Gretchen Wilson, the fiery and authentic country music star known for her breakout hit “Redneck Woman,” recently gave an insightful and candid interview about her experiences working on the new show *The Road*, her views on the country music industry, and her thoughts on Keith Urban amid his recent personal challenges.

The conversation reveals a side of Wilson that fans don’t always see—a tough, no-nonsense mentor and a passionate advocate for authenticity in country music.

Wilson’s involvement in *The Road* marks a notable shift in her career.

The show, which premiered in October, is a reality TV series that follows aspiring country musicians as they compete for a break in the industry.

Unlike traditional singing competitions, *The Road* offers a raw, documentary-style look at the lives and struggles of artists on tour.

Wilson serves as a sort of “tour mama,” providing guidance and mentorship to the contestants.

 

“This is a whole new thing, dude. This is like Hollywood, big time,” Wilson said, describing the experience of working on the show with multiple cameras and a producer.

She explained that her role wasn’t about managing logistics like buses and hotels—that was handled by a professional tour manager—but rather about being hands-on with the artists during rehearsals, song selections, and performances.

“I was there for rehearsals, discussions, just talking to them after they would do their rehearsal, critiquing or complimenting, depending on what I saw,” she said.

 

Wilson emphasized the pressure the contestants face: “You’re getting the opportunity of a lifetime to perform in front of some of your idols. But it could be your last night, too.”

 

She understands the nerves and stakes because she’s been there herself.

Her advice to the contestants is practical and firm—there’s no room for attitude or games on the road. “If somebody gets an attitude, then you’ve just lost my respect,” she said bluntly.

During the interview, Wilson also shared her impressions of Keith Urban, who is a co-judge on *The Road* alongside Blake Shelton.

She admitted that while she had met Urban before, working closely with him on the show gave her a new appreciation for his professionalism and dedication.

“He’s laser-focused when it comes to the work and the schedule,” she said.

Despite his busy career, Urban made time to support the contestants, attending sound checks and offering his expertise.

 

Wilson praised Urban’s approach to mentoring the contestants, noting that he was honest but never mean-spirited.

“You get through to people a lot more with kindness and with a smile and with love,” she said, reflecting on the importance of constructive feedback.

This attitude sets a positive tone on the show, creating an environment where artists can grow without fear of harsh criticism.

 

The interview touched on the recent personal challenges Keith Urban has faced, including his divorce from Nicole Kidman.

Wilson was careful not to delve into gossip but did acknowledge the difficulty celebrities face when their private lives become public fodder.

“Everybody just sort of seems to think that you’re wide open,” she said. “Everybody in the world has issues, right? But it’s really an uncomfortable place to be.”

She expressed frustration with the media’s intrusion and the public’s appetite for personal details that have little to do with an artist’s work.

“I think the people that ask those sorts of questions might maybe want to turn the question inward and figure out how much that they would like their own personal stuff being meddled with,” she said.

 

Wilson’s comments reveal her protective nature toward her peers and her belief that artists should be valued for their talent and professionalism, not their personal drama.

 

A significant portion of the interview focused on Wilson’s views about the current state of country music.

She expressed concern about the rise of artists who lack genuine life experience and authenticity, especially among younger performers who may have financial backing but little connection to the traditional country lifestyle.

 

“Some of these kids just got mommy and daddy’s money, and they put together a little story that they wish were true,” Wilson said.

She emphasized that wanting to be a cowboy or a country artist isn’t enough—you have to live it.

“Everybody’s always wanted to be a cowboy. That doesn’t mean you get to be one.”

 

Wilson sees *The Road* as a refreshing antidote to the manufactured aspects of the industry.

The show highlights artists with real stories and real struggles, reminding audiences of the authenticity that once defined country music.

“I was sitting around going, I don’t really know what’s real anymore,” she said.

“But then I got out there on this TV show, and there is some very authentic, real-life stories still being written. It was really refreshing.”

 

Wilson also discussed gender dynamics in the industry, observing that women in country music today tend to be more bold and unafraid compared to men, who she described as more timid.

“Women are a lot more boisterous than they used to be. They’re ready to kick the doors down and make something happen,” she said.

 

She candidly acknowledged societal challenges for men, reflecting on the state of masculinity in today’s world.

“We’ve kind of squashed the male demographic as a whole anyway,” she said.  “If I had a son, I’d be a little bit afraid right now in today’s world.”

 

Despite these challenges, Wilson remains optimistic about the future of country music, praising artists like Cody Johnson and Laney Wilson for their authenticity and talent.

She recounted an amusing anecdote about her early rivalry with Johnson, which has since turned into friendship.

Wilson shared heartfelt reflections on balancing motherhood with her career, recalling how she once hired a nanny to travel with her on tour to help care for her daughter.

She spoke about the emotional toll touring takes on parents and the sacrifices involved. “There were moms still pumping on the road, tears, heartbreak,” she said.

 

Her daughter, now grown, has become a strong and independent woman, which Wilson attributes to the example she set.

“She sees me as that mother who went out there and did all of the things,” Wilson said proudly. “She is a force to be reckoned with.”

 

As for her own career, Wilson is embracing this new chapter with enthusiasm.

She hopes *The Road* will continue for multiple seasons, believing it offers a unique and effective way to discover and nurture new talent.

“This is maybe the best way to break a new artist that I’ve seen,” she said.

 

Wilson also continues to tour and perform with her band, enjoying the resurgence of her music and connection with fans. “I’m in it for the long haul. I’m still here for the party,” she said with a smile.

Gretchen Wilson’s interview offers a rare glimpse into the realities behind the scenes of country music and the challenges artists face on and off the road.

Her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude combined with genuine warmth and mentorship makes her a compelling figure in the industry.

 

Through *The Road*, Wilson is helping to spotlight authentic voices and real stories, pushing back against the manufactured trends that sometimes dominate the genre.

Her respect for hard work, authenticity, and kindness—exemplified by her admiration for Keith Urban’s professionalism—underscores her commitment to preserving the heart and soul of country music.

 

As Wilson continues her journey, fans can look forward to seeing her influence both on stage and behind the scenes, championing the next generation of country artists while staying true to her own roots.

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