Cody Johnson Opens Up About Teaming with Brooks Dunn

Cody Meets the Legends

Country star Cody Johnson had a dream moment when he hit the stage at the 2025 ACM Awards with Brooks & Dunn. The legendary duo teamed up with him for an unforgettable performance.

It wasn’t just another duet, it was a real country celebration. Their chemistry and shared love for the genre turned Red Dirt Road into one of the night’s biggest highlights.

Home State Spotlight

Performing in Frisco, Texas, meant a lot to Johnson. Not only is he a proud Texan, but the Ford Center gave him the perfect stage to shine close to home.

It felt like a homecoming, surrounded by fans who have supported him from day one. Bringing Brooks & Dunn into that moment made it even more personal and emotional.

A Rebooted Classic

Their performance wasn’t random, it built on a history. Johnson and the duo first recorded Red Dirt Road together for Brooks & Dunn’s 2019 Reboot album, giving it a fresh, new sound.

This version wasn’t just modern, it felt deeply rooted. Johnson brought grit and soul to the track, blending naturally with Kix and Ronnie’s signature style.

Johnson’s ACM Nominations

Cody Johnson showed up big at the 2025 ACM Awards, tying with Morgan Wallen for the most nominations among male artists. That’s a massive accomplishment for any country singer.

With seven nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, his name was everywhere. From Dirt Cheap to his duet with Carrie Underwood, Johnson had a standout night.

Deep Country Roots

Johnson has always been proud of keeping his music traditional. That’s what makes his connection with Brooks & Dunn so natural, they’ve both stayed loyal to the real country sound.

They share values that go beyond music. For both acts, it’s about storytelling, honesty, and honoring the legends who came before them.

Behind the Scenes Bond

Their friendship didn’t just start at the ACMs. Johnson said their bond grew over the years, from trading numbers to sharing songs and advice offstage.

He’s even called Ronnie or Kix late at night for feedback. That kind of trust between artists is rare and truly meaningful in today’s industry.

A Stripped-Down Vibe

For the ACM Awards performance, Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn didn’t just stick to the original sound of Red Dirt Road. They performed a special acoustic version that felt more personal and emotionally rich.

This arrangement allowed the vocals and lyrics to shine through, creating a moment that felt nostalgic and fresh to longtime country fans.

The Crowd Went Wild

Fans in the arena didn’t just listen, they sang every word. It quickly turned into a giant sing-along, with people on their feet and phones in the air.

The energy was electric. Everyone from longtime Brooks & Dunn fans to newer Johnson followers felt like they were part of something special.

TikTok Rehearsal Tease

Before they even hit the stage, fans got an exciting sneak peek of Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn rehearsing backstage. A TikTok clip posted by the ACM Awards showed the trio walking in together, smiling and relaxed.

The video quickly went viral, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at three country stars just hanging out and warming up.

Carrie and Cody’s Hit

Johnson also earned a nomination for Musical Event of the Year thanks to I’m Gonna Love You featuring Carrie Underwood. It’s a powerful duet with huge vocal moments.

He was also double-nominated for Visual Media of the Year; both Dirt Cheap and I’m Gonna Love You were up for the award, showcasing his creative range.

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment

Johnson called this one of the most important performances of his career. Teaming up with his heroes at one of the country’s biggest nights? It doesn’t get much better.

The entire collaboration showed how timeless songs can take on new life when passed to the next generation of country talent.

Brooks & Dunn’s Legacy

With 30 ACM Awards, Brooks & Dunn are second only to Miranda Lambert in ACM history. Their influence spans decades, inspiring artists like Johnson to stay true to country roots.

They’ve earned respect through consistent hits and live shows. Sharing the stage with them isn’t just a duet; it’s a career milestone for any artist.

Bridging Generations

Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn represent two different eras of country music, but their performance showed how well those worlds can come together. It wasn’t about old versus new, it was about respect and connection.

Younger fans saw where the genre came from, while longtime listeners appreciated seeing their favorites pass the torch. It was a moment of unity in country music.

Songwriting That Connects

Cody Johnson believes songwriting is the heart of country music. For him, every lyric should tell a story that feels real, whether it’s about small towns, heartbreak, or growing up under Texas skies.

Brooks & Dunn have always written songs with strong emotions and honest messages. That’s part of why they click so well with Johnson. They all value lyrics that hit home.

Social Media Buzz

After the ACM performance, social media lit up with praise for Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram with reactions, clips, and shoutouts.

Many called it the best performance of the night. Some younger fans even discovered Brooks & Dunn for the first time, proving great music spans every generation online.

Stories of country stars battling serious health issues have reminded fans just how strong and resilient their favorite artists truly are.

It’s always entertaining to read about country legends with wildest tour demands because it shows even the biggest stars have their own backstage quirks.

A Night to Remember

The 2025 ACM Awards gave fans something they’ll never forget. One special performance reminded everyone why they fell in love with country music in the first place.

Between the heartfelt vocals and deep respect between artists, Johnson and Brooks & Dunn delivered a moment country fans will be talking about for years.

Fans of classic country were thrilled when Cody Johnson performed one of the most beloved Brooks And Dunn songs live onstage at the ACM Awards.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.