Jenny Tolman is unequivocal when asked what she thought of being a contestant on a new country music singing competition TV show called The Road. "I loved it," she replied firmly when questioned about it during a recent interview with Wide Open Country. "It was one of the best times of my life."
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The weekly CBS-TV program features 12 aspiring country vocalists who serve as the opening acts for Keith Urban at various music venues across three states. They perform covers and original tunes in front of live audiences who rate them according to whether they delivered the goods on stage. The victor gets a cool $250,000 prize, a recording contract, plus the opportunity to perform at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival next year. Every week, one person is sent home until a winner is chosen.
Urban, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Sheridan of Yellowstone are executive producers of The Road. (Urban and Shelton converse off stage about the singers after each one gives it a go.) Gretchen "Redneck Woman" Wilson is the tour manager and den mother to the hopefuls.
The Experience Was Like "Country Music Summer Camp"
To maintain the element of surprise for viewers, Tolman could only discuss the two episodes of The Road that already aired [October 19 and 26]. The show wrapped months ago, and the outcome has been decided. Tolman was totally positive and enthused about what the journey was like for her.
The singer, 29, said, "I keep telling people it was like country music summer camp. We had such a good crew and group of people. Every single artist [on the show] is like a brother or sister to me now. We have a group text still going, like all of us are talking to each other every day. We just love each other so much," Tolman gushed. "The production crew [and] everybody was amazing and wanted to see each of us succeed. I don't think I could have asked for a better experience and a better group of people to be around."
She "Shied Away" From Singing Competitions Before This One
Tolman said she isn't a flashy artist or "a big belter." "I'm not a Carrie Underwood-style singer. I don't do crazy runs. I'm much more of a communicator...This show is so different. It's about your performance and engaging with a specific audience that you are in front of. That really intrigued me...it was kind of like a no-brainer. We had a dream team of producers and crew. We got to do our original music. It was authentic and real-life touring."
She added, "I'm glad that I did it. It was truly one of the coolest things I've gotten to be a part of, and I'm just so grateful."
Her Music Idols and the Country Superstar Tolman Wants to Duet With
Tolman looks up to some pretty heady luminaries in the genre. They include legends like Roger Miller, Bobby Bare, LeeAnn Womack, and Dolly Parton. She loves the wit of Shel Silverstein, the genius behind Johnny Cash's clever hit, "A Boy Named Sue."
Lainey Wilson is the red-hot hitmaker that Tolman envisions herself singing with someday. "I am obsessed with her. She is bringing back that traditional sound that I love and that I've always been a fan of. [Dueting with Wilson] would be a dream."
Watch the Video for Tolman's Single, "Maybe Next Month," Here
Tolman has major aspirations for her professional future. "I've got my eye on an Opry debut," she confided. "I was born and raised in Nashville. That's one of my biggest goals, biggest dreams, is to sing on that stage."
She's also busy making music. In September, Tolman dropped a poignant single, "Maybe Next Month." Inspired by a friend's IVF journey, it's a comfort to those dealing with infertility. Tolman said, "I've been very blessed to get literally thousands of messages from women of how thankful they are that this song has given them a voice."
Tolman is also spotlighting women in country music with the annual Cowgirls at the Cowboy Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She curates, hosts, and performs at the event. This year's headliner was Ella Langley. Others who graced the stage included Mae Estes, Trannie Anderson, and Willow Avalon. Tolman said that it's "the nation's first and only all-female country music festival." "It's one of the biggest things I get to be a part of," she noted proudly.
