Cody Johnson will not be performing at the 2025 CMA Awards, despite being among the most-nominated artists at the awards show, as he is still recovering from a ruptured eardrum and doesn’t want to “risk” further damage.
“No,” Johnson quickly replied when Lon Helton asked if he’d be performing at the coveted awards show. During a recent co-hosting gig on Country Countdown USA, the 38-year-old Texas native then explained that he was invited by the Country Music Association (CMA) to perform, however, he turned it down to continue on the path to recovery from his recent ear surgery.
“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,” he revealed. Johnson was forced to cancel all remaining 2025 tour dates after his eardrum burst while he was battling a severe upper respiratory and sinus infection, which required immediate surgery in October 2025. According to Johnson, the healing process for his surgery takes “many weeks,” making it impossible for him to sing.
He also issued an update on his condition, following surgery. “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,” he added.
While he is unable to perform at the 2025 CMA Awards, he revealed that he will still attend the show, walk the carpet, and may even serve as a presenter as he continues to recover from his ear surgery.
“I’ll be attending, but just gonna sit back and watch. I think I’ll get to announce Lainey’s performance,” he continued, before admitting, “So I’ll be involved, but not in the capacity I wanted.”
Cody Johnson received four nominations at this year’s CMA Awards, including Male Vocalist of The Year, Musical Event of The Year (“I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood), Music Video of The Year (“I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood) and the night’s highest honor, Entertainer Of The Year.
While chatting with Helton, Johnson opened up about his nominations and reflected on his journey to becoming a country music superstar. “You know my history, coming to Nashville and getting turned down by every record label in town. When you become successful in the industry, every nomination is special,” he shared. “Entertainer is the gold buckle. It doesn’t mean anyone is better than anyone else. I’ve dreamed of winning it since I was a little kid, watching Reba 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.”
He also commented on having two nods alongside Carrie Underwood for their duet, “I’m Gonna Love You,” admitting, “I knew from the moment I heard that song that it would be a hit. Whether it was me or someone else, that song is huge.” Johnson continued, “I’m grateful to Carrie Underwood for all the time she put into it. She spent her time on the performance. She stayed late after the music video shoot to get me content for our video wall. But I knew it was going to be a hit.”
This year’s CMA Awards will be hosted by fellow country star Lainey Wilson, marking the first time in over 30 years that a solo female artist has taken the reins of the show, and only the third solo female host, following Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. Johnson said he is confident that Wilson will “kill it” as a solo host and believes she’s “got it covered.”
“I think she’s gonna kill it. I don’t think Lainey needs anybody to back her up,” he said of Wilson, who will host and perform during the show. “She’s a monster of a personality. Funny, intelligent, charismatic, funny. When I saw that, I thought that’s perfect, we don’t need a co-host. She’s got it covered.”
The 2025 CMA Awards will feature performances by BigXThaPlug, Lainey Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Patty Loveless, Riley Green, Shaboozey, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Red Clay Strays, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top and more.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC and is available the next day on Hulu. Tickets for The 59th Annual CMA Awards are on-sale now at CMAawards.com/tickets.
