The Road: Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan's Gritty New Competition Series Hits the Highway to Find Country's Next Star

CBS is bringing something big, bold, and refreshingly raw to the music competition scene: The Road. According to the press release, this innovative new series, slated for fall 2025, skips the shiny floors and over-the-top glitz, opting instead for a stripped-down, road-tested journey that’s all about real music, real fans, and the real challenges of life on tour. And with executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan at the helm, it promises to be a thrilling ride.

From L to R: Blake Shelton, Photo Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville; Taylor Sheridan, Photo Credit Emerson Miller

The Road will feature a superstar headliner (whose identity remains a well-guarded secret) as they travel from city to city, accompanied by rising musical talents eager to prove themselves. These hopefuls won’t be performing for polished TV judges or clapping studio audiences—they’ll face the ultimate test of every artist's grit: winning over new fans each night as they open for a big-name act in real, live venues. For those who can command a crowd, the reward is simple but high-stakes: a spot on the next leg of the tour.

Blake Shelton, who knows a thing or two about nurturing talent, can’t wait to give aspiring artists this unique platform. “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,” said Shelton in a press statement. “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.”

And Taylor Sheridan, known for his gritty, unapologetic storytelling, is ready to bring that energy to the world of music. “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,” said Sheridan in the 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.”

For fans, The Road is an invitation to follow along as undiscovered voices fight to make their mark. It’s the ultimate behind-the-scenes pass into the rugged, relentless world of touring—where every city is a new shot at glory and every fan won could be the difference between obscurity and stardom. Expect to witness the resilience and raw talent that make a true artist shine under the harsh lights of the stage and the long, dusty miles of the open road. Get ready, America: The Road is calling. And only the strongest will make it to the next town.