Cody Johnson had a special surprise for fans during ABC’s three-hour CMA Fest concert special, which aired on July 19.
The show, recorded in June at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, featured some of the biggest names in country music. But one of the most unforgettable moments came when Johnson took the stage to perform “Whoever’s in New England”, a song made famous by Reba McEntire.
As Johnson delivered the opening lines—his deep, heartfelt voice capturing the song’s emotion—the crowd was already captivated. But then, a roar erupted across the stadium.
The reason? Reba herself.
The country legend stepped out onto the stage, taking the next verse and turning the solo performance into a breathtaking duet. Fans cheered, gasped, and even teared up as Reba and Cody’s voices blended effortlessly, giving new life to the 1986 classic.
“Whoever’s in New England” was a defining hit for Reba, earning her first Grammy Award and cementing her status as a country music powerhouse. But with Cody by her side, the song felt fresh and deeply moving—a true passing of the torch moment between two generations of country stars.
Beyond this surprise duet, the CMA Fest special featured an all-star lineup, including Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Jelly Roll, Jo Dee Messina, and many more.
This unforgettable Reba-Cody duet reminded fans why country music is all about storytelling, heart, and once-in-a-lifetime performances.
Were you just as blown away by their performance? Watch the full video below and let us know your thoughts in the comments! And don’t forget to share this magical moment with your fellow country music lovers!
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