



Blake Shelton is getting back on 'The Road' with a new music competition series: What to know


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Blake Shelton’s “The Road”: When to Tune In and What to Expect
On October 19, 2025, The Oklahoman ran a feature titled “Here’s when to see Blake Shelton’s new music competition series The Road,” spotlighting the singer‑turned‑TV‑host’s latest foray into reality competition. The article lays out the show’s format, broadcast details, and the key personalities involved, while offering a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse at the production process and why the series could become a new staple for fans of country music and talent shows alike.
The Premise
The Road positions itself as a “musical road trip” in which aspiring country and Americana musicians travel across the United States, performing at iconic venues and gathering the support of local communities. Rather than a conventional battle‑style competition, Shelton’s concept focuses on storytelling and growth: each contestant must prove their resilience by overcoming obstacles in each episode while forging a deeper connection with the audience. The format blends live performances with personal interviews, community challenges, and a “road‑map” style mentorship system that reflects Shelton’s own journey from small‑town singer to national star.
Format and Structure
The series runs for 10 episodes, each 45 minutes long. The first half features the contestant’s musical performance—often a cover of a classic country hit or an original track—followed by a “road‑trip” segment where the artist interacts with local residents and musicians. The second half delves into the personal story of the contestant, exploring their background, motivations, and the stakes of the competition. At the end of each episode, a panel of judges (including Blake Shelton, a rotating lineup of seasoned country musicians, and a surprise guest each week) scores the contestant’s performance and decides whether they continue on “the road.”
The climax of the season is a live finale in Nashville, where the remaining contestants perform in front of a live audience and a national broadcast. The winner receives a record deal with a major label, a $200,000 prize package, and the chance to record a single with Shelton himself.
Judges and Mentors
Blake Shelton hosts the show, offering guidance and witty commentary. The permanent judges include:
- Carrie Underwood – a long‑time collaborator of Shelton’s and a country powerhouse who brings her own perspective on songwriting and stage presence.
- Keith Urban – a touring legend who offers insight into the touring life that “The Road” celebrates.
- Tia Carrere (guest judge) – a crossover star who adds a pop‑country flavor and encourages contestants to think beyond genre boundaries.
Each week a surprise guest judge appears, ranging from emerging artists to veteran producers, ensuring fresh viewpoints and widening the show’s appeal.
Production and Filming
Filming began in June 2025 in Texas, capturing the authenticity of the “road‑trip” narrative. The production team deliberately chose diverse locales—from the Dust Bowl plains to the Appalachian highlands—to highlight the rich tapestry of American country music. A behind‑the‑scenes segment, released on the show’s social‑media channels, shows the crew navigating logistical challenges, such as securing permits in small towns and arranging live‑stream equipment for remote performances.
The article also notes that the show’s music supervisor, Kris Wilkinson, has worked on several successful country projects and is responsible for curating the setlist that balances nostalgia with contemporary appeal. The soundtrack includes original songs written by the contestants, which may be released on Spotify and Apple Music after each episode.
Broadcast Details
The Road premiered on October 19, 2025, on Paramount+, making it accessible to streaming audiences worldwide. The network’s official trailer, posted on YouTube, highlights the “real‑life” moments and encourages fans to subscribe for exclusive behind‑the‑scenes footage.
According to the article, the show airs weekly on Fridays at 9:00 p.m. local time, with a repeat broadcast on Sundays. Paramount+ provides the option for viewers to stream on-demand, and a companion app offers interactive features: fans can vote on their favorite performances, access exclusive interviews, and purchase merchandise linked to the show.
Where to Watch
The article includes a direct link to Paramount+’s “The Road” landing page, offering a quick sign‑up for a free trial. Subscribers can also watch a “watch‑list” feature that aggregates the show’s episodes and provides an easy way to catch up on missed installments. In addition, the network’s social media handles—@ParamountPlus and @TheRoadShow—serve as hubs for real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes clips, and viewer polls.
Why Fans Should Care
Blake Shelton’s involvement lends credibility and excitement to the project. As a former host of The Voice and a prolific recording artist, Shelton brings a mix of mentorship and entertainment that resonates with country fans. The article emphasizes that The Road is more than a talent competition; it’s a celebration of the American musical journey. The show invites viewers to witness how geography, history, and community shape musical identity.
The show’s focus on real stories and community engagement also distinguishes it from other competitions. Shelton’s “road‑map” mentorship promises that contestants grow not only musically but also personally, as they confront the uncertainties of a music career on an unpredictable journey.
Final Thoughts
The Road is scheduled to wrap up its first season on January 13, 2026, after ten episodes. The article from The Oklahoman highlights that the series has already garnered buzz on social media, with hashtags like #TheRoadShow and #CountryRoadTrip trending during the premiere week. It also notes that the show is a potential platform for emerging country artists to break into the mainstream, thanks to the blend of mentorship, community exposure, and record‑deal incentives.
For fans of Blake Shelton, country music, and reality television, the series offers a fresh take on the competition format—one that celebrates authenticity, storytelling, and the road that many artists traverse to reach their dreams. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 19, 2025, and follow The Road on Paramount+ for a new musical adventure that promises to be as heartfelt as it is entertaining.
Read the Full The Oklahoman Article at:
[ https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2025/10/19/heres-when-to-see-blake-sheltons-new-music-competition-series-the-road/84429554007/ ]