The End Of The Road is In Sight
On CBS’s newest reality show, The Road, Keith Urban and Blake Shelton are on a mission to find the next big country music star. With Gretchen Wilson as “Tour Manager,” the show aims to give rising talent a taste of the “gritty and unforgiving life of a touring musician.”
Twelve contestants embarked on the journey, but just four remain going into the semi-final episode. Over the weeks, the hopeful musicians have been tested to see how they connect with a new crowd in a different city each night.
They have performed both cover songs and originals, been challenged with group performances, and have worked with different guest mentors and judges. Some have faced injury or illness, while all felt the toll that life on the road can bring.
This week, the remaining four contestants – Adam Sanders, Britnee Kellogg, Channing Wilson, and Cassidy Daniels – performed in Nashville, Tennessee. Known as Music City, there is no shortage of exceptional live music; therefore, for these aspiring musicians, the stakes and standards are high.
The Final Four Contestants Perform Duets In Nashville
Before their main show, the singers joined Keith Urban for an acoustic round at the historic Bluebird Cafe. Later that night, they hoped to win over the live audience at Marathon Music Works.
TJ and John of the Brothers Osborne served as guest mentors for the week. With one of country music’s leading duos in tow, it was only fitting that the contestants try their hand at duet performances.
First up, Adam Sanders and Britnee Kellogg opened the show with “Keep Your Hands To Yourself” by the Georgia Satellites. Britnee was challenged with keeping up with Adam, who has consistently been one of the most high-energy performers of the season.
Next, Cassidy Daniels and Channing Wilson performed the classic “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter. Both vocalists have had a strong run this season, each being voted as the top performer in previous weeks.
See The Semi-Final Performances
Cassidy Daniels kicked off the solo portion of the show with a bang. Her cover of “Hard To Handle” by the Black Crows showcased her powerful vocals and received an 11/10 from John Osborne. Her original song “What Have I Got To Lose” was a personal love letter to country music.
Next up, Adam Sanders led a ’90s country sing-along with David Lee Murphy’s “Dust On The Bottle.” He then slowed things down with his original, “Bible In A House Fire.” Urban commended the performance, but felt the song was better suited for an acoustic arrangement.
Britnee Kellogg kept the focus on her vocals with Little Big Town’s 2014 hit “Girl Crush.” She followed that with her original song “If I Said That,” which deals with the difficulties of marriage and saying things that you don’t mean.
Finally, Channing Wilson covered “Midnight Rider” by the Allman Brothers Band, paying homage to his Georgia roots. He closed the show with his song “Dead Man Walking,” which he explained was written as an outlet after he nearly died from a blockage in his heart.
The Road Finalists Revealed… Spoilers Ahead
While each of the four semi-finalists brings their own talent and style, only three can advance to the finale. Urban admitted that the Nashville show was the best he had seen each of the contestants perform so far this season.
The live audience voted in real-time, and the results were revealed after the performances ended. Ultimately, Britnee Kellogg received the fewest votes and was sent home.
Adam Sanders, Cassidy Daniels, and Channing Wilson were named the finalists for the inaugural season of The Road. They will perform for the final time at the famed Ryman Auditorium. Keith Urban and Blake Shelton will also perform.
Watch the final episode of The Road next Sunday, December 21st, at 9/8c on CBS to see who wins!