Gretchen Wilson reflects on collaborating with Blake Shelton & Keith Urban in The Road

Country music icon and tour manager/mentor on CBS's The Road, Gretchen Wilson gives thanks and shares sentiment beyond words. Wilson calls the opportunity a true second act in her career, as she’s worked with heavy hitters in the industry like executive producers and on-screen stars Blake Shelton and Keith Urban.

She took on the role as a refresher course and not just another job after being sidelined with a leg injury and a hiatus from television. Wilson says the show, which premieres on October 19, 2025, allowed her to bring many of those principles into a format that combines competition with touring and open personal narratives in an authentic, gritty package defined by country-music values.

Her thoughts shed light on how an experienced performer adjusts to a reality show that relies heavily on live stakes and unrefined performance. Her participation strengthens The Road's legitimacy and demonstrates her dedication to influencing the upcoming generation of artists in a field she is familiar with.

The Road: Gretchen Wilson’s insider view of working with Blake Shelton & Keith Urban

Gretchen Wilson, a seasoned country music performer who is now a "tour momager," shares with us intimate details about The Road, including her role on the show, her admiration for Blake Shelton and Keith Urban, and how their partnership changes the competition-show model. Her observations shed light on the outcomes of industry professionals working together for real-world stakes, from performance to mentoring.

Her dynamic with Shelton & Urban on The Road

Gretchen Wilson gushed about the trio's chemistry. She revealed that every day on production was "fun and illuminating" because of Keith Urban's accuracy and Blake Shelton's sense of humor. She called their personality combination "the perfect mix."

“I don’t think you can find three people who are more different than the three of us are, but we all three brought something very uniquely our own to the table.”

Wilson underlined that the partnership went smoothly in spite of their different approaches. Wilson gave the competitors practical assistance, while Shelton's lighthearted demeanor counterbalanced Urban's businesslike demeanor. Together, they fostered an atmosphere that allowed new musicians to flourish, embodying Wilson's personal principles of sincerity, diligence, and artistic integrity.

What her role adds to The Road’s vision

Wilson accepted a full-fledged mentorship role rather than just making an appearance on the show. Giving song selection advice, assisting with soundchecks, and helping competitors navigate the emotional highs and lows of touring are just a few of the hands-on experiences she highlighted as part of her work.

“Nobody ever told me to say anything other than what would just come out of my mind and my heart and my mouth.”

This genuineness fits with the show's goal of capturing the actual process of establishing a music career, which includes learning, adjusting, and maintaining composure under pressure, in addition to playing. Wilson's participation highlights how the program is moving away from strict "talent show" clichés and toward a structure that values industry exposure, live performance, and mentoring.

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