Cody Johnson has received a total of 15 CMA Awards nominations, including four heading into tonight’s ceremony. Johnson was nominated for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year, both for his “I’m Gonna Love You” collaboration with Carrie Underwood. Post Malone and Blake Shelton already won the trophy for Musical Event of the Year, for their “Pour Me A Drink” collaboration, while Ella Langley and Riley Green won Music Video of the Year, for “You Look Like You Love Me.”
But Johnson could still win the CMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. This is Johnson’s first year to be nominated for Entertainer of the Year, a category he shares with Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson.
“That is the stamp of approval. … I have said this all day long. Close your eyes, throw a dart at the board, whoever hits, you can come up with a million reasons why they deserve it as much as I do or anybody else,” Johnson tells Country Now, speaking of being nominated for the night’s highest honor. “So that stamp of approval is already there. It’s just up to who voted, and see whether I get it or not.”
Still, the Texan admits that he would like to walk away with the Entertainer of the Year trophy.
“You know my history, coming to Nashville and getting turned down,” Johnson says on Country Countdown USA. “Entertainer is the gold buckle I’ve dreamed of winning since I was a little kid, watching Reba McEntire win it. When the nominations came out, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson texted me and congratulated me on it. It hit me in my heart.”
Cody Johnson Gives An Update On His Health
Johnson made the heartbreaking announcement last month that he was canceling the remainder of his tour dates to have immediate surgery after suffering a burst eardrum. While Johnson is, fortunately, on the mend, he is unable to perform at the CMA Awards this year like he originally planned.
“I wanna perform,” Johnson says. “The optics of having an ear injury and not playing the last six shows of the year. It’s like, you can’t perform on national television. I’m like, ‘Gosh dang it. I wanted to get up there and sing ‘Travelin’ Soldier.” But, I think that I take the athletic approach to it, and say, ‘Look, the doctor said sit on the bench, so sit on the bench.'”
Fortunately, Johnson is healing well, and is expected to return to touring in early 2026.
“Should make a full recovery with the proper rehab,” Johnson said after his operation. “I’ve got a lot of follow-up doctor’s appointments to go yet. I just wanted to say, thanks for all the texts, the calls, the prayer requests, all the good wishes. I’ve really felt the love. So, I’m gonna do my best to recharge. And I can’t wait to see you guys in 2026.”
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Cody Johnson Welcomes His Third Child and First Son, Jaycee Daniel
Cody Johnson and his wife, Brandi, recently welcomed their third child, and first son. Jaycee Daniel was born on October 21, with Johnson waiting a few weeks to share the exciting news.
“I’m a pretty private person,”Johnson explains. “Brandi is, too. Some artists post all the time. Not me. When I’m on stage with the guitar, I interact with the world. But when I take my hat off, I’m very private.”
The 2025 CMA Awards will air live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, at 8:00 PM ET. The show will stream beginning the next day on Hulu.
Find everything to know about the 2025 CMA Awards here.