In a touching blend of family pride and musical celebration, Blake Shelton delivered an unforgettable opening performance at the season finale of his new competition series The Road, with two very special fans in the audience: his stepsons, Zuma and Apollo Rossdale. The country superstar kicked off the star-studded night at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium by belting out his bold new single “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” and the cameras caught quick, endearing glimpses of the boys singing along and nodding enthusiastically from their seats.

The Road, a fresh take on talent discovery executive produced by Shelton and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, wrapped its debut season on December 21, 2025, with a high-energy concert event that crowned its first winner. Shelton, stepping into a producer role while occasionally gracing the stage, opened the finale with his latest track—a defiant anthem embodying his unapologetic country roots. But amid the packed house filled with industry heavyweights like headliner Keith Urban and all the season’s contestants, the real highlight for Shelton was the presence of Zuma (17) and Apollo (11), sons of his wife Gwen Stefani from her previous marriage to Gavin Rossdale.

The boys, clearly familiar with their stepdad’s music despite it being a brand-new release, mouthed the lyrics and swayed to the beat, their proud smiles lighting up the screen in brief cutaways. It was a sweet, candid moment that resonated deeply with viewers, showcasing the blended family’s close bond. Shelton and Stefani, married since 2021, have often spoken about their commitment to raising Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo together, with Shelton embracing his role as a stepfather wholeheartedly. This appearance marked a rare public outing for the younger boys at one of Shelton’s professional milestones, adding an extra layer of warmth to the evening.

The finale itself was a triumphant cap to The Road‘s inaugural run, transforming the Ryman—known as the “Mother Church of Country Music”—into a vibrant showcase of emerging talent. After Shelton’s rousing opener, the three finalists—Cassidy Daniels, Adam Sanders, and Channing Wilson—delivered powerful sets, each performing a cover and an original song. The night featured a group rendition of The Band’s classic “The Weight,” building camaraderie before the intense solos. Keith Urban closed the show with a headlining set, but not before announcing Adam Sanders as the season’s winner, with Channing Wilson as runner-up and Cassidy Daniels in third.

Shelton’s involvement in The Road represents a new chapter for the artist, who stepped away from coaching on The Voice to focus on projects closer to his heart, like nurturing unsigned songwriters. The series spotlights overlooked talents, giving them a platform to shine without the gloss of mainstream polish. His performance of “Stay Country or Die Tryin'” set the tone perfectly—a gritty declaration of staying true to one’s roots amid industry pressures.

For Shelton, having Zuma and Apollo there was undoubtedly the cherry on top. The family has grown increasingly visible in recent years, with the boys dipping their toes into music themselves. Older brother Kingston made headlines with stage debuts, while Zuma has shown a particular affinity for country, even performing classics at Shelton’s Ole Red venues in full Western gear. Apollo, the youngest, brings youthful energy to the mix. Their support at the finale highlighted how music runs in the family, bridging generations and genres—from Stefani’s pop-rock legacy to Shelton’s country dominance.

Fans quickly latched onto the heartwarming clips, sharing them across social media and praising the genuine family moment amid the competition’s glamour. In a career filled with chart-toppers, sold-out tours, and television stardom, scenes like this remind everyone why Shelton remains so beloved: his down-to-earth nature and prioritization of family. As The Road concludes a successful first season, with buzz already building for more, this finale performance stands out not just for the music, but for the proud stepsons cheering from the crowd—a perfect snapshot of love, support, and shared passion.

The Ryman has hosted countless legendary nights, but this one added a modern family twist, proving that even in the spotlight, the simplest joys—like kids singing along to their stepdad’s song—shine brightest.