The TV talent show with a board of judges has been a staple of programming for decades, with many people probably remembering 1999's Popstars being the first. We need something to shake the tired genre up, and I think The Road by Blake Shelton might be just what's called for.
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We're so used to seeing a panel of judges lording it over music hopefuls. There are often twists to it, like spinning chairs and various challenge rounds. However, on the whole, the formula is the same. Sing your heart out, and take criticism from a Simon Cowell type.
With The Road the judging panel is being replaced, with Blake Shelton letting a live audience do the dirty work. Rather than perform in front of a studio audience, the musicians have to cut their teeth in a live music venue. The crowds there will determine if the act is worth of a cheer or not.
As someone who regularly goes to comedy shows just to watch someone die on stage, this works for me. Finally, no more hysterical TV audiences and weepy panel judges. Just a bunch of boozed up barflies hoping to hear something that will wake them up.
Sneak Peak Of What Blake Shelton Has In Store With 'The Road'
A recent Instagram post shows what we can expect from the new Blake Shelton show The Road. The acts will have to perform as a warm-up act for Keith Urban. That's no small job, as the people coming to see him will expect something of his caliber, at least.
It appears, from the footage, that the acts won't be performing in any old country music dive bar. There's no chicken wire around the stage at these performances. The sold out stages will be packed with people. Furthermore, they are looking forward to seeing Keith Urban playing. This is a whole new experience from playing to a TV audience and teary-eyed panel judges.
As Keith Urban says at the beginning of The Road teaser, "Touring is the hardest thing to get right, but when you do, it's the best feeling in the world." He is giving the contestants the opportunity to feel the buzz of real, live performance. I can't wait to see the failures and successes.
