Channing Wilson took center stage during Episode 6 of The Road, delivering what judges called the standout performance of the night as the competition officially passed its halfway mark. The remaining seven artists opened for Keith Urban in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The latest episodes featured both group numbers and original solo performances.
Wilson performed as part of Group 2, joining Jenny Tolman, Cody Hibbard, and Britnee Kellogg for a lively rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Although the song didn’t necessarily highlight vocal strength, the group relied on crowd engagement to carry the moment. Judge Dustin Lynch noted that Wilson — consistently one of the top-rated contestants — appeared “the most uncomfortable” tackling the Skynyrd classic in a group setting, but still praised the individuality each singer brought to the stage.
When it came time for his solo performance, Wilson closed the night with a new original, “Real Damn Country Song,” and immediately won over both the judges and the audience. Keith Urban called the performance “fantastic,” adding, “That’s knowing the room right there.” Lynch agreed, naming it his “standout performance” of the episode and praising Wilson’s authenticity. “It’s not an act,” Urban added. “That’s who he really is.”
The night also included group and solo efforts from the remaining contestants. Cassidy Daniels, Billie Jo Jones, and Adam Sanders opened the show with Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” earning rave reviews. Sanders, performing his original “All Summer Long.” Billie Jo, still recovering from illness, returned with her song “Flame,” while Daniels delivered another high-energy performance that impressed both judges.
Britnee Kellogg performed her social-media-popular “Love Thy Homewrecker,” and Cody Hibbard energized the Oklahoma crowd with “We Speak Country,” despite pitch concerns noted by judges and tour manager Gretchen Wilson. Jenny Tolman, facing elimination for the third time, performed “Married in a Honky Tonk” after shifting to a higher key at Urban’s suggestion.
Following all performances, Urban said the competition had grown tighter, calling the week’s voting “extraordinarily close.” Daniels once again topped the leaderboard, while Billie Jo Jones and Tolman fell into the bottom two. After review, Tolman was eliminated from the competition.
Expressing gratitude, Tolman said she learned valuable lessons during her time on The Road, particularly in confidence and stage presence. Urban commended her growth, saying she delivered her best performance yet.
The Road continues next week, with Channing Wilson emerging as a frontrunner as the competition intensifies.