Keith Urban is teaming up with Blake Shelton for the new CBS reality TV talent show, The Road. The New Zealand native announces the exciting news on social media. Both Shelton and Taylor Sheridan are serving as executive producers on The Road.
“I’m so excited to be joining Taylor Sheridan’s brand-new competition series, The Road, as the headliner, helping Blake Shelton find America’s next big star. I’m going to be playing a string of shows over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more info on how you can attend, and we will see you on The Road.”
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In a press release, Urban also shares his excitement for his new role, and why he is the perfect artist to be part of the show.
“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 says. “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.”
In November, Shelton announced he was partnering with Sheridan for the new TV show, which shows aspiring singers joining a headliner on tour, serving as the opening act in venues all over the country. The singers then compete to win over local fanbases to be able to perform in the city and remain on the tour.
“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,” Shelton says. “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.”
Urban and Shelton have more in common than just The Road. They both previously served as judges on The Voice, Urban in Australia and Shelton in the United States. Last year, Urban also served as a Mega Mentor on The Voice. His reasons for being on The Voice last year are likely similar to his decision to be part of The Road.
“Just getting good advice and honest advice was something I really loved and needed, so it was a no-brainer when I got asked to do it,” Urban told UMG Nashville at the time. “The first one I got asked to do was be a coach on The Voice in Australia on their first season, and I did it. I loved it. Then I did quite a few seasons of American Idol, as a judge on American Idol, and loved it.”
See a list of Urban’s upcoming performances as part of The Road below. The show is set to premiere this fall. Find all of Urban’s music and upcoming shows at KeithUrban.com.
Keith Urban’s Performances for The Road:
March 2 – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas
March 5 – The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas
March 9 – Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City, Okla.
March 12 – Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Okla.
March 24 – Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Tenn.
March 28 – Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn.
April 2 – Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.