Country fans, get ready! Tonight (Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC, and streaming tomorrow on Hulu), Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde team up to co-host CMA Fest presented by SoFi — and it’s not just the music that’s worth tuning in for.
Ahead of the broadcast, the two stars opened up about their natural chemistry, their longtime friendship, and what it’s like to host country music’s biggest summer celebration together.
From Tourmates to Co-Hosts
For Ashley McBryde, this isn’t her first rodeo. She co-hosted last year’s CMA Fest alongside Jelly Roll and quickly fell in love with the role.
“I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy hosting until I actually did it,” she shared. “Me and Jelly had a blast. So when they called and asked me to come back — and said my co-host this time would be Cody Johnson — it was an instant yes.”
Having toured together before, McBryde says she and Cody share a fun, cousin-like bond. “We’re not quite brother and sister, but close. We respect each other, we joke around, and Cody’s just a natural on stage. I hope I get to host with him again.”
Cody Feels Right at Home
Cody Johnson echoed the sentiment, saying that working with Ashley felt like catching up with an old friend.
“The first time I met Ashley, I felt like I’d known her for 15 years,” he said. “She’s got such a big personality and is so good with a mic. I knew we’d have fun together.”
While reading from a script felt “a little stiff” at first, Cody admitted everything clicked once the lights came on and the crowd got loud. “The energy in the room changes everything. It felt natural the minute we started rolling.”
They’re Not Just Hosting—They’re Performing Too
In addition to hosting duties, both stars will take the stage for powerful live performances.
Cody will sing his latest single “The Fall” and team up with Carín León for “She Hurts Like Tequila.” Meanwhile, Ashley will wow fans with her new release “Rattlesnake Preacher.”
And that’s just the beginning. The three-hour special will also include performances by some of country’s biggest names and rising stars, including:
Luke Bryan
Lainey Wilson
Blake Shelton
Kelsea Ballerini
Darius Rucker
Jason Aldean
Jelly Roll
Keith Urban
Scotty McCreery
Megan Moroney
Trace Adkins
Rascal Flatts
…and many more!
These electric performances were filmed during the 52nd annual CMA Fest earlier this month in Nashville, and fans are in for a high-energy celebration packed with surprises.
Whether you’re tuning in for the music, the hosts, or just the good vibes of country summer, CMA Fest is serving it all—Southern style.
