Cody Johnson Co-Hosts 11/15-16

The co-host this wknd is Cody Johnson, who is in our Top 30 with The Fall. Cody & his wife Brandi welcomed their first son, Jaycee Daniel, on October 21. Cody is nominated for four CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year. The awards will be presented on November 19th. We also get an update on his recent ear surgery.

Cody co-hosted the countdown from his home in Texas.  Lon asked if that was because of the baby.  Cody said yes: “I didn’t know if you were gonna bring it up, but yeah, baby Jaycee, finally got my boy, He & mom are here at the house. They’re happy & healthy, and it’s been a wonderful experience.”

Lon then asked if he’s announced it: “I haven’t. My publicist asked how & when we were gonna announce it. I said people will find out. There was no way if I did a call with Lon and he asked about it that I’m not gonna talk about it.  With CMAs coming up, someone’s gonna ask, so it’s gonna get out.  He was born on October 21st.”

Tell me about that day: “It was 1AM, couldn’t sleep, and about 2:30, Brandi said her water broke, I figured out her diesel truck tops out at about 125 miles an hour.”

You kept this secret for 3 weeks, and that’s rare: “I’m a pretty private person, 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 other news in Cody’s life is he recently canceled his tour due to a burst eardrum.  Lon asked how’s doing: “I’m getting better.  The eardrum itself has healed.  I’m getting better.  I’ve been singing.  My voice sounds better than ever since I haven’t been singing,”

Plans for 2026: The goal is to come back in February.  Probably going into the studio to do vocals in January to get a record out next year. We’re pretty much done.  Just need some guest performances by Luke Combs and Brothers Osborne.  Then we’re done.”

Will you perform at the CMA Awards? “No.  I had an opportunity, and maybe I could, but we didn’t want to risk my recovery process. I also didn’t think it would be fair for the fans who had their shows cancelled.  I’ll be attending, but just gonna sit back and watch.  I think I’ll get to announce Lainey’s performance.  So I’ll be involved, but not in the capacity I wanted.”

Talk about your first Entertainer of the Year nomination: “You know my history, coming to Nashville and getting turned down.  Entertainer is the gold buckle.  I’ve dreamed of winning since I was a little kid, watching Rebe McEntire win it.  When the nominations came out, Luke Combs & Lainey Wilson texted me and congratulated me on it.  It hit me in my heart.”

Cody also has great stories this week about Parker McCollum, Cole Swindell, George Strait, Luke Combs, and Lainey Wilson.

NEXT WEEK: Parker McCollum

Tags: featured

Category: CO-HOST