn sure have plenty of it to give,” Shelton shared, reflecting on his role not just as an executive producer but as a guiding force for the next generation.
Keith Urban, the 57-year-old Australian-born hitmaker, arrived with an aura of seasoned expertise, his guitar slung over his shoulder as if ready to jam at a moment’s notice. Sporting a black leather jacket over a graphic tee and his iconic shaggy hair, Urban embodied the rock-infused country vibe that has made him a global sensation. He dove straight into rehearsals, fine-tuning sound checks and sharing stage tips with the contestants. Urban’s enthusiasm was infectious; he reminisced about his own early days playing in dimly lit pubs for sparse crowds, often just the bartender. “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 explained, highlighting the show’s unique premise.
The first look at the set revealed a bustling hive of activity. Crew members scurried about, setting up cameras to capture every angle—from the tour bus arrivals to the backstage huddles and the explosive onstage performances. The venue’s wooden floors and neon-lit bar provided a quintessential country backdrop, with fans lining up hours in advance for the free tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. As the sun set over Fort Worth, the lights dimmed, and the crowd’s anticipation built to a fever pitch. This wasn’t a scripted audition; it was a live concert where the contestants’ fates hung in the balance, decided by the very audience they aimed to captivate.
At the core of “The Road” are the 12 contestants, a diverse group of emerging talents hailing from across the United States, each bringing their unique stories and sounds to the competition. Adam Sanders, a 36-year-old from Lake City, Florida, kicked things off with his soulful baritone, drawing from his experiences in the Southern music scene. Billie Jo Jones, 34, from Emory, Texas, impressed with her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt lyrics inspired by small-town life. Young gun Blaine Bailey, just 23 from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, brought youthful energy and a fresh take on traditional country. Briana Adams, 30, from Winchester, Texas, showcased her blend of country and pop influences, while 40-year-old Britnee Kellogg from Anthem, Arizona, proved that age is no barrier with her seasoned stage presence.
Cassidy Daniels, 25, from Marion, North Carolina, channeled Appalachian roots in her performance, earning cheers for her authentic twang. Channing Wilson, the eldest at 49 from Lafayette, Georgia, delivered gritty, storytelling songs that resonated with the crowd’s older demographic. Cody Hibbard, 32, from Adair, Oklahoma, fired up the audience with high-energy anthems, and Forrest McCurren, 35, from Jefferson County, Missouri, offered introspective ballads that hushed the room. Jenny Tolman, 29, from Nashville, Tennessee, brought Music City’s polish with clever wordplay in her tunes. Jon Wood, 28, from Wake Forest, North Carolina, infused rock elements into his set, and Olivia Harms, 29, from Canby, Oregon, rounded out the lineup with her West Coast flair and emotive delivery.
These contestants weren’t just performing; they were living the tour life from day one. Piling into a shared tour bus, they faced the realities of cramped quarters, late nights, and the pressure of constant evaluation. Gretchen Wilson, the no-nonsense tour manager and country icon known for hits like “Redneck Woman,” acted as the “Mama Bear” of the group, dishing out tough love and practical advice. Her presence added a layer of authenticity, as she guided the contestants through the chaos of sound checks, wardrobe malfunctions, and pre-show jitters. Guest advisors like Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, and the Brothers Osborne popped in throughout the filming, offering masterclasses and feedback that elevated the competitors’ skills.
The first day’s filming captured pivotal moments that will undoubtedly make for compelling television. One highlight was a spontaneous jam session backstage, where Urban grabbed his guitar and led an impromptu rendition of classic country hits, with Shelton joining in on vocals. The contestants watched in awe, some even jumping in to harmonize, forging bonds that could last a lifetime—or at least until the eliminations began. The audience’s role was central; after each opening act, fans voted via a simple app, determining who would advance to the next stop. This democratic twist added tension, as performers scanned the crowd for reactions, knowing a single off-note could end their journey.
Behind the glamour, “The Road” delves into the unglamorous side of the industry. Contestants shared stories of personal sacrifices—leaving families behind, scraping by on odd jobs, and facing repeated rejections. For instance, Britnee Kellogg opened up about balancing motherhood with her music ambitions, while Channing Wilson reflected on years of playing dive bars without a breakthrough. Shelton, drawing from his own rise from Ada, Oklahoma, to Nashville stardom, empathized deeply. “They’re so big-eyed about it. They’re opening for Keith Urban at a bar, and there’s a huge, excited crowd in there waiting for some good country music,” he noted. Urban echoed this, praising the contestants’ resilience: “It’s not just about talent; it’s about discipline and surviving the road.”
As the night unfolded, Urban took the stage as the headliner, delivering a setlist packed with his greatest hits like “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Somebody Like You.” The contestants watched from the wings, absorbing every move—the way he engaged the crowd, handled technical glitches, and turned a performance into an experience. This mentorship aspect sets “The Road” apart from shows like “The Voice” or “American Idol,” where Shelton and Urban have previously served as coaches and judges. Here, it’s less about studio critiques and more about real-time survival in the touring trenches.
The production team, led by Taylor Sheridan—known for his gritty storytelling in series like “Yellowstone”—ensured the filming felt documentary-style, with handheld cameras capturing unscripted moments. Shelton praised Sheridan’s vision: “When you get in the trenches with Taylor, it’s a completely different thing when he’s in work mode. You can actually see the ideas, like smoke coming out of his ears when he’s working and thinking. He’s such a visionary and creative guy.” This collaboration between music and television heavyweights promises a series that’s as entertaining as it is insightful.
Looking ahead, “The Road” will continue its journey through additional stops, including The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas on March 5, Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City on March 9, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa on March 12, Minglewood Hall in Memphis on March 24, Marathon Music Works in Nashville on March 28, and culminating at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on April 2. Each venue brings its own flavor, from Texas honky-tonks to Tennessee’s hallowed halls, testing the contestants’ adaptability.
The series is slated to premiere on CBS on October 19, 2025, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, right after “Tracker,” with next-day streaming on Paramount+. Viewers can expect a mix of heart-pounding performances, emotional backstories, and the thrill of competition, all wrapped in the camaraderie of country music’s finest.
The first day of filming for “The Road” wasn’t just a start—it was a declaration that country music’s future is bright, raw, and ready to hit the pavement. With Blake Shelton and Keith Urban at the helm, this show is poised to launch careers and inspire a new wave of artists. As Shelton put it, “I don’t really feel like I’m in the race anymore. I don’t feel like I have anything to prove anymore, and it’s just fun for me.” For the contestants and fans alike, the journey has only just begun.
