Country music sensation Cody Johnson is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to Australia, and he’s keeping a promise he made to his fans Down Under.
After winning hearts, and a belt buckle, during his last visit, the Texan cowboy is bringing his signature blend of country grit and chart-topping hits back to Aussie soil.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia ahead of CMC Rocks 2025, Johnson, 37, opened up about his love for Australia, sharing fond memories of his time here.
‘I said when I was there the first time that I would be back, so I’m making good on my promise,’ revealed the music sensation.
While some stars might boast about record sales and sold-out arenas, Cody has something a little different to brag about: a rodeo belt buckle he won during his last visit.
‘Not to be boastful,’ he chuckled, ‘but I did win a belt buckle at a rodeo. Luke Combs was like, ‘Who does that?’ and I said, ‘Me, dude.’
It’s not just the rodeo that keeps Johnson coming back to Australia.
During his last tour with fellow country megastar Combs, Johnson was blown away by the enthusiasm of Australian crowds.
Country music sensation Cody Johnson is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to Australia, and he’s keeping a promise he made to his fans Down Under
After winning hearts, and a belt buckle, during his last visit, the Texan cowboy is bringing his signature blend of country grit and chart-topping hits back to Aussie soil
‘When we got there, every city we played, they were screaming the words over the top of me,’ he said, still in awe.
‘It really warmed my heart up because I didn’t realise my music had made it so far from America.’
Known for hits like Till You Can’t and The Painter, Cody was moved by the overwhelming reception he received from fans.
‘A couple of times I even kind of teared up on stage and was like, man, that kid who just wanted to be a country music star – here we are.’
Johnson’s latest single, Dirt Cheap, is already making waves, and he’s set to release Leather: The Deluxe Edition just before the tour kicks off in November, ensuring Aussie fans will have even more music to enjoy.
‘There’s going to be a lot more for fans to digest and to listen to before I get there,’ he added, teasing new material that’s sure to keep his audience hooked.
Johnson’s latest single, Dirt Cheap, is already making waves, and he’s set to release Leather: The Deluxe Edition just before the tour kicks off in November, ensuring Aussie fans will have even more music to enjoy
Despite the global success and a staggering 7.5 billion streams to his name, Cody remains grounded.
‘I don’t think of myself as the big star, the big guy,’ he admitted humbly.
‘I think it has to do with the music—making real, authentic music that connects with people. When you go out on stage and they look you in the eyes and see that this guy’s real, that’s what keeps them coming back.’
Beyond the music, it’s clear that Australia holds a special place in Cody’s heart – not only for its fans, but for the cowboy culture that resonates with his own Texan roots.
Johnson fondly recalled his rodeo experience with Australian cowboy Wade Forrester, who has since become a close friend.
‘He’s actually coming over to Texas next month to hang out with me, and we’re gonna do some cowboy stuff.’
Johnson will headline Australia’s biggest country music festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, alongside Thomas Rhett and Jon Pardi in March 2025.
CMC Rocks QLD returns to Willowbank from Friday 21 – Sunday 23 March. General Tickets go on sale 10am Thursday 12 September. Visit cmcrocks.com for tickets
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk