Cody Johnson is heading into tonight‘s CMA Awards with five nominations, including one for Male Vocalist of the Year. For Johnson, just hearing his name with so many other talented artists is more than enough validation for him, whether or not he walks away with any more trophies.

“Having five CMA nominations is incredible,” Johnson tells the CMA. “Because, for a guy like me that was an independent artist for so long, and for people at the time in the town of Nashville saying ‘You’re really not what Nashville’s looking for. The cowboy hat’s not gonna work. The whole Texas thing ain’t really gonna do it,’ all the years of hard work that went into it, I’m finally invited to the party.”

Only Morgan Wallen has more nominations than Johnson. But even more than his own nominations, the father of two is also thrilled that both “Dirt Cheap” and “The Painter.,” two songs that he recorded but didn’t write, were nominated for Song of the Year.

“Second most-nominated, that’s incredible,” Johnson reflects. “And then two nominations for two songs in the Song category for those songwriters that we’ve worked hand-in-hand together to have such great songs, it means a lot. I know people say this, and it sounds like a cliché, but just to be nominated is a win.”

 

Johnson will also perform during the live broadcast. Although he hasn’t revealed which song, fans are hoping he and Carrie Underwood will perform his current single, “I’m Gonna Love You,” from his latest  Leather Deluxe Edition album, out now.

“Being nominated, especially five times, is incredible, Johnson says. “But I cut my teeth in the bars and honky tonks playing live music. I always enjoy playing at all the awards shows, or if it’s a morning show, anything like that. To get to perform on the CMAs is probably my favorite part of it, because that’s my wheelhouse. That’s when I get to show everybody why I’m nominated five times.”

Johnson might be tied with Chris Stapleton for the second most nominations, but the 37-year-old doesn’t necessarily think that will equate to many wins.

“I could probably tell you who’s going to win all of them, and it’s probably not me,” Johnson tells his record label. “I think we have a better shot at Music Video because I’m in there twice, but you know it’s not about winning for me. It’s like, man, we were nominated technically seven times, five for myself and two for the songwriters of ‘The Painter’ and ‘Dirt Cheap,’ which is just as cool to me.”

Johnson will wrap up his Leather Tour in December, and kick off his Leather Deluxe Tour in early 2025. Find Leather Deluxe Edition and all of Johnson’s music and upcoming shows at CodyJohnsonMusic.com.

The 2024 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 20, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC. The show will also stream the next day on Hulu.