Keith Urban Gives Aspiring Artists a Chance at Stardom on Blake Shelton’s New Competition Series, ‘The Road’

Over the last few decades, shows like American Idol, The Voice, and Nashville Star offered artists a chance at fame. Giving them nothing more than a chance and a stage, the shows launched careers for Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, and even Kacey Musgraves. While Nashville Star ended back in 2008, Blake Shelton teamed up with Taylor Sheridan to produce a new competition series called The Road. Doing away with the stage, it appeared that Keith Urban would take contestants on the road to give them real experience. 

Videos by American Songwriter

With Urban already a giant name in country music, the singer looked to help inspire future generations of singers. And when it comes to The Road, contestants will climb aboard a tour bus and tour the country alongside Urban. Playing in some questionable venues, the show promised to give contestants a glimpse into what it takes to make it in the music industry. 

Speaking about his own past and how he connected with the show, Urban said, “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.”

[RELATED: Keith Urban and Wife Nicole Kidman Victims of Break-In, Intruders Smash Through Window]

Keith Urban Knows “Paying Your Dues Sucks”

While never forgetting his first few years in the music industry, Urban didn’t glorify the stress and dedication it took. “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.”

Although fans will have to wait until fall to see the premiere of The Road, the producers already released a schedule for the special performances. It seemed that the contestants would play venues in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. And when it came to Tennessee, the famous Ryman Auditorium appeared to be on the list. Holding such a significant spot in country music, The Road is sure to offer an experience not just for contestants but also viewers.

(Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)