If you’ve spent any time on country radio lately, you’ve heard it. That booming, traditional baritone of Cody Johnson crashing right into the glass-shattering power of Carrie Underwood. The song is "I'm Gonna Love You," and honestly, it’s the kind of duet that shouldn’t work on paper. One is a former prison guard from Texas who practically lives in a cowboy hat; the other is the undisputed queen of polished, suburban country-pop.
But it did work. It didn't just work—it became a multi-week number one smash that felt like an instant classic the second it hit the airwaves.
Most people think this was some corporate label mashup designed by suits in a Nashville boardroom to move units. It wasn't. The real story involves a song that almost didn't happen, a "non-negotiable" ultimatum from Cody, and a recording session that broke all the modern rules of how music is made in 2026.
Why Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood Almost Didn’t Happen
Here is the thing about "I'm Gonna Love You": it was a long time coming. Cody actually sat on this track for years. He first heard the demo through his buddy and fellow artist Travis Denning, who was one of the writers along with Chris Stevens and Kelly Archer.
Cody loved it immediately. He knew it was a hit. But he also knew he couldn't do it alone.
In his head, he kept hearing one specific voice. "It was Carrie Underwood or nobody," Cody has said in multiple interviews. He was so dead-set on her that he basically told his team if she said no, the song was going back in the vault. He wouldn't record it with anyone else. No backup plan. No "let's see if Kelsea is free."
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The crazy part? Carrie had actually heard the song years prior. It had landed in her lap way back when, but for whatever reason—timing, project feel, who knows—it didn't stick. When Cody reached out, it was like the song had found its way back home.
The "Live" Recording Session That Changed Everything
Most duets today are "phoned in." Literally. One artist records in Nashville, the other records in LA, and an engineer pastes them together. It’s efficient, sure, but it usually sounds sterile.
Cody and Carrie didn't do that.
They got in the studio together. They stood in the same room, looked at each other, and sang. At first, they tried the standard way—doing individual takes—but Cody admits it felt a bit flat. It didn't "slap you in the face," as he put it.
Carrie was the one who suggested they just sing it live.
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If you listen to the bridge of the song—that massive, soaring "ohhh" moment—that wasn't planned. It was a total ad-lib. They were feeding off each other's energy. Cody calls it "family harmony," the kind of instinctual singing he grew up doing in church. When you have two vocalists of that caliber in one room, you don't need Auto-Tune. You just need to get out of the way.
Breaking Down the Success of "I'm Gonna Love You"
By March 2025, the song officially hit #1 on country radio. It stayed there for two weeks, marking Cody’s fourth chart-topper and Carrie’s staggering 29th. By October 2025, the RIAA officially certified it Platinum.
But why did this specific song cut through the noise?
- The Vocal Contrast: Cody’s voice is "sultry and low-end" on this track, which is a side of him we don't always get. It forced Carrie to sing in a lower register than her usual "power anthem" range, which made the whole thing feel more intimate.
- The Visuals: The music video, shot in Wells, Nevada by Dustin Haney, opted for rugged, vast landscapes instead of a glossy studio set. It matched the "Leather" vibe of Cody's album perfectly.
- The Live Moments: From their 2024 CMA Awards performance to Carrie’s surprise appearance at Cody’s sold-out Bridgestone Arena show in February 2025, they proved they could actually deliver the goods live.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Collaboration
There’s a misconception that Carrie Underwood is "too pop" for a guy like Cody Johnson. People forget that before the Vegas residencies and the Sunday Night Football opens, Carrie was just a girl from Oklahoma who grew up on the same traditional stuff Cody did.
Cody has been vocal about how "down to earth" she is. He compared her work ethic to Reba McEntire. During the 12-hour music video shoot, he noted she never complained once. That mutual respect is why the song feels authentic. It’s not a gimmick; it’s two people who actually like each other’s craft.
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What’s Next for the Duo?
While there aren't currently plans for a full joint album (we can dream, right?), their paths continue to cross.
- American Idol 2025: Carrie took her seat as a judge on American Idol in Spring 2025, and Cody even made a surprise appearance on the finale to perform with her and contestant Slater Nalley.
- Touring: Cody is still deep in his "Leather Deluxe Tour," and Carrie is balancing her "REFLECTION" residency in Vegas, which has been extended through late 2025.
- Award Season: With the 59th Annual CMA Awards in late 2025, "I'm Gonna Love You" remains a heavy favorite for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
If you’re a fan looking to dive deeper into this collaboration, the best thing you can do is go back and watch the behind-the-scenes footage Cody released. You can see the moment they realize the live take is the "one." It’s a rare glimpse into how real country music still gets made when the right people are in the room.
To really appreciate the technicality, listen to the way they swap parts in the final chorus. It’s not just loud—it’s precise. That’s the difference between a "feature" and a true duet.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Credits: Look for the Leather Deluxe Edition to find the high-fidelity version of the track.
- Watch the Nevada Video: Pay attention to the lighting in the Wells, Nevada shoot—it was specifically timed for "golden hour" to match the song's warmth.
- Live Recordings: Seek out the Bridgestone Arena fan-cam footage from February 15, 2025; it captures the raw vocal power better than the televised versions.