One of the most talked-about moments at the 58th Annual CMA Awards came when Carrie Underwood made a surprise appearance, joining Cody Johnson for a powerful debut performance of their duet, “I’m Gonna Love You.”
Before the show, Johnson kept fans guessing by not revealing which song he’d perform. But when the lights dimmed and a soft piano melody began to play, it became clear that something special was about to unfold. Johnson opened the song solo, his voice steady and full of emotion.
Then came the surprise—Carrie Underwood stepped onto the stage in a flowing white gown, matching the look from their official music video. The stage transformed into a scenic tribute to the song’s visuals, featuring snowy mountains and rugged desert landscapes, capturing that classic western romance vibe.
Together, Underwood and Johnson delivered a breathtaking performance, their voices blending beautifully on a heartfelt love song about standing by each other through life’s highs and lows. Written by Travis Denning, Chris Stevens, and Kelly Archer, the song felt tailor-made for their vocal styles and emotional range.
Backstage after his Album of the Year win for Leather, Johnson spoke about how honored he was to share the moment with Underwood. He praised her talent and professionalism, calling her “one of the most professional vocalists” he’s ever worked with.
“She is so great, so gracious, and so talented,” Johnson told Billboard. “It meant the world to me that she took the time to come out and do this.”
Songwriter Travis Denning also shared his excitement online, posting a video of himself watching the performance and reacting with pure joy. “That was one of the most UNBELIEVABLE moments of my life,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m speechless.”
“I’m Gonna Love You” is featured on the deluxe edition of Johnson’s Leather album, released just in time for the big night. Johnson walked into the ceremony with five nominations and left with a major win under his belt. But for him, getting the chance to perform live on the CMA stage meant just as much—if not more.
“I’ve been grinding in bars and honky tonks for years,” Johnson said in a CMA interview. “Getting to perform on this stage, that’s my comfort zone. That’s where I get to show people why I love what I do.”
With an unforgettable duet, a major award, and a heartfelt message to fans and collaborators, Cody Johnson had a night to remember. And with Carrie Underwood by his side, it became one of the most unforgettable moments of the evening.
