Cody Johnson: From rodeo buckles to global hits – why this country star can’t wait to return to Australia
Country music sensation Cody Johnson is preparing for his long-awaited return to Australia, delivering on the 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 and chart-topping hits back to Australia.
In an exclusive interview with Ny Breaking Australia ahead of CMC Rocks 2025, Johnson (37) spoke candidly about his love for Australia and shared fond memories of his time here.
“When I was there the first time I said I would come back, so I’m making good on my promise,” the music sensation revealed.
While some stars might brag about their record sales and sold-out arenas, Cody has something completely different to brag about: a rodeo belt buckle he won during his last visit.
“Not to brag,” 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 brings Johnson back to Australia.
During his last tour with country star Combs, Johnson was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Australian audience.
Country music sensation Cody Johnson is preparing for his long-awaited 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 brings his signature blend of country pitch and chart-topping hits back to Australian soil
“When we got there, every city we played in, they were screaming the words over me,” he said, still in awe.
“It really made me happy, because I didn’t realize my music had come so far from America.”
Cody is known for hits like Till You Can’t and The Painter and was touched by the overwhelming reception from his fans.
“A couple of times I even got tears in my eyes on stage and thought, Man, this kid who just wanted to be a country star — here we are.”
Johnson’s latest single, Dirt Cheap, is already causing a stir and ahead of the tour kicking off in November he’s releasing Leather: The Deluxe Edition, giving Australian fans even more to enjoy.
“Fans have a lot more to digest and listen to before I get there,” he added, previewing new material that is sure to keep his audience captivated.
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, giving Australian fans even more music to listen to.
Despite his global success and a staggering 7.5 billion streams to his name, Cody remains grounded.
“I don’t see myself as the big star, the big boy,” he admitted humbly.
“I think it has to do with the music: making real, authentic music that speaks to people. When you get on stage and they look you in the eye and see that this guy is real, that’s what keeps them coming back.”
Besides the music, it’s clear that Australia holds a special place in Cody’s heart – not only because of the fans, but also because of the cowboy culture that ties into his own Texan roots.
Johnson fondly remembers his rodeo experience with Australian cowboy Wade Forrester, with whom he has since become a good friend.
“He’s coming to Texas next month to hang out with me, and we’re going to do some cowboy stuff.”
Johnson will perform alongside Thomas Rhett and Jon Pardi at Australia’s largest country music festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, in March 2025.
CMC Rocks QLD returns to Willowbank from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March. General Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 12th September. Visit cmcrocks.com for tickets