Cody Johnson is headed back to his roots—and this time, he’s not riding bulls, he’s owning the stage. On March 11, 2023, the Texas native will headline The American Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, marking a full-circle moment for the former rodeo rider turned country superstar.
“I’ve always been a fan of The American Rodeo,” Cody shared. “It’s one of those events we end up watching all day—whether we’re there in person or at home. It’s just that special.”
Johnson, who once rode bulls professionally, knows what it means to compete in the arena. His deep connection to the sport was the heart of his award-winning 2021 documentary, Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story. Now, as a performer, he says there’s a unique comfort that comes with singing in front of a rodeo crowd.
“It’s like being with family,” he said. “When I played at the Wrangler NFR, I looked at those yellow chutes and thought, ‘I used to dream of riding out of one of those.’ Now I get to perform for the same crowd—it’s just as special.”
Johnson’s set is expected to run around 30 minutes, and fans can count on him to bring all the energy and emotion he’s known for. Whether you’re in the nosebleeds or ringside, he’s determined to make sure you feel the music.
And while the performance will include crowd favorites, one song will carry a little more weight: Dear Rodeo.
“That song just hits different at an event like this,” Johnson said. “Every cowboy and cowgirl has dreamed of standing where these athletes are. I know I did. So Dear Rodeo always feels extra meaningful on nights like that.”
In fact, Cody might not just sing at The American—he’s hoping to rope too.
“If I could sing and qualify to compete? That’d be the coolest double win ever,” he laughed. “I sing better than I rope, but hey—we’ll see!”
Even his daughters, Clara Mae (7) and Cori (5), are beginning to catch the rodeo bug. “They’re getting into it,” he said proudly. “My oldest wants to barrel race and rope, so we’re easing them into the horse life.”
The American Rodeo is more than just a performance for Cody—it’s a reunion of sorts, a chance to reconnect with old friends and feel like “just CoJo” again.
“It’s such a tight circle of friends,” he shared. “Nobody’s impressed by ‘Cody Johnson the artist.’ I just get to be me. And that’s something I cherish.”
Coming off a year of sold-out shows and the massive success of his double-platinum hit ’Til You Can’t, Cody is riding high. The heartfelt anthem earned him his first No. 1 and a GRAMMY nomination, and helped introduce his music to a whole new audience.
“I’ve been doing this for 15 years,” Cody said, “and it feels like we’re just getting started.”
He’ll cap off the year with a live album, Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live, dropping December 2, recorded with his longtime band. Looking ahead to 2024, CoJo has over 65 shows on the calendar—but he’s making sure to carve out some downtime with family too.
“I’m excited for the rest, but I know this ride is just picking up speed,” he said.
For fans, Cody Johnson’s performance at The American Rodeo won’t just be a concert—it’ll be a homecoming filled with grit, heart, and plenty of cowboy spirit. Yeehaw!
