“He’s the Real Deal, Folks”: Carrie Underwood Sings Cody Johnson’s Praises, Joins Him Onstage for Sold Out Nashville Show

Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson Perform 'I'm Gonna Love You' at 2024 CMA Awards

One of the greatest attributes of Nashville’s country music scene is the fact that you never know who you’re going to see on any given day. One could go to a concert and simply expect to see the headlining act, though, they likely wouldn’t be too surprised to see several other country music sensations appear on stage. That’s just the name of the game, and that is exactly what happened recently with Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.

On Valentine’s Day Weekend, Cody Johnson took the stage at Bridgestone Arena, sold out two shows, and played in front of 30,000 people. Regarding his success, Johnson took to Instagram and wrote, “Two SOLD OUT shows in Nashville. 30,000 people. Absolutely unreal. Dreams do come true, y’all.”

In the latter portion of his message, Johnson thanked Marcus King, Luke Combs, Randy Houser, and Ian Munsick for joining him on stage. Though, the individual who thanked Johnson was the American Idol judge, Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood Sings Johnson’s Praises

On the second night of Johnson’s two-night Nashville stint, Carrie Underwood joined Cody Johnson on stage and sang, “I’m Gonna Love You.” Of course, the fans in attendance erupted when Underwood took the stage, though, it seems Underwood shared a similar giddy attitude following the show.

After the show, Underwood took to Instagram and wrote, “Fun with friends! ‘Twas a pleasure joining @codyjohnson on stage Saturday night at @bridgestonearenaofficial! He’s the real deal, folks! Such a great show and what a LOUD crowd.” Underwood’s appearance at Johnson’s show seemingly marks the second time the pair has collaborated. The first one was when the two recorded their single, “I’m Gonna Love You,” for Johnson’s album, Leather.

In addition to Underwood’s appearance, Johnson also brought up Luke Combs for his final night in Nashville. Johnson brought up Combs for the final song, and the two sang “Beer Never Broke My Heart” for the show’s final encore. Cody Johnson’s next show is on February 21 in Buffalo, New York with special guests Ashley McBryde and Lanie Gardner. Lastly, Carrie Underwood will make her American Idol return on Sunday, March 9.

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ABA