This fall CBS is joining the musical competition game with a new type of show; one not where the wannabes are coaxed in a studio for a 90 second stage performance but will earn some live stage experience as they tour with a musical star.
Created by Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone”, “The Road” will see “up-and-coming” artists serve as the opening act with the audience voting on whether the act remains on tour or is sent home.
Country music star and former “American Idol” judge and Australian “The Voice” coach Keith Urban will be the starring artist for the series.
Urban spoke on the show via a statement saying, “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. 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.”
Urban and the contestants will be touring around Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee over the next couple of months, performing in smaller venues. The final show will be held at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Tickets for the shows are free and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Feature photo credit: Keith Urban, March 2007.jpg