Ex The Voice coach, Blake Shelton to helm new singing competition for CBS
After leaving The Voice following a decade as a coach, country star Blake Shelton is returning to televised music competitions in a fresh format. CBS has ordered a new series titled The Road for fall 2025. Shelton will serve as an executive producer on the series alongside acclaimed creator and producer Taylor Sheridan (of Yellowstone fame), and producers Lee Metzger and David Glasser. The announcement signals a different approach to talent discovery—one rooted in the realities of life on tour and the grind of building a fanbase city by city.
Rather than a studio-based contest, The Road adopts a docu-follow structure that embeds emerging artists into the touring life of a major headliner (to be announced). Contestants will join the headliner on tour as opening acts, performing across multiple venues and competing to win over local audiences. Success on each stop will determine whether a performer stays on the tour and advances to the next city, giving viewers a front-row view of how live performance, crowd reaction and hustle can shape a music career.
“I know a thing or two about singing competitions”
Shelton commented on the new series: “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. 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.” His involvement promises an artist-focused point of view shaped by years of experience both on television and the concert stage.
Taylor Sheridan added perspective on the concept: “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. 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.”
Producer David Glasser described the project as a long-developing passion: “This project has been a true labor of love that Taylor, Blake, Lee and I have been talking about for some time now. I can’t thank CBS enough for supporting us on this journey to bring an incredible project to audiences everywhere.” Lee Metzger echoed the sentiment, noting the strength of the creative team: “Blake and I have been working together a long time and now joining forces with Taylor and David is literally the kind of team you dream about to bring something of this scale to country music fans.”
According to the official press release, The Road offers viewers an authentic backstage pass into the demanding, often unforgiving life of touring artists. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, the series will document the daily realities that shape rising performers: the camaraderie and tension on a tour bus, the pressure of back-to-back shows, and the challenge of converting local audiences into devoted fans. The format highlights real-world metrics—crowd response, ticket sales, and organic fan growth—rather than studio votes or judges’ deliberations.
Blake Shelton set to release new single “Texas”
While production gears up for The Road, Shelton will return to music with a new single titled “Texas,” set for release on November 15. The track channels classic themes of lost love and pays an affectionate nod to country legend George Strait, offering a familiar yet distinct sound for Shelton’s next chapter.
Shelton reflected on the song’s place in his catalog: “The thing that struck me about ‘Texas’ immediately was how different it sounded for me, and I’m always looking to push myself. I think there’s something really special about this record and it feels important to me.” The song was written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman, and marks Shelton’s debut release for BBR MUSIC GROUP/BMG NASHVILLE and Wheelhouse Records. Production is handled by Shelton’s longtime, award-winning producer Scott Hendricks.
On choosing “Texas” as the lead offering, Shelton said: “This is the perfect opportunity to come back with something so different, and it easily felt like it should be the first single. It’s connected with what I’ve done but moves forward at the same time, and it’s the perfect start to the next chapter of my career.” The single’s release will precede the new series and reinforces Shelton’s continuing role as both an artist and a mentor in the evolving country music landscape.
Together, The Road and the new single position Blake Shelton at the intersection of broadcast and live music, emphasizing authentic performance, the realities of touring, and the ongoing search for the next major voice in country and popular music. With an experienced production team and a concept built around real-time audience engagement, the series aims to redefine televised singing competitions for fans who care about the work behind the music.